Starter sets are one of the best options for getting started in model railroading and probably the most common among enthusiasts. Their main advantage is an attractive price and being able to have everything needed to set up a small layout in a single product.
The feeling of opening our first starter set box is surely an unforgettable memory for any enthusiast. However, sometimes there is a bittersweet taste of not having entirely hit the mark with this first purchase. The purpose of this entry is precisely to guide the enthusiast who is facing the challenge of starting in this wonderful hobby of model railroading through a “Starter Set”.
In the market, we can find starter sets from different manufacturers, some more complete than others, but they all share the essence of their content:
- One or several trains
- A track layout
- A control system
As we saw in the previous chapter (Scale and System), before purchasing a starter set, we must have a clear understanding of the scale and system we are going to use. It would also be interesting to have an idea of the setting we are going to give to our future layout, primarily concerning the railway company and the era. This way, we can look for the “Starter Set” that best suits us.
However, we should not obsess over finding the perfect set for us, as the range of options is relatively small, and except for specific cases, it can be challenging to find a set that completely fits what we want. A starter set in model railroading is always a good starting point, allowing us to take the first steps in this hobby before diving into the construction of a layout.
Regarding the tracks, let’s not forget that the proposed layout will always be expandable later on. If the type of tracks included in the set is not what we need, we have the option to use them in hidden areas, as a test circuit, etc. Tracks are probably the least important factor to consider when buying one of these sets, especially if the layout is a simple oval, without switches or additional accessories (such as motors or decoders).
In the market, there are fundamentally two types of starter sets: analog and digital. Let’s analyze what we will find in each of them.
Analog starter sets.
In this type of starter kits, in addition to the track layout, we will find an analog train composition and a controller (along with its corresponding transformer).
The connection of these elements is extremely simple. We will join all the track sections following the base layout that the manufacturer proposes. Later, when we expand the layout, we can do away with this “base” template. One of the tracks in the set will be the power track, and it will be easily distinguishable from the rest because it either has integrated cables or has some element to connect those cables. In turn, the cables that power the tracks come from the controller, which is the device we use to control our equipment. Finally, we must plug the controller into the power source, usually through a separate transformer.
Let’s remember that, in the analog system, the higher the voltage, the faster our trains will travel. This is precisely the function of the controller, which starts from a position at rest, without power supply to the tracks, and progressively increases as we operate it. These controllers also have a direction reversal system, which is either achieved by turning the controller to the opposite side or by reaching a position that reverses the output poles.
It is worth noting that model railroading is increasingly moving towards the digital world, and therefore analog starter sets are becoming less common. We will likely have less variety to choose from if we opt for the analog system.
Digital starter sets.
If we have opted for a digital starter kit, we will have the same elements described above, with two fundamental changes:
- The motorized equipment included in the set will be digital. Therefore, it will be factory-equipped with a decoder that receives commands from the control unit and translates them so that the model responds accordingly.
- The analog controller will have been replaced by a digital command station. A much more complex device that allows for more precise control of the layout.
The connection of the different components of a digital set is equivalent to the one described for analog sets, bearing in mind that in this case, we will connect the power track cables to the corresponding output of our digital command station.
We should note that some command stations consist of, in addition to the transformer and the command station itself, a controller that is connected to it and through which the layout is controlled.
In these “Starter sets,” the locomotives or railcars that compose them come pre-configured in the command station, so there’s nothing more to do than “plug and play.” In some cases, digital starter sets are more comprehensive and may include locomotives with sound, motorized and digitized switches, etc., although this is less common.
Starter sets Roco/Fleischmann.
These two brands manufacture what are probably the most popular starter sets on the market, and most enthusiasts tend to favor them. Therefore, it’s worth taking a closer look at them.
Roco and Fleischmann are registered trademarks of the same manufacturer (Modelleisenbahn München GmbH), both with a long history in model railroading. For some time now, Roco has been responsible for manufacturing in H0 scale, while Fleischmann focuses on N scale. Most of their catalogs feature models inspired by the German railway, but we can also find material from other countries, including France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, and Spain.
Currently, following an increasingly common trend, the sets they offer on the market are almost exclusively digital, equipped with their “z21 Start” command station accompanied by a MultiMAUS controller (which can be with cable or wireless).
The “z21 Start” is an excellent command station for beginners, sold exclusively in starter sets, and its price is comparatively better than that of most similar command stations on the market. Additionally, it allows for the expansion of its features through an unlock code (sold separately), which enables layout control via tablets and smartphones by downloading the corresponding application. The more advanced starter sets from both manufacturers already include a router and the unlocked z21.
The tracks traditionally included in Roco sets are known as Geoline (with plastic ballast). Since these tracks will stop being manufactured in the coming months, the new “Starter sets” will start to feature Rocoline tracks (with rubber ballast).
In the case of Fleischmann starter sets, they typically include tracks from their “Profi” range (with plastic ballast).
Sets de inicia
Starter sets from RENFE
Given that the majority of enthusiasts in Spain opt for layouts set in our country, it’s common to look for starter sets featuring RENFE (Spanish National Railway Company) equipment to begin with. We should note that the variety in this regard is typically quite limited, and we may need to adapt to what is available at any given time.
In the case of analog starter sets featuring RENFE equipment, the only manufacturer currently offering such products is Electrotren (in H0 scale).
For those seeking a digital RENFE starter set, at present, the only option available would be the set from ROCO featuring the 307 locomotive.
Starter sets from RENFE
Given that the majority of enthusiasts in Spain opt for layouts set in our country, it’s common to look for starter sets featuring RENFE (Spanish National Railway Company) equipment to begin with. We should note that the variety in this regard is typically quite limited, and we may need to adapt to what is available at any given time.
In the case of analog starter sets featuring RENFE equipment, the only manufacturer currently offering such products is Electrotren (in H0 scale).
For those seeking a digital RENFE starter set, at present, the only option available would be the set from ROCO featuring the 307 locomotive.
Starter Sets at El Taller del Modelista
In our online catalog, we always strive to offer the available starter sets from the main brands that manufacture this type of product. Typically, Electrotren, Fleischmann, and ROCO.
You can find the available sets at any given time in the following link.
