Thinking about O-Gauge

I recommend that you fo for it! If you are like me though, you won't part with your N scale stuff...too many memories and the thought of "maybe I will go back to it someday." As it turns out I am about to build two door layouts, one for each son, in N and HO so my old equipment will ride the rails again

 

I too recommend keeping your N-scale stuff. I learned not to sell stuff, as it is worth more to me than to others. You can always join the local Ntrak to run them.

I certainly feel a pull towards a little Proto:48, but so far I've successfully kept myself anchored to On3 with a little HO to fulfill my standard gauge needs. I would suggest looking very closely at the other massive trains: large scale, before deciding. #1 and Fn3 are cost competitive with O scale (large scale is actually cheaper for comparable equipment). That doesn't make them better, but it is important to be sure that you are switching to the right scale. I find Fn3 to be too large for my tastes, hence On3 for me. The more you learn about your options now, the less that can surprise you later.

Michael

 

I might keep the locomotives and rolling stock then. I know there's places around here that may let me run them. Still may get rid of the Unitrack,though.

 

As a recent reconvert to N scale from O scale I would like to offer this opinion. each scale has its advantages and drawbacks. Most O gaugers are more interested in the trains than the model railroads themselves. That's why I like working as a HiRailer, a modeller that uses full scale size O trains using three rail track...not plain old tubular three ties to the section track but Gargraves, Ross, Atlas MTH and Lionel fast track. I like the sheer size of my O scale trains and I love the rumble and the roar of the passing trains. Since an O scale (usually two rail) model layout requires SIXTEEN times as much area as the same design in N scale something will have to go in O scale. HO and S are great for both model building and operation. Scenery in HO and S is reasonably sized and can be impressively sized. N gauge is not (as far as I am concerned) a modeller's scale. Even some of my N gauge friends admit that they could not install the details on a Cato mikado. But possibilities for scenery are great. The model railroads in N offer a helicopter view of scenery but require very fine even finicky track work ind wiring for good running. I was working in N scale back in the early 1970s but I gave up because engines and trackwork were just unreliable and downright clunky. Nowadays the little N gauge engines run smoothly and reliably and won't send you to the poorhouse when you buy them. In short, IF YOU WANT TO BUILD AND RUN MODELS go with O scale; if you want a lot of railroad in a small space go with N scale. I'm not trying to be prejudiced but I have never worked in G or Z scales. Odd-d

 

I have them all to. From N-G scale. My hands are to big for that Z scale stuff. Stuck with the Oga. I mean how could you not turn these down............................
















hev

 

I also like my 1952 Lionel ABA F3's. These were a childhood dream back then to have these babies. I set these up at Christmas. I have the complete set. The grandaughters start buggin' me after Thansgiving to help set them up. Passin' on the tradiation....................














hev

 

Those are some real sweet units alright! I hope to have a small O scale line representing the interchange between the C & S narrow gauge and standard gauge once the layout is underway. That way I get my cake and can eat it too

 

Thanks John.............................

hev

 

I'm thinking O-Gauge too, 2-rail, for a small switching layout project, even if it is not for tomorrow. I have been looking at Carl Arendt's web site and found that something based on Box Street Yard layout would be nice.

For such small layout, small motive power (in length) is required. I was thinking about a pre-war switcher like a NW-2 (or SW-1). But apparently, none is available in 2-rail.

So, I'm wondering if anyone has already converted such type of switcher to 2-rail, and if the Bachmann/Williams or MTH NW-2s models would be good candidates for a conversion, and close to scale, at least for the body. I know this would involve "some" work or the chassis/bogies/wheels, but, I'm not too afraid.

 

Greg,

Thank you for the information.
With all those models manufactured in batches, it is very hard to find them a couple of years after they have been released, especially when you are located abroad. I have been looking for a Weaver PRR VO-1000 for a while with no luck, even on auction site. Same thing for the GE70.

Anyway, based on your inputs, if I want to go to the NW route, I have two options. Either find a All Nation kit (P&D Hobbies?), or find a 2 rail Atlas SW-8/9 and modify the hood and cab. Right?

Has anyone experience on All Nation kits? Are they good runners especially at low speed?

 

Hi Bruno, The Weaver Baldwin switcher uses the new twin motor toy train drive so doesn't run well at slow speeds. I think Yoder is making a Baldwin in brass so you might check that out, I don't know what kind of drive he puts in them. Also I seem to recall some older brass baldwin models, if they use the old weaver chain drive they would run fine.
The All Nation switcher is a very old crude model, it is sturdy but not up to today's detail standards, they run ok but depending on the individual model often not particularly smooth at slow speeds. The best running and best looking mass produced model is the Atlas SW8-9 or rs-1200 models. If you want a bit newer prototype the new Atlas MP 15 dc would be a good choice.......dave

 

Thanks Dave.
I had a look on Rich Yoder web site and there is a Baldwin S-12 available. It looks very nice. However, it is a post war engine. For my project, at this stage, I'm still in favor of pre-war period. But it might change if I can't find anything suitable...

Regarding All Nation, I came across this picture on a well known auction web site:

Is this the one we are talking about? Looking at the motor, this one must be old (60's ?)...

 

Hi Bruno, Yeah that looks like the second version of that drive, the earlier one's had straight cut gears instead of those angle cut gears. The angle cut gears are quieter but still open to the elements so you have to be careful with oiling or greasing them to keep it from messing up your track, also hard to keep them from attracting fuzzy crap from the right of way.
I think the All Nation model originally came out before WW2 as a General model product, I had an old version once that used a single truck mounted vertical motor much like the Chinese drive 3 rail diesels of today.
Prewar diesels were not as common as post war so you might have a hard time finding exactly what you want. I recall some nice high hood alcos in brass with weaver chain drives, some SW1 brass models, and maybe older baldwins done in brass? I doubt that many folks would know the difference between a postwar switcher and a prewar unless you told them.
If you're interested in modeling in S scale you can get a very nice SW1 from S Helper Service....dave

 

Hi Greg,

Yes, you are correct. The Atlas SW has a die cast hood. I have just checked this on their web site. I missed that point. So, it will a bit more difficult to modify than a plastic hood... BTW, it seems that Atlas will release a new SW series soon with an undecorated version. Now, I have to find a dealer that could get one for me.

Regarding the pictures, that would be great. Thanks. Especially for details. I haven't found pictures of the hood top for example. So I don't know if the top grille needs to be replaced on the model.

Thanks again.