). In terms of the On30 stuff, Bachmann is the best going, unless you can afford brass engines 
. Hope this helps, and don't be shy about asking more questions!! Happy Modeling!!John
The Mark
, I have had several HO layouts and am closely following the On30 scale, which I like very much 
. First, I guess you need to know how large the layout will be. If it is going to be small then the all in one track such as you got in the On30 set should be fine. If, however you are planning a moderate to large layout (and remember, someday you may want to expand a smaller layout ), then go with separate track and roadbed. As far as roadbed, I would go with cork instead of the newer rubberized stuff. Yes the rubberized stuff deadens sound, but it has enough give under the weight of the trains to cause problems. Track is entirely up to you. If your layout will be On30, then Atlas code 100 flex would be ok, but the ties are very close together for the scale. Peco makes great track, code 80, and the ties are spaced about at scale for On30. Whatever brand you decide on STICK with that brand, as some brands don't play well with others. DO NOT go with brass, use nickel silver because the track does not get corroded as easily, and still conducts electricity when dirty (less cleaning 
!!). In HO engines, I like Atlas, Rivarossi, and Life-Like. I modeled early steam so I found these to be the best "out of the box" engines. I got into building MDC kits, and these I liked very much (nothin' like seeing an engine that YOU built running around the pike ). In terms of the On30 stuff, Bachmann is the best going, unless you can afford brass engines . Hope this helps, and don't be shy about asking more questions!! Happy Modeling!!
John
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The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!