Countryside Coal N Scale Digital Train set

MarkJ · December 25, 2019, 03:27:12 PM

Hey folks
As you may know, I am an old newbie in need of a hobbie to occupy myself. I am pkanning to get into N gauge due to space limitations.

I was walking past a second hand shop when I seen an N gauge train set in the window. Graham Farish by Bachmann - Countryside Coal N Scale Digital Train Set, Excellent Condition, Boxed with Manuals. £85, oval of track with siding, controller and locomotive. Obviously its closed next couple of days but I am tempted. What do you folk think?

jpendle · December 25, 2019, 03:39:22 PM

It's a DCC controller, with a DCC loco. If you want to use DCC, as I do, then that's great. Otherwise that's your first decision that needs to be made.

Merry Christmas

John P

crewearpley40 · December 25, 2019, 03:41:55 PM

Happy christmas. When the store opens, pop in dont be afraid to ask to see the controller, ask whether a basic one can be upgraded to say a gaugemaster and the loco check it out

dannyboy · December 25, 2019, 09:55:42 PM

The Countryside Coal Set was the first one I ever bought. A good basic set but with a basic DCC controller. I now use the controller to test the running of DCC locomotives on my test track. You can not change CV values with this controller, (but that is something I have not got into yet), although some functions are operable with the controller. Before long though, I think you will be wanting to change your DCC controller - if you ask to which one, you will get as many different answers as there are controllers

, but do a search and read some of the comments on the forum. If it is in excellent condition, then £85 is a good price. I am guessing from your comments that it is just a 'second hand shop' and not a model shop?

Capri_sam · December 26, 2019, 08:40:12 AM

I started with this set too - it's a charming set and (when new) works well out of the box. It's a good introduction to dcc if you don't want to go playing with speed curves and the like.

The big advantage to me when looking at a starter set is that, being a small grouping/ pre grouping loco, it's a colourful set that's fun to look at and doesn't look ridiculous on the small loop and siding.

The downside is that, being a small loco, the electrical pickup isn't great if the set hasn't been brilliantly looked after and may need a damn good clean to run well!

MarkJ · December 27, 2019, 10:53:57 AM

went back to the shop todat but it had been sold. Wasnt sure about getting into dcc anyway, but it was a good price. Will keep looking.

dannyboy · December 27, 2019, 10:57:42 AM

Shame about that. As you say, keep looking, there are some good bargains to be had sometimes and now could be a good time to look - unwanted presents?

jml3p · January 05, 2020, 09:58:34 AM

Where is the best place to look for pre owned bargains?

dannyboy · January 05, 2020, 01:02:22 PM

Some of the big stores, (Rails of Sheffield purely as an example), sometimes have decent 'pre-used' bargains and of course, they are easy to contact if something is wrong. Another source is eBay, but it is a case of 'Buyer Beware'. The sellers feedback should always be checked, I have had some very good bargains from eBay and only two problems that I can recall which were sorted to my satisfaction by the seller.

Newportnobby · January 05, 2020, 03:07:38 PM

Quote from: jml3p on January 05, 2020, 09:58:34 AM
Where is the best place to look for pre owned bargains?

You have enough posts now to access the NGF N'Porium (see main toolbar) so you can see what folks have for sale and can also place 'Wanted' ads for stuff you want

MarkJ · January 06, 2020, 11:38:25 AM

I havent given up on this, its just parts were needed for my old car so needs must. At most it has just caused a small delay.
I keep looking in Hattons and other model shops online. One of these days i will get sorted.

Mark

keithfre · January 06, 2020, 11:45:05 AM

Quote from: MarkJ on January 06, 2020, 11:38:25 AM
I keep looking in Hattons and other model shops online.

There's also Jane's pre-owned N, and KJB secondhand.

MarkJ · January 06, 2020, 11:48:19 AM

I do know that my interests lie in the late steam period probably around the time if the evacuation.
My ideal theme would be the evacuation, lots of kids with their gas masks and labels standing on the platform waiting on the train.
I can see the potential problems in this but that is my dream theme. Probably an oval track. and maybe a small coal yard at the back corner.
4x2ft layout or there abouts.

Still in the planning stages.
Mark

MarkJ · January 06, 2020, 11:50:03 AM

Quote from: keithfre on January 06, 2020, 11:45:05 AM
Quote from: MarkJ on January 06, 2020, 11:38:25 AM
I keep looking in Hattons and other model shops online.
There's also Jane's pre-owned N, and KJB secondhand.

Thanks for that, I will add those to the list

Mark

tunneroner61 · January 06, 2020, 01:23:24 PM

Many swear by Anoraks Anonymous for bargains.

Just a small point if you are thinking of setting the layout in 1939/40 then strictly speaking you need stock in Big 4 livery ie pre Nationalisation. Also many steam types readily available RTR were not introduced till after the war - such as all the BR standard types.