Your Life, Your Rules

That being said, those sets are track only. MIGHT be better to start with a DCC simple set like the "Bachmann N 24132 Roaring Rails Diesel Train Set, Burlington Northern Santa Fe (Sound and DCC Equipped)" with simple oval to get you started. Learn how to set up and run. The N-8 you mentioned is fairly complex to start with and then you would need engines, cars, and controller.

Once you get the basics down, then you'll know what really works for you. Roundy round, point to point, branchline, urban, country, switching, or what ever!

Just some thoughts from someone who has been pursuing RR joy/tears for 60 some years and I still don't know what suits me best! lol

Thanks for the reply,

Thanks for the reply, although new to model RR, I have been modeling aircraft, armor, & dioramas for 50 years, the complexity does not scare me as I have been a electronics tech & computer tech controller for 43 years.  A friend of mine pointed the Atlas N track bundles to me and I like the fact that all the track, turnouts, etc are included in the package.  I realize that I will need power supply, DCC Controller, Locomotives, rolling stock, but that is the fun of it. I have some N scale DC stuff that has very limited run time, but the new DCC with sound got me reeled in.  Going to read thru the forums to learn something from all you long time railroaders.  Thanks again!

John

Good start

Your model building skills and electronic background give you a leg-up that a lot of model railroad beginners do not have.

Personally, I would skip the “starter” set and order individual components you need to get started.

Some suggestions:

1. For DCC I would look at a Zephyr DCC system sold by Digitrax.  It’s a good entry level and small layout system.   

2. For N-Scale track, I would go for “Code-55” track.  It’s more realistic than code-80. Atlas makes a good line of track and turnouts in Code-55

3. For locomotives, steer clear of cheaper brands such as Lifelike.  If your going to model diesels, Atlas, Intermountain, and Kato make great locomotives to include detail and being prototypical to the actual locomotive. 

While a basic tabletop or “project” layout plans are a good way to cut your teeth, they can become boring after a short time.   Below are publications to introduce you to Model Railroading as well as give you some ideas of realistic operations and track planning:

1. Kalmbach, “Getting started in model railroading”

2. Lance Mindheim, “How to build a switching layout”

3. Lance Mindheim, “8 realistic track plans for a spare room”

”Have fun!”

Joe
 

Thanks Joe, looking at some

Thanks Joe, looking at some alternatives from Kato as a basic start 36” x 60” or 48”x 72” footprint.  Waffling on a few designs now.  Thanks for the pointers.