Getting started with Lego 12v trains part 2: First purchases

The second part of a series detailing how to enter the 12v world. This part explains the 9 12 volt train sets that are out there, and which ones would be a good option to buy as your first train set. 96-stud long cable for connecting transformer to track, if you buy an incomplete 7864: Connecting rail with wire (used instead of wire listed above):