i am considering getting into the o gauge hobby and i have some very basic questions
lionel was the only product available when i was a kid, but i see an o gauge distributor called mth (less expensive)
. . .
another question is am i better served buying through the internet or working through a dealer
I prefer Lionel, some prefer MTH, some prefer Weaver, Williams and Atlas - you'll find your own favorite.
I think this is pretty good advice:
If you don't have any trains at present, find something "safe" you like. Safe can be a number of things. If dollars are your primary concern, then a low cost set. If you have some financial latitude, then get something that really rings your bell. Perhaps a Santa Fe passenger set - a hit in any man's league - or something with some interesting freight cars. You'll know what you like when you see it.
Then hide your wallet for at least six months.
During this six months, read this forum, or the other premium content forum with appeal to the O Gauge Hobbyist (dot com). Look at lots of pictures, read people's opinions. Look at layouts, look at how people have addressed space constraints, control systems, etc, etc. Ignore the blowhards who pontificate their way being the best way (they're easy to spot). Ignore brand warfare and which control system is better - once you know more, you'll be in a better position to make your own informed decision.
If there is a train store near you, visit it often and after six months, support it if you can. If you have a good shop, you can learn a lot there and if you end up paying a few bucks more, it's a small price to pay for expertise.
This hobby has a vicious bug and it bites hard. Most folks entering the hobby get the bug and make purchases they will later regret. For example, you might purchase some operating accessories and then decide you want to build a realistic layout - the two don't mix too well. Then you end up with a bunch of accessories you don't use.
During this time, you can run your trains on a ping pong table, on the carpet, wherever you want to get your fix. Assess your available space and learn from the mistakes of others.
After six or so months, you'll have a better feel for what you want to do and what resources are available. You'll have saved a bunch of money and have a more informed and focused approach.
One other item, when you build your layout, use the largest diameter curve sections your space will allow. If your future interests include large locomotives, they will run on big curves - like o72. If you don't go for large locomotives, your small engines will look much better on big curves.
I think many folks will agree that learning more before diving in gives you the best chance for long term enjoyment of the hobby.
