I am in the planning stages of my next model railroad and I'm exploring a number of different possibilities. O scale is certainly a possibility and I'd like to hear what other say about Proto:48 compared to 2 rail O scale.
I've been a modeler for a long time in a variety of scales including Sn3 so an extreme minority scale or gauge doesn't scare me. Proto:48 looks fantastic but I can see where conversion of some O scale equipment, especially steam might be impossible. What does everyone else think? Worth the extra effort?
Nevin,
You would have a better chance of having Your query answered/discussed if You would post it on the CTT site. Classic Toy Trains.
Take Care!
Frank
Actually, 2-rail O Scale is probably better discussed here. The three-rail O-Gaugers on the CTT site likely don't have an opinion.
A client of mine set out to build a Proto:48 2-rail O Scale layout, but found that the need to rework every engine and car was much too onerous. And they were still a little finicky. Went back to O Scale and was able to actually build and enjoy a layout.
It may depend on whether you want to spend a lot of time on rolling stock and handlaying all the track or you’d rather use that time to build a layout. YMMV
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
If you're a model builder, Proto:48 would be a great choice. I just visited the Proto:48 site. There's some fantastic looking kits. And I saw diesel wheelsets for converting from O scale.
The big problem does look to be steam locomotive drivers. As in regaging them.
If you could be happy running a few diesels on a relatively (for 1/4") small layout (remember: hand laid track)(which looks amazing!), it would be an excellent choice.
But if you want to get a bunch of equipment and have a more extensive layout, O scale would be the choice. Because life is not nearly as long as we wish.
I've been in HO for about forever. And I must admit, if I were to go into the 1/4" scales, I don't know which direction I'd go, either.
I suppose it's not impossible to do both: join a club that does O scale, and bring your O scale equipment. And build a small switching layout at home, and do it as Proto:48. Big steam at the club. And. A Proto:48 SW7 and/or an S-2 switching your industrial home layout, with handlaid track.
Ed
While not my main scale, I do like to dabble in 2 rail O scale.
The only real advantage I can actually see with Proto:48 is that you can have wheels that are the correct width. The difference between 1.17 and 1.25 is not one I can discern unless you lay one track on top of the other.
2 rail O scale OTOH has a lot available to get started quickly - track, locomotives and cars that don't require conversion, etc.
A big reason S is my primary scale is 2 rail O scale curves are too big for what I want to do in my space - Proto:48 curves are even larger.
I would say if your primary interest in the hobby is model building to very detailed exact standards then Proto:48 is the way to go. If you're more interested in an operational layout go with 2 rail O scale - if you can fit it in.
Paul
IRONROOSTERThe only real advantage I can actually see with Proto:48 is that you can have wheels that are the correct width.
I think the corrected gauge from O scale's 5' gauge is another advantage to Proto48. O scale locomotives nearly always have some compromises in them as a result.
I have seen trolley layouts that use 17/64th scale on O gauge track and the difference and improvement is perceptible.
Dave Nelson
Thanks to everyone for their comments. It looks like if I want to build a small layout or module, then Proto:48 is the way to go. Anything substantially larger and it might mean too much time laying track and modifying equipment. If I go O scale, I'll probably go conventional.
Finding the right equipment might be a challenge. Has anyone had much experence converting MTH 3 rail engines to 2 rail operation? It looks like they have made it possible with their designs but it is not clear how simple or expensive the operation is.
There are a fair number of companies making 1:48 scale two-rail equipment, so unless there's a "gotta have it" item that's only available in 3-rail from MTH, you probably would just want to go with those makers (like Atlas for example.)
You might find more answers over on O Gauge Railroading magazine's forums.
https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/forum-directory
There is also a pretty good Proto:48 discussion group (it was a Yahoo Group and has transitioned to groups.io). If you need just about ANY advice or inspiration, the folks there should be able to give it to you stat.
Check out www.proto48.org and see what Proto 48 Modeler has to offer in the way of available models and equipment. In addition, some of the best modeler's layouts are also featured on ths site.
For any die hard fan of the historic Colorado Midland be sure and obtain a copy of Model Railroader's Great Model Railroads 2018 which includes Andrew Dodge's Proto 48 layout where he models the CM in 1897.
He scratchbuilt the steam locomotives which should provide you with plenty of ideas and help you make the decision if you really want to pursue O scale with all the fine detail possible Proto 48 has to offer.
Joseph Toth, Jr.