Multiple Scale Layouts

[Anonymous]

I was hoping for some advice. I have multiple scales of trains (O, HO and N) and can't make up my mind about which scale to build my layout in. Each scale has its own advantage. Has anyone on here ever built a multi-level layout? I am thinking I could have 2 decks or levels and that way I could set up 2 of the three scales anyway. Is this a good idea or a bad idea? Or, does anyone have any other ideas? Help. Thanks in advance!!

[lionelsoni]

This is sometimes done, putting a larger gauge, like O, down lower and closer to the viewer and a smaller scale, like S, higher up and farther away. This creates a "forced perspective" effect that can make it seem like the smaller scale is farther away. You might make this work with O and HO. I have seen a layout at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry that combined O, S, and HO in this way.

[pbjwilson]

At a hobby shop I saw a great layout - O gauge on the bottom level
HO on the second level
N on top.
I've thought about bulding something like that also. I have a hard time sticking to one scale. To incorporate them all into one layout would be ideal.
Often times my kids and I will build a layout on the basement floor with a combination of G,O, and HO(using Bachmann E-Z track). It's really fun. And all it is is 3 loops of the different gauge tracks, with three trains running.
I say go for it!

[Anonymous]

I too have multiple scales, in my case, two! I started out with N Scale for space reasons. I have room in an extra room for a 4x9 layout. That is a project in the works (benchwork complete and all track down and running, now finishing wiring and scenery).

While at one of my LHS's, I got the O Gauge bug... The things that O gauge can do that my N-Scale stuff can not (sounds, electro-couplers, smoke, etc) really atracted me to it. So I jumped in all the way with a Christmas layout on a 5x9 platform under the tree. Started with an MTH set and went ahead and got all of the DCS stuff too (after all with my N-Scale stuff I am used to DCC Command Control)! The investment was made after negatiating a side of the spare room that will give me 12 1/2' x 6' of floor space.

Well with the signifigant investment (time and Money) in N-Scale, not too mention I still love what that scale can offer me too, I do not want to give up my N-Scale stuff. So, the solution is a raised (so I can run wire under it) platform on the floor of the 12 1/2 x 6 area. The N-Scale table will sit on that, and the O gauge track will work around the six legs of the N scale table.

This is how I have decided I can have the best of both worlds!

Jeff

[Anonymous]

Scale, what is that? Just build a Toy train layout and pick a Gauge or two for the track .

I have 027 track and much of Lionels 027 is about 20% less than O gauage or closer to maybe S scale. So I use any thing that is small and will cut the 027 curves. Lots of my old Marx tin is S scale size. I use an HO trolley and HO Hotwheel cars. So what. Of course the that Lionel Gateman is a monster.

Charlie

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys for the encouragement. I like several scales and want the best of all worlds. I guess you might say I like trains, period. I will figure out a way to do it.

[Anonymous]

I don't think I will leave o scale trains soon. I started with HO-went to n-back to ho-and ended up with O

[wiz1500]

The Lionel visitor center layout has O on the bottom and S on the upper

[wiz1500]

and it looks great. The S is high and far away so it forces your perspective.

[Anonymous]

I would love to see the Lionel visitor center layout. Does anyone have a link to a web site showing pictures of it????????

[cbq9911a]

I've got a mixture of O-3 rail and HO. HO is on one side, O on the other. Both layouts are double track ovals around the basement; they descend to go under the "other" layout. My basement is approximately 20' x 30'.

[wiz1500]

jdoll
It;s about that time of year again for my family and I to make are trip to the sacred grounds of the big house...I will be taking my new X-mas gift...aka. digital camera and will post what I can....I know of no sites