I appreciate all the suggestions on postwar power. The problem is that buying a used set requires a lot of knowledge on the value of the different models from over the years, plus a determination of the quality of the given engine. I don’t have the knowledge to make either of these decisions. That’s why I’m looking at new.
I don’t think everything needs to be a toy. For the first few years it will be for watching. Then using the whistle/bell button, then helping with the throttle. In the end, if (when?) a mishap happens, then it happens.
From what I’ve gathered, the LC+ engines have been pretty trouble-free for a lot of folks and the controller is good for kids. It helps that it doesn’t need an expensive command control system like MTH. The absence of batteries in the loco is a plus as well.
