Thank you all for your responses. I will not be buying for awhile, but the I am considering one of these two: The first Area 51 alien response train set or the MTH Lionel corp armored train. I figured that I would need the section of track needed to hook up a transformer of the type that the Area 51 set and have either the lionchief cord or the other transformer powered up to run whichever train I have on it and the other plug powered down.
On a separate note: I just picked up a Lionel prewar o gauge tinplate tender at an antique store today for five bucks. It is missing the coupler nearest to the four vents on top. It is difficult/expensive to find and repair that part? The rest of the tender appears to be in decent used condition. I figured at worst, it will make a decent static piece for a future layout. I'll include pics in my next entry.
