Hi Mark / This is a new video, published, November 14th., 2016 / you may find this helpful. If I could push an easy button, I would go from Lionel to A.C. Gilbert American Flyer. As a kid I shared American Flyer Trains, with my two brothers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAiUBUWyz8w
TM's American Flyer Legends in Action
Spectacular layouts covering the evolution of American Flyer trains over the past 100 years. From the tinplate wide gauge of the Prewar years to A.C. Gilbert's 3/16" O gauge to the 2-rail S gauge Postwar favorites to the modern scale models offered today -- you'll see a variety of Flyer trains in action. Visit http://www.tmbv.com for more information.
Gary