returning to hobby - some simple questions

[Elsquared67]

Hi all - I'm returning to the hobby after a too-long absence, and I have a few questions.

 

O scale is around 1/48.  Would die-cast vehicles of 1/43 be OK to use on a layout?  (Sometimes the vehicle you want to use just isn't available in exact O scale.)

 

Any advice for making my own decals?  Can I use decal paper in my home printer, and lightly clear coat it?  I also heard of this paper called Lazertran, which supposedly does not need a clear coat.

 

What are my options for mass-transit?  (I live in New York City, and we don't see too many freight trains around here.)  MTH offers several subway sets, but they're a bit pricey for me right now - a three-car set lists around $500.

 

Thanks!

Larry

 

 

[BigAl 956]

Elsquared67

O scale is around 1/48.  Would die-cast vehicles of 1/43 be OK to use on a layout?  (Sometimes the vehicle you want to use just isn't available in exact O scale.)

Close enough. 1/43 vehicles are fine.

Elsquared67

What are my options for mass-transit?  (I live in New York City, and we don't see too many freight trains around here.)  MTH offers several subway sets, but they're a bit pricey for me right now - a three-car set lists around $500.

MTH sets are your best bet.

If you have been away from the hobyy todays prices are indeed scary.  List price can scare you off. Check with Trainworld or other internet sources. Older models from 10 years ago can typically be found for a lot less than current versions.

[robmcc]

Welcome back!

I personally don't get too hung up with exact die-cast scale. I use between 1/43 and 1/50 and they all look "close enough" for me too.

I haven't ventured much past Microscale for decals. I've been intrigued by DIY decals, but haven't attempted it.

Like Al said, there isn't much in mass transit/subways outside of a couple of MTH sets and the even pricer Lionel ones. I know CP and CSX have trackage rights in and around the greater NYC area with the Oak Point link.  I've some cool freight photos of both railroads using the Hell Gate bridge. That could certainly have some modelling potential as well.

Rob

[Penny Trains]

aboard!

I agree with Rob, I use anything from 1/43 to 1/50 ( there's often a 1/55 Batmobile in the mix) on my layouts.  Here's the winter format:

And the same layout in summer (Thai) mode:

It's just a 4x6 with O and S gauge loops and especially at Christmas time I'm not too concerned with scale accuracy (54mm figures with 1:50 fire engines).  But a simple trick is to place your largest vehicles scale wise at the front of a layout and your smaller models at the rear.  That makes them appear to be farther away than they really are, and by association the whole layout looks bigger.

Becky