Hello from southern Massachusetts! I was an N-scaler for years, then pursued other interests for years. Now I'm back, although declining eyesight has compelled me to move up to HO scale. I'm building a portable HO layout on a 36x78" door, using 15" radius curves. Are there any decent-running steam locos that will take a curve that tight? My train pages can be found at http://www.cke1st.com/m_train1.htm Mike F. Cke1st
Welcome back to the hobby. I can relate to what your saying about your eyesight; same here. Hope you enjoy the larger scale
I see that you show as being a long time TrainBoard member. Glad to have you back actively in the hobby!
Mike, You will be limited to smaller locomotives and shorter cars. Are you going to be using diesels and/or steam? Couplers may have problems too. My first layout was similar and I ran two steamers: an 0-4-0 and later a 2-6-2. I also had an old Varney rubber band drive F unit, but it never ran well anyway! / Glad to see you back in the harness again. Welcome home!
My theme is an early-70's short line, spun off from a BN branch. I've got an Athearn SW1000 that takes the curves just fine, as do the 40' freight cars I've gotten so far. I'd like to get a small steam engine, just as a crowd-pleaser when I do shows and the like. Thomas the Tank Engine would be ideal, but I don't know if a six-coupled engine will take my curves, and I can't afford to guess wrong. Mike F. Cke1st