Serious question again (I've asked before... but I'm getting more serious)
Up til now, I've been thinking N-Scale. I've got two locomotives in GN colors (Katos), and about a dozen rolling of various types. As well as some structures still in the boxes.
And my eyes are becoming a problem. I"m only sixty and I ordered a magnifier just to read magazine text. I've got a 27in monitor, and thinking about upgrading the size.
So, I may be upgrading to HO. Do it now before I lay track on the layout, or build any structures.
1. What's the better (more reliable) motive power in HO?
2. What's the better rolling stock in HO?
3. Track: Up til now I've been buying Peco Code 80. What should I be looking at to price out getting HO track?
You serious? Like Alfred E Newman serious?
All kidding aside, #1 go see an eye doctor make sure its nothing serious or just age. I get a full eye exam yearly, mainly because I am type 2 diabetic and macular degeneration is always a possibility. So far I'm good, and a set of drug store "cheaters" is all I need for the really tiny stuff.
As far as locomotives, I'll have to echo what others have said before, the Kato drive locos are as smooth as butter, either by Kato and Atlas. Bowser/Stewart diesels IF they have the Kato drive. Some earlier examples have the old Athearn Blue Box drive. Athearn Genesis I have worked on and repaired for friends before. Yeah they run good, but they are not as robust as they should be. Scaletrains have not been experienced here yet. I do have 1 Rapido loco, it runs great, but I do plan on selling it soon as it doesn't fit my operating scheme. I have pre-ordered a 44 tonner from them for later this year.
As far as bang for the buck (and this may draw some fire) You can't beat the Proto 2000 line. The 6 axle units are fine, the 4 axle unit do have a gear issue, but they are so easily replaced with Athearn blue box wheelsets, then they run smooth and quiet for years. I know because I've got 20 of them between GP7/9s, BL2s, FA2s and GP35s. They have proven to dependable over years of service on various layouts.
I'd stay away from AHM,Tyco, Lionel HO, Bachmann 5, Bachmann Plus and even Athearn Blue Box locos. The first 4 because the are garbage, the 5th because they sound like a coffee grinder and have large appetites for amperage. Bachmann Spectrum can be hit or miss. Most steam is great (except the Shay) .
Rolling stock, again Atlas, Kato, Proto, Intermountain (if you replace the trucks) Athearn and others. The worst piece of rolling stock and be greatly improved with the addition of metal wheels, the proper weight and KD couplers.
Track all I use is Atlas flex track I have been buying in small lots over the last 10 years and I've been also hoarding Walthers and Shinohara switches for years. I recently purchased some Micro Engineering track for a bridge project and was please with it.
My 2 cents, YMMV