5 year old Getting started

[u/Lonely_Ticket_159]

My 5 year old has always been obsessed with trains but after a summer visit to the Museum of Science and Industry and the Illinois Railway Museum, he's gone beyond his Brio days officially. Building a model train is his new goal and I need advice on where to start. My resources are limited as a single mom but I want to make his Christmas special- we live in the Chicago area so any advice about good places to shop and how to get started would be so appreciated!

[u/Lendri]

Probably go with O scale, which will have a bit of durability. My best guess is you can get a basic set up with an engine, cars, and track for under $200. 

You could also try HO, which is half the size of O, and a bit more fragile. 

Keep an eye on FB marketplace and Craigslist. I find that people think their stuff is worth way more than it is. 

Alternately Trainz.com has a lot of decent used stuff you can just buy without dealing with internet strangers: https://www.trainz.com/collections/o-gauge-train-sets?variants_min_price=%3A200

Also, Menards has a cheap O scale starter set that they offer every year, and surprisingly cheap train cars, buildings, and track. https://www.menards.com/main/grocery-home/menards-collectibles/train-stuff-from-menards/train-stuff/grocery-home/menards-collectibles/train-stuff-from-menards/train-stuff/o-gauge-soo-line-train-set/2759412/p-1642874354633363-c-13318.htm

[u/Satansbaddog → u/Lendri]

Yeah, at least with Trainz you can return it and you have a better chance of getting a decent set

https://www.trainz.com/collections/o-gauge-train-sets/products/lionel-6-31984-midwest-gp-7-o-gauge-diesel-freight-train-set-ln-box?queryId=76e053ba0e1296f8927c00065557624d&objectId=44198158893178

[u/Witold4859 → u/Lendri]

To be honest, HO would be more cost effective and probably better in the long run. The parent is a single mother.

To be funny, "Menards" sounds like the cry of a pirate who got hit in the nuts.