Beginner Question: Use old stock O-27 track and turnouts or invest in new O-guage trackage like Gargraves or Atlas.
Background: We are planning a new layout for grandchildren (8 and 10). Train room has space for walking around a 4x8 up to an 8x8.
Initially, we plan to run existing Lionel Postwar thru MPC Era power and rolling stock. We probably have enough O-27 track and turnouts to do a 4x8. We want a layout configuaration for two operators, using direct control thru a ZW, initially.
Final input...we woud like to select a trackage system to support future upgrade to newer power and rolling stock (i.e. larger turning radii in layout) and some type of digital control.
Thank you for your thoughts.
I've got three grandsons and a nephew (11 and younger) who don't give a 'possum's puhtooty what type of track Pop's uses. To them, it's about the trains, and the thrill of pushing some accessory buttons. If you have enough O-27, go with that. If you keep the layout at 8x8, I recommend Ross track for future "upgrade", because it is good looking and sectional.
My oldest boy loves the carpentry portion of the hobby, as well as running electrical wire underneath. So DO get one or both involved in the construction.
The majority of modern locomotives need O31 or wider radius curves for operation. So I'd recommend having at least one loop with wider curves. Sectional track with O27 profile rail was made in other radii than just 27 inches. If you have one oval of 42 inch radius curves on the outside, you could still use O27 switches to connect to an inner loop or figure eight for crossover traffic. Obviously locomotives that need wider curves couldn't operate on the tighter loop, but that's a great excuse for having a switch engine!
aboard!
Same me, different spelling!
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