Some questions about scale.......

[hokkmike]

My first question here received a lot of good answers and I thank you all.

Before I go out and spend my hard earned money I am trying to diligently study so that I pick the correct scale for modeling my layout. I have considered cost of all the major scales and have decided that quality over quantity will be my guide for the first couple of years.

Here are my thoughts on the various scales as they apply to my circumstances: (I have included only the more popular scales) I have underlined my questions if any of you would be kind enought to consider replies.

N - Being older I use reading glasses a lot. Just from the visual apsect this scale seems impractical. I do like long trains. I don't know much about the reliability of these tiny engines. Do these smaller N scale trains hold up OK?

HO - Seems like a good compromise. I guess 4X8' would be adequate for a minimal HO layout? I am not familiar with the better brands and reliable equipment.

O - LOVE the size of the cars. I DO NOT know what space would be needed for a minimum layout that doesn't look cramped. What space is needed in O-27 for more than just a circle? Also, is there anyway to make the three rail tracks look more realistic? The turning radius on true - O (howver it should be properly named) makes it prohibitive for me.

G - This is a great scale but I don't have the space or money. I live in town and can't put anything in the yard. Too many kids in the neighborhood.

I appreciate anything you can offer.

 

[Trucula]

My personal opinons: (you know the saying..they are like____, everyone has them, some stink more than others)

N scale: If you been to train shows you'll see module set ups pullin looooong trains....As in any scale, If you want the best perfomance, spend alittle money on quality equipment.(that answers your HO question somewhat...Don't skimp if you want flawless operation) There are some great 4X8 layout plans.

If you torn between O scale for the size and HO on the eyes, take a look at S scale....They have some great stuff coming out. Very detailed and will fit in between HO and O space.

O scale makes a 2 rail set up. and some 3 rails have a "blackened 3rd rail" so it dissappears somewhat. there are some O scale layout plans online if you search alittle that will fit into the space you have.

 

[hokkmike]

Thanks for your reply Trucla. Incidentally, I hang around musicians posing as a bass player.

I will investigate the S scale and "blackened" rail track.

 

[UP2CSX]

Like Bob said, just some personal opinions, so you can take them for what they are worth.

N scale reliability for modern equipment is at least as good as modern HO equipment. In the bad old days of the 8o's and early 90's, N scale engines were not noted for reliability. Since then, manufacturing techniques have really improved and, as long as you stick with quality brands like Walthers, Kato, and Atlas, I don't think you have to worry about reliability any more than the larger scales.

HO is easier on old eyes and the total numbers of different type models available in HO is still better than N scale. There have been probably more 4x8 HO layouts built than any model train layout type ever so a 4x8 space is adequate. I'm a bigger fan of using the wall for shelf space to get more mainline trackage but I've also seen some very nice 4x8's.
Some companies, like Athearn, have always made a good product, although the older Athearn products are not up to the details standards of today's Athearn models. As in N scale, there was a lot of junk on the market, including older Atlas, Life-Like, Bachmann, and AHM. The newer Atlas, Life-like (which is now a part of Walthers), Bachmann Spectrum, Kato, and even the newer AHM models are mostly of good to excellent quality. The one really big advantage now to HO is sound. You can get sound in N scale but it's a lot more expensive and those little speakers have a harder time sounding like the real thing. Sound equipped HO locomotives are about as close as you can get to the experience of running real trains and it's addictive.

As Bob said, if you want larger models in the space you have, S scale is a much better choice than O gauge. The only issue is that product availability is about the least of all scales but it's getting better as more manufacturers come on line. 4x8 would still be small even for S gauge but a shelf layout or a 5x10 would work.

O gauge really needs some room to run and a good size bankroll. Motive power and rolling stock are more expensive by three to five times than HO scale and just a few switches will cost you more than all the track and switches you'd need for a 4x8 HO layout. You'd really need to build a shelf layout for O scale to get any kind of reasonable curves if you have less than a 10x16 foot space.

O-27 can be built on a 4x8 sheet of plywood and that's the way most of them were built when I was a kid. The problem is that you'll be building a toy train layout, not a scale model layout. The curves will be extremely sharp, there won't be much room for more than a few industry spurs, and most of the equipment and accessories are very toy like in appearance. As long as that's what you want, that's OK, but I gave up my interest in O-27 when I was about 12 because of the limitations of what you could have in a small space and the lack of scale equipment. O-27 equipment is not as expensive as O scale but you can still count on spending at least twice as much as HO equipment. Check the Walthers catalog on-line to get an idea of prices.

Just my ideas in answer to your questions. Do a lot of reading and ask a lot of questions before you make a final decision.

 

[hokkmike]

Jim - a thorough and interesting response. I thank you. Fortunately I live close to probably one of the best model RR shops in the country (English's in Montoursville, PA) so I'll have a look see.

I was leaning towards O-27 but you are right about the toy-like appearance. Still I like the bulky size. To me, something resonates in the mind about trains and big.

Your advice to do a lot of reading and ask a lot of questions is well taken!

 

[UP2CSX]

Yeah, I know what you mean about Lionel and O-27 since that's what I started with as a young kid. The mind plays tricks though, and what I thought looked good 50 years really does look really toy-like today. English's is a great hobby shop, you lucky dog, so look around and see what catches your fancy.