I just started about 9 months ago in N scale. I don't know how many of you have noticed, but it's REALLY small. I need something I can see and work on. I think O is just about right, but how much space will I need to get some interesting switching? I know I don't have room for any loops.
18 October 2007 Hello Leoh. I am Larry Childers - a O scale hi-railer. Whether you select any scale size to model will really be up to you. Many will tell you a lot of good reasons why you should be model a certain gauge. Keep in mind that each day you live you grow a little more YOUNGER in mind, however the body does not keep in step. Eyes especially, tend to read print and see objects that are larger - much easier - as the YEARS go on. I suggest you visit someone O gauge layout - whether it will be O scale two rail or O scale three rail and determine the difference first hand. I really really enjoy my O scale hi-rail (three rail) model layout. Larry @ SCRS.
I would say that your first decision is based on what models you want. I also was interested in O scale or S scale, but could not find models of the smaller steam that interests me in 2 rail. then there is also the price issue. After paying less than 100 per loco in N scale it's rough going when you shop for the O scale locos. If you want the size of O scale there is always On30. It's big but can do sharper curves, and if you aren't too picky you can even run it on less expensive HO track and switches.
I had been thinking about this, too. I have astigmatism and I am now mildly far-sighted, too, yet I am in N scale and still in my low-30's. I sometimes wonder what the heck I am going to do if, like my parents and most of my other direct ancestors, I end up wearing bifocals or trifocals by the time I am 50. Will I be able to see ANYTHING ever again? It gets me to thinking about On30 or something similar. I haven't ruled out doing a little On30 on the other side of my basement train room, simply because the amount of logging era equipment is greater than in Nn3, and I can scratch-build without eye-strain. Adam
Adam, I'm 51 and have been wearing bifocals for a few years. The only way I can see to work on ANYthing in N is under one of those lighted magnifying arms. I appreciate everyone's responses. I am not picky about the models available or their trueness to real life. I just like to run the trains. The cost is a concern. I have seen locos for $200 (really nothing) on up to $1800 for something nice. The cars are quite a bit more, too. Maybe I should just do N for a couple more years and save for the nice O stuff. It'll give me time to research it a bit more, too
Would you consider HO? You get some of the cost advantages that you are used to in N, yet you can actually see what you are doing. As much difficulty seeing as I already have I just wonder sometimes if I am in N scale for the long haul. I will probably never get out of N scale completely, but I don't know if with my scratchbuilding desires that I can keep up with it for the next four or five or six decades. My grandfather is still alive and kicking and nearly 93, so I figure I have some serious decades of modeling ahead of me.
If you want O scale there is always ebay. If you shop wisely and are willing to tinker a bit you should be able to do a nice little layout.
If you want O scale with 2 rail, you will need fewer engines to fill up a small layout. That goes for cars too. If you don't mind the 3 rail look, there are some fine looking and operating O gauge trains out there. Be aware that even those can be pricey. Operation can be done in 3 rail. Many 3 rail operators I'm friends with tend to run layouts in circles. Growing up, I found 3 rail was just as good for point to point layouts as HO. A friend and I each had a Lionel Geep and we would combine our track and switches and make switching layouts that took up the whole house on those occasions that the parents were gone for a few days. We set up car card systems, train orders, and industries for spotting the cars. All this with Lionel trains. Never got boring and we had a blast doing it. Cheers, Greg
I'm going to see a large HO layout soon, so that will give me some insight on HO scale. O scale is very inviting because of it's size. But by the same token it's a deterrent. I understand that O also has some neat animation/action pieces to it. I have a ELL that's about 8' x 8' x 3' deep. Is that enough for some switching? Thanks for the responses.
I didn't even think to do that conversion! That really puts it in perspective for me!! I definately need more room before switching to O. Hmmm.... what to do, what to do..
Even though I'm in HO and it is not a vision problem yet On30 has sparked an interest. On30 is almost kind of narrow gauge. I was thinking about the one time narrow gauge Illwaco Rail and Navigation Company's line as a pattern. The line was abandon in 1930 but would be a great On30 layout for a period pike.
27 Sept 2007 leoh Take a look at this scale hi-rail layout. Turn your speakers on and click on the preview. ToyTrainsOnTracks Rich also has just released a dvd of the layout. My copy should arrive Monday. Larry @ SCRS
Larry, thanks for telling me about this. The scenary is great, but the sounds are better. The combination is perfect. And all that is O? Sounds are much richer and deeper than my N stuff. Someday, I'll switch to O. Need the space and the money.
In this size, you can get a nice switching layout in any scale. More in HO, a little less in S and almost half of the HO in O. If you are into switching and not model details, HO has a lot to offer. With that size you have, MTH has nice looking track called Scale Trax and a fair variety of switches. Smaller steam is available if you want it. Atlas makes a nice selection of SW switchers that have sound. The recent ones are DCC compatible and as time goes on more will be available with the DCC for including sound. You haven't said what you want to model but it sounds like you will be satisfied with switching so SW and GP's would be a good choice. If you want cheap prices, retailers have blow out sales periodically so cheap good looking equipment is available. Another thing to consider is O in 2 rail. You are already familiar with in N scale. Atlas, MTH and Weaver offer 2 rail versions besides the 3 rail equipment and track is readily available from Atlas. O scale Kadee couplers are dependable and available. Cheers, Greg
