I am thinking about a Roco 31030 starter set (
Yes and no!
It is the loco included in the set, but the ware problems are not that bad. They do tend to ware out if used constantly on a continuous circuit layout when fitted with a body that is heavier than the original.
But then the same can be said for most chassis.
I have had two of these locos that are in near original condition that I purchased when they first came out over 10 years ago now and these are still ok.
However, when purchasing this set you are effectively purchasing the locos and four bolster wagons.
The track is not fully compatible with Peco track as the rail profile is not the same, if you stick with Roco track the points are not so good with other locos.
The controller is ok with the Roco loco but you may find it is not so good with other locos.
You will probably end up getting all new Peco track and a new (probably Gaugemaster) controller anyway.
The bolster wagons made by Roco and the almost (but not quite) identical Minitrains version are usually available on the 009 society second hand sales for
It will however get you started.
Not knowing your level of experience I can only guess that you are at the very beginning, apologies if I'm wrong.
The advantage of boxed sets is that you get enough to get you going, (just). As experience is gained you can upgrade each element. I would hazard a guess that very few of us are running our first purchase, except may the rake of wagons.
When I started in 009 I had:
A controller - ex my childhood Triang
A Piece of ply - still got it, though nowadays it languishes in a shed with a circle of OO track having been the Isle of Sodor for many years.
Some n gauge track - all long gone.
N gauge Lima shunter - Cut the cab off and learn to make a new cab - Long gone, the smoke escaped from the motor and the workmanship was poor.
Rake of Egger skips - still got em (and about 20 more!).
I had great fun, learnt a lot, upgraded stuff as required / could afford, developed ideas, built things, scrapped things
I now have:
More controllers than is sensible.
A lot of plywood and MDF under multiple layouts.
Loads of track of various origin.
More locos than I need (and I'll be acquiring more).
The rake of Egger skips and shed loads more rolling stock.
I am still having great fun, learning, upgrading, developing, building,and scrapping.
I think the
I would say go for it too, if it gets over that initial hurdle of gathering together all the bits needed to get something running.
If I had any concerns questions it would not be about the locomotive but the controller as this is likely to be a common and relatively expensive component in any future expansion. I've heard nothing bad about the controller so I guess it will be good for any future small/medium layout. I don't know if there are any reviews (or reviewers here) that can shed light?
As mentioned, the track is not directly compatible with Peco, but looking ahead an oval of test track will always be of some use.
I already have a roco digital start set and Several other roco items of track and points.
The roco analogue controlers are available on line, split from various sets, but supplied with a hornby transformer-perhaps not so good value, after all.
The reason i want the set is because the only form of Analogue controller i have is a old Codar' unit and i wory that usuing this might damage the motor of the loco i am 'running in', before converting to digital. The loco and wagons are a added bonus-, i might even sell the track- there are only so many 'circles' you can use.
The problem with selling the Roco track is that there have been a lot of these sets sold and the market is a wash with the unwanted Roco track.
One advantage of these analogue starter sets is that you can easily upgrade the loco to DCC by fitting a Kuhn decoder.
Having been there and got the T-shirt, I wonder how useful covering to DCC really is in HOe/OO9.
Most OO or HOe locos are too small to be converted effectively so you are limited in what will eventually run. I have found also that with my track plans anyway it was really a sledgehammer to crack a walnut. It would have been so much easier to accept the small limitations imposed by DC.
Perhaps I should now stand back and wait for the onslaught! No doubt others will disagree = they usually do!
I don't have anything like Jim's experience to back me up, but from having used DCC way back on OO, and seen friends attempt to computer-control systems using DCC (because digital control should make interfacing with a computer easier, right?) I completely agree that it is massive overkill for typical NG layouts, in fact most domestic layouts. If I wanted a reduced-wires solution, I'd be going to MERG's CBUS (https://www.merg.org.uk/merg_resources/cbus.php) ahead of DCC.
Oh, and on the subject of Roco track: it's code 83 to Peco's code 80, hence the incompatibility. The Minitrains track system is also code 83 (which is why it's incompatible with the Minitrains starter oval, which is rebranded Peco), but has a slightly different profile and requires some connector fettling to get it to work with the Roco.
My layout Die Keinnamebahn (as seen in the July 2018 009 News) is entirely run using DCC. All locos, turnouts, turntable and servo controlled features and uncouplers are digitally controlled. I find the speed control of the locos far superior to DC where the vagaries of dirt on the track, loco motors all responding differently are alleviated by the ability to program the loco for a maximum speed, acceleration/braking and inertia. The addition of sound on some locos is just the icing on the cake for me.
Two wires between each board (well pattern makers