looking for opinions and some guidance

[dublinoh]

I am planning a some what ambitious layout of approx 100 sq ft in a 12 X 15 space. I really like the HOn3 scale and shorter trains that are more prototypically correct. But the turnouts seem to be very limited in this size and I don't want to hand lay track. I want the turnouts to be manually activated with above table throws like those from Caboose Ind. The layout will be DCC, and I would like to keep the wiring at the turnouts as simple as possible. Should I rethink doing the HOn3 scale, switch to HO? Can I easliy modify Shimmano switches to be DCC compatible? Opinions, guidance welcome. Thanks

 

[dublinoh]

edit

I am planning a some what ambitious layout of approx 100 sq ft in a 12 X 15 space. I really like the HOn3 scale and shorter trains that are more prototypically correct. But the turnouts seem to be very limited in this size and I don't want to hand lay track. I want the turnouts to be manually activated with above table throws like those from Caboose Ind. The layout will be DCC, and I would like to keep the wiring at the turnouts as simple as possible. Should I rethink doing the HOn3 scale, switch to HO? Can I easliy modify Shimmano switches to be DCC compatible? Opinions, guidance welcome. Thanks

Sorry should have been Shinohara not Shimmano turnouts

I'm not permitted to edit.

 

[Espeefan]

Micro Engineering turnouts are DCC friendly out of the box. Others may be as well.

 

[trailrider]

I can't say anything against HOn3, but if you want a greater variety of turnouts, rolling stock, etc., standard gauge might be a better choice. There are standard gauge logging steam locomotives and rolling stock. Peco turnouts can be manually actuated by themselves, or you can use ground throws with or without the detent spring in the throwbar. You've got almost as much square footage as I do (14' x 13'7"), and I run seven-car passenger trains with E-units, and I also have a standard gauge Heisler and a Mantua logging Mallet that I run on branch as well as mainline tracks.
Happy New Year!

 

[dublinoh]

Trailrider thanks for your thoughts...and happy New Year to you

thanks for the info Espeefan and Happy New year to you too.

 

[wombat457]

Have to agree that running HO will give you far more variety and many more options. I would also think that HO availability would be better as well.

Which ever you choose, good luck with it and have fun!

 

[rodney mcgiveron]

G'day , I agree that HO would give more variety..That is a certainty but HOn3 is something a little different..So if you'd like to be a little different, go for it I say..Cheers Rod

 

[dublinoh]

Thanks for your inputs. I found that Shinohara has HOn3 in #4 and #6 turnouts and a "Y" turnout plus flex track. I think that may be enough varity for me. I havn't seen track except pictures, is it good quality, reasonable apperance?

I just keep coming back to the narrow gauge, D&RGW probably. I like that the availability is limited, more opportunity to make your own thing, fewer decisions LOL. But I want reliable operation, and worry a little bit about mixing tracks and codes. Thanks again