Used to have a model railroad but like a fool sold it all off several years back.Lookin at getting back into it and came for inspiration.Looks like I found the right place.Haven't quite decided on a scale yet.I would prefer HO due to my fav loco is the GE 44 tonner and last I knew couldn't find one in n scale.But HO would limit to a swiching only layout.Max space available is 36"x54" right now.Any ideas fellas? Thanks, Gary
Bachmann makes some GE 44 tonners in n scale. Walthers has them for $100.00. With your space requirements i would go with n scale. I myself have both ho and N scale, but i am doing more n scale these days because of space requirements.
Welcome to TrainBoard Gary! Rarely, if ever, do I recommend a Bachmann product, however their 44 tonner has received exceptional reviews. You can find them online through some of our TrainBoard Advertisers for cheap! 36"x54" makes a perfect Hollow Core Door sized layout as well. Throw on some Atlas True-Track or Kato Unitrack and you'll be be running trains in no time! Happy modeling!
Gary- Welcome to TrainBoard! With space as you've noted, of 3 feet by 4&1/2 feet, you won't have room for a lot of satisfaction in HO. You might want to look at N scale for now. Have fun! Boxcab E50
Welcome aboard Gary, I would have to agree with the N Scale suggestion with alotted space. You might have some added fun going that way. I model both also N & HO and N sure does take up much less space. But the older I'm getting the easier HO is to see and work on. But have fun either way. Can't wait to find out what your choice is. And by the way I have one of those Bachmann Spectrum 44T's with DCC. Good little locos; pull three cars no problem once you change out the Dummy couplers. Basic decoder but I didn't have to install it and it works, especially for yard work.
Thanks for the welcomes and the advice.I was already leaning towards N and since their is now a 44 tonner loco in that scale now,that will be the choice.My old N scale layout had peco track and turnouts.Ran a couple Atlas and a Bachman Spectrum locos.I'll be doing alot of looking around here for ideas and plan on getting a couple mags tomorrow to help out.Actual construction will be a few monthes down the road. Thanks again Gary
Gary- Glad to know you'll be taking your time getting started. Grab either or both of the N scale magazines. Aside from articles, their ads are like bi-monthly catalogs. I have used Peco switches for many, many years. (30+) They are still an excellent choice. Please share track plans and construction photos, as those are always good fun for us to follow along... Boxcab E50
Welcome aboard Gary. You can build a super N Scale layout on a door also Bachmann make the 44 tonner http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/products.php?act=viewProd&productId=3060 Here are some posts about door layouts http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/tags.php?tag=door+layouts
Thanks for all the info fellas.My other hobby is model building and while at our monthly meeting yesterday I was checking out the n scale inventory at the hobby shop.Nice selection and alot of choices.Didn't have the Bachman 44 tonner tho.They also have a nice HO scale layout that a local trainclub is workin on.May look into joinin that club.