Comparison of Costs of Different Gauges

[Anonymous]

I'm new to the hobby. In the "World's Greatest Hobby" brochure, it mentions that cost should be one of the considerations in deciding which gauge to pursue. However, the article doesn't give any information on the relative cost of each gauge. I'm open - from G to Z - at this point. Does anyone have any guidance or ideas of where I could get this information? TIA, Dave Prewitt

[Anonymous]

I haven't done much outside of HO scale, but I think it is the medium or medium low on the price scale. I would think more about space and then select N or HO based on that, the bigger stuff will get pricey (but that may be what you want).
Z - Can't tell you what this stuff runs
N - Usually the cheapest that I see for the basics and for track, although some of the more detailed and finer running units can cost more than HO.
HO - My favorite, a good medium for size and cost. Really common so the prices are good, usually real nice engines can be had for under $100. The larger steam or finely detailed deisel or electric can reach prices in the mid to high $200's, sometimes above $300. Track is only slightly more expensive than N.
S - Sorry, again I can't give you an estimate on Price.
O - This is the lionel stuff from our youth. Non-lionel products flucuate, but the Lionel is pretty pricy. A good starter set will cost you $250 - $350 for an engine, 4 cars and a loop of track.
G - Everything I have ever seen in large scales has cost a fortune.

I know this isn't going to be much help. You should take a look at DiscountTrainsOnline.com, or InternetTrains.com and then check the prices on relativly same items in different scales. I think you will find that HO is always going to be about the best because of the popularity of it.

[Anonymous]

N scale is by far the most economical scale. Freight cars are cheaper than HO (the Atlas cars, that is), most diesels are cheaper, layouts can fit in a smaller space, and there will be many new steamers coming (and some re-releases).

Con-Cor Daylight (new
Con-Cor 4-8-4 re-release
Big Boy Re-release
Kato Mike re-release with new roadnames and improved pickup
Bachmann 2-8-0 (new spectrum model)

A good webpage for N scale is BLW
www.buynscale.com

[BRAKIE]

David:The scale you choose is up to you.What you will need to do is go to the hobby shop and look at the differant scales and what is offered.Then decide which is better for you.As you look remember how much space you will be working with.both H.O and N scale is the most popular.Both cost about the same.being in H.O I could tell you that it is easier to work with but,takes more room then N scale.Both scales are good. so, as I stated you must choose what is best for you and the space you have.And welcome to the worlds greatest hobby!!!

[thirdrail1]

Costs vary between scales, but no more than costs vary within scales. With the exception of Z scale (which is the smallest), generally the smaller the equivalent model, the lower the price, but the price difference is NOT proportional to the size. Quality costs, no matter the scale. Consider this.. if you want to build railroad models, choose HO or larger, but if you want to build a model railroad, choose N, as most people do not have the space to reproduce a believeable layout in the larger scales. In HO, for example, a 4ft. by 8 ft. railroad represents only 5.56 acres. Can you imagine a real railroad system on five and a half acres???????????

[BRAKIE]

Now Gregg,let's be nice!Let's not knock another mans scale.You see,I modeled in N scale in the 80's.my frist N scale layout was on a 36"x72"door.I will not get my soap box out and rant about N scale.

[thirdrail1]

I was not "knocking" anyone's scale, only pointing out that each scale has different advantages, especially as to whether one wants to model individual items such as rolling stock and structures or entire scenes as a whole.

[BRAKIE]

Gregg:Ok! I under stand what you are saying,But,will state that in any scale there is going to be giving and taking on modeling any scene.have a happy thanksgiving!

[jamesedwbradley]

David, I think your choice is driven by your interest in the 'real thing' ("prototype"). What do you want to see your trains do? How much time and space do you have? Track Plan? Steam, diesel, traction? Main or branch line? One engine and a few cars, or 6-10+ engines and hundreds of cars? Of course a whole flock will cost more than a few, in any scale. If only 1 engine and few cars with large space, I'd consider G Scale for the superior electrical contact which can be problem in HO and N Scales. See John Armstrong's "Track Planning for Realistic Operation" (Kalmbach). Jim Bradley, Natl. Director Hawk Mtn. Chapter National Ry. Historical Society