I dabbled in HO, HOn3, and O gauge, but when On30 came out I thought I finally found my calling. I stocked up on C&S rolling stock, but offerings in the gauge seems to have gotten thinner. I'm still waiting for a C&S 2-8-0.
I just posted on the N Scale for Operations thread. I will say the same thing here. N scale is just too small and too finicky. Before I moved into HO scale, I tried my hand at S scale so that I could use my old American Flyer stuff, but availability and choice was just too limited in S scale. That said, I still consider S scale as the perfect scale visually and operationally.
Rich
Alton Junction
I model the Colorado and Southern in HOn3 as well as the Rio Grande in standard gauge. I also have a small N scalelayout that kept the hobby going for two years when we were on the road. HON3 is a small but vital segment especially when you model an oddball like the C&S. On a related thing for a short time I lived in a town with two other model railroaders allthree of us were narrow gauge but they were sn3 and RGS and I was HOn3 and C&S and still the odd man out. It does make you build more but I find scratchbuilding to be one of the more satisfying parts of the hobby. Even though you might model an odd scale I find it very helpful to network. I am the lone Rio Grande Modeler running those at our club in a sea of Southern and Norfolk and Western but I love the fellowship and do a lot on the club layout. I also find that specific forums on your interest helps. I actually formed a C&S group that covers all scales and history on FB and it has grown to 1700 members. Not all are modelers but are interested in local or railroad history. That helps with your specific interest and you never know there might be someone else interested nearby.
Jim
MidlandMike I dabbled in HO, HOn3, and O gauge, but when On30 came out I thought I finally found my calling. I stocked up on C&S rolling stock, but offerings in the gauge seems to have gotten thinner. I'm still waiting for a C&S 2-8-0.
When Bachmann came out with their first C&S set in On30 I have to admit I was pretty tempted. In retrospect it was probably the right decision to stay with HOn3 as I had to deal with several small spaces and was limited to a switching layout. Have more space now but the standard gauge takes most.
Hi there. I like the look of smaller and odd locos, so narrow gauge (and logging) is something I got into a few years ago. My layout is mainly HO, but I have a small HOn3 line, and two sites with very short strips of HOn30. Here is my logging operation that combines HO and HOn30:
IMG_20211203_213915 on Flickr
I also have a portable HOn30 loop that I can display during the holidays. In addition, I have a portable O (2 rail) and On30 table that is in storage. It's not quite finished, but I plan on using it for shows and exhibits. I also do a loop of O scale under the tree during the holidays. All of these projects were a LOT of fun... No regrets.
From a technical perspective, the HOn30 is challenging because of the size (HO scale equipment running on N scale track). But to me, HOn3 is more challenging because of the availability of the rolling stock. It's out there, but it will cost you an arm and a leg, unless you buy used equipment. Old HOn3 brass is still expensive and not always in good running order. MDC made a few locos - cheaper than brass on the used market but still expensive in my view.
In a sense, HOn30 is easier, thanks to N scale track and equipment that can be used for kitbashing purposes. European manufacturers now offer some pretty cool stuff (they call it OO9 and HOe). But the big change came a few years ago with 3D prints available at low cost, which can be used to dress N scale mechanisms. Here is a Porter and a Shay that I kitbashed from 3D prints:
20201022_190843b on Flickr
20190517_215454b on Flickr
The gears on the Shay are not operational - but it's so tiny that few people would actually notice . One day, I will get an Atlas N scale Shay and do the conversion. Unless I go for a Japanese model - yes they do really cool stuff too!
So, if you like scratchbuilding or kitbashing, narrow gauge could be for you. If you have a tight budget, you need to choose carefully. On the other hand, buying new HO RTR stuff is not getting cheaper either...
Simon
I admit the Bachmann On30 line is appealing and probably the main reason I might even consider something outside HO or N standard gauge.
Compared to HO and N it seems like you really need to jump in all at once, with a plan, when things are available. Or network and know what manufacturers have in the pipeline. Is that a somewhat accurate statement?
I can see where one would be forced to focus and be resourceful.
Edit: Simon's post popped in while I was writing. Nice work! I will check out HOn30.
I was in O scale for about fifteen years. I started when Atlas was still making their early O scale equipment, so price wasn't bad - $5 for an ore car or $7 for the other cars wasn't much money even in the 1970s. However, it eventually got frustrating to be expected to pay $225 for a locomotive you could get in HO for only $25, so I switched in the late eighties to HO. (I considered N, but things didn't run that great in N then. Now I might have gone to N.)
If you do change scales, going down to a smaller scale seems to work better. Even now, after 30+ years in HO, I still kinda 'think' in O scale, so I'm often pleasantly surprised that say a structure kit turns out to take up less room than I pictured in my mind, leaving room around it for a parking lot or another related building etc.
Oh BTW don't believe that nonsense about 'old eyes need a larger scale'. If you're having trouble seeing the trains, just get a pair of "computer glasses" from your eye doctor or wherever you buy glasses.
snjroy From a technical perspective, the HOn30 is challenging because of the size (HO scale equipment running on N scale track). But to me, HOn3 is more challenging because of the availability of the rolling stock. It's out there, but it will cost you an arm and a leg, unless you buy used equipment. Old HOn3 brass is still expensive and not always in good running order. MDC made a few locos - cheaper than brass on the used market but still expensive in my view. In a sense, HOn30 is easier, thanks to N scale track and equipment that can be used for kitbashing purposes. European manufacturers now offer some pretty cool stuff (they call it OO9 and HOe). But the big change came a few years ago with 3D prints available at low cost, which can be used to dress N scale mechanisms. Here is a Porter and a Shay that I kitbashed from 3D prints: 20201022_190843b on Flickr 20190517_215454b on Flickr The gears on the Shay are not operational - but it's so tiny that few people would actually notice . One day, I will get an Atlas N scale Shay and do the conversion. Unless I go for a Japanese model - yes they do really cool stuff too! So, if you like scratchbuilding or kitbashing, narrow gauge could be for you. If you have a tight budget, you need to choose carefully. On the other hand, buying new HO RTR stuff is not getting cheaper either... Simon
Love the HOn30 shay and equipment. Could see that running on the Gilpin.
HOn3 has reverted somewhat- it has always been a craftsman's scale The staples were Labelle wood kits and Railline plastic kits- both require adding grab irons etc. Motive power was brass. When Blackstone came out (and a lesser extent microtrains) suddenly stuff was ready to run- now with the dearth of Blackstone we are back where we started- craftsman kits and brass. HOn30 has been what I term a kitbashers scale- starting with Frary and Haden- the N scale mechanisms help. There are several that have used it to model the Gilpin Tram in Colorado (There are two huge threads on it in the Freerails forum) I was kind of glad I model after the tram ended though- doing dual gauge trackwork in HOn3/HOn30 would be a bit more than I wanted to do..... Did model Black Hawk though. Everything is scratchbuilt or heavily kitbashed with the exception of a couple of mines.
At one point I considered two rail O scale.
I have Bachmann On30 for the Christmas train......
Years ago I would have been temped by S scale if more was available.I think S and HO are the two scales that provide the best of all features. And I think if non tinplate S had come along sooner, HO might not have become the dominant scale.
But here we are, and I'm not changing scale, gauge, era, theme, locale, control system.......
Sheldon
MJ4562Compared to HO and N it seems like you really need to jump in all at once, with a plan, when things are available. Or network and know what manufacturers have in the pipeline. Is that a somewhat accurate statement?
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
MJ4562Wondering if anyone here has experience with the less common model railroad scales or gauges? What is it like and knowing what you know now would you still do it and do you have any regrets? Any suggestions for someone that is considering it?
As Bear pointed out, a ready supply of cash is a great help in any of the minority scales. Each of the minority scales gets its day in the sun and 15 minutes of fame, and then stuff disappears from the face of the Earth unless you have the bucks to pay E-bay prices.
I was trying to choose between 1900-era HO/HOn3 and 3 rail O/On30. Obviously the latter is less "serious", but I do love the Lionel operating accessories. In the end, the HO/HOn3 won out due to likely space constraints, and lack of a decent universal manual uncoupling system in 3 rail O. I chose HO/HOn3 so I could be content with a small shelf layout performing switching operations, and have reasonably coherent scenery.
What I didn't count on when I started was Roundhouse going the way of the dodo, and Blackstone prices rising to the same level as used brass. And the lack of 1900 motive era power in HO beyond used train set and Roundhouse OT was also a surprise. Towards the last few years of my working career (retired in 2021 as part of the Great Quit), money was a little more available, and I was able to pick up a few used brass locomotives. But ALL are kits or rebuilds - none are RTR.
The other downer has been MicroEngineering and Shinohara disappearing from the HOn3 track business. Result is I get to build my own turnouts and possibly track. Again, not a tragedy. It's doable, but it's a time sink when I'm trying to get things running.
Everytime I started thinking about working on getting locomotives built, running well, and DCC installed, I would think about changing back to 3 rail O and On30. But those have also lost a lot of their suppliers, too. MTH is gone, and all but Lionel and Atlas have merged with Bachmann. Bachmann in both 3 rail O and On30 has significantly cut back production as they deal with "produced in China" woes.
Having chosen our "retirement" home, shelf, modular, and Christmas layouts are going to be it unless there is a remarkable turn-around in buying power to finish off a room over the garage.
But life has treated us very, very well. I have enough kits and locomotive work and track to be laid to probably keep me busy for as long as the Lord keeps me on this Earth.
Fred W
....modeling foggy coastal Oregon, where it's always 1900....
Microengeneering is still making track. The company is up for sale but still going. I would echo that most guys in minority scales go into it heavy. It had been quite a while since I had been to a narrow gauge national but went to Hickory and there is a whole lot of money going out there. Myself being a cheapskate and on a preachers budget I cut corners. I bought a couple of great deals on scratchbuilding supplies and that has fueled a lot of buildings buying basicly windows and a few odds and ends. Rather than buying Blackstone I build kits. My locos are brass that needed work. I don't need a huge roster. I approach t he standard gauge in the same way. I suppose I am somewhat of an anomaly in HOn3 circles though.
I believe Peco still offers Hon3 track and turnouts.
About focus, I for one would have been very frustrated if I had focussed on Hon3. My Hon3 roster includes 3 locos that run well, and 2 that still need work (I'm not giving up on them yet). I also have 2 unbuilt kits - one that may end up being a source of parts, and another that may never get built, an MDC shay which I am told is way oversized. That is the result of a continuous search on the used market for decent running locos at an acceptable cost (for my budget anyway). My guess is that the Blackstones will eventually be available on the used market at reasonable costs. My rolling stock is also sparse and includes a few conversions of standard gauge items. Lots of fun, but not enough to satisfy my modelling appetite. My HO scale roster keeps me way more busy, and both have room on my layout.
There is one aspect that should be discussed: operations. While HOn30 is fun to model, operations are way less sophisticated than in standard gauge. Unless you invest a lot of effort in adapted couplers and uncouplers, operations will often depend on the giant five finger crane. That does not bother me too much, but my standard gauge equipment is much more fun from that perspective, most of which I can operate without the hand of God.
snjroy I believe Peco still offers Hon3 track and turnouts. About focus, I for one would have been very frustrated if I had focussed on Hon3. My Hon3 roster includes 3 locos that run well, and 2 that still need work (I'm not giving up on them yet). I also have 2 unbuilt kits - one that may end up being a source of parts, and another that may never get built, an MDC shay which I am told is way oversized. That is the result of a continuous search on the used market for decent running locos at an acceptable cost (for my budget anyway). My guess is that the Blackstones will eventually be available on the used market at reasonable costs. My rolling stock is also sparse and includes a few conversions of standard gauge items. Lots of fun, but not enough to satisfy my modelling appetite. My HO scale roster keeps me way more busy, and both have room on my layout. There is one aspect that should be discussed: operations. While HOn30 is fun to model, operations are way less sophisticated than in standard gauge. Unless you invest a lot of effort in adapted couplers and uncouplers, operations will often depend on the giant five finger crane. That does not bother me too much, but my standard gauge equipment is much more fun from that perspective, most of which I can operate without the hand of God. Simon
Motive power always seems like the hardest issue. I had always thought that the Roundhouse inside and outside frame would have been a natural for release in ready to run. Supposedly the tooling was damaged but I am a little cynical on that. The boiler and other tooling still exists. That leaves both frames being destroyed?? In addition some of Roundhouses newer tooling in SG was also damaged including the Harrimans and the Pensy and the older Santa Fe ones. I am a little cynical.
Anyhow car kits are still available in pretty good amounts. I have plenty of those to assemble.
A lot of Wargamers, including myself, use European prototype TT scale models.
These scale out almost perfectly for use in 15mm scale WW2 games.
I have a pretty good sized collection of TT scale equipment that has been modified to use HOn3 track. I also have scratchbuilt some equipment in the scale for Wargaming.
There are companies that offer resin cast trains for wargaming in 1/56, 1/100, and 1/120 scales.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
snjroy There is one aspect that should be discussed: operations. While HOn30 is fun to model, operations are way less sophisticated than in standard gauge. Unless you invest a lot of effort in adapted couplers and uncouplers, operations will often depend on the giant five finger crane. That does not bother me too much, but my standard gauge equipment is much more fun from that perspective, most of which I can operate without the hand of God. Simon
Hmm. That is not something I had heard mentioned before.
Am I mis-remembering or did HOn30 used to be called HOn2 1/2?
Talking out loud to myself here. Yeah, definitely locomotives would be a big issue. Rolling stock second, but could probably be modified from other scale kits. Buildings and figures could be repurposed from standard gauge or other miniatures.
Kevin- interesting to note TT gauge track ALMOST became the standard for HOn3. John Allen and several other early narrow gaugers lobbied for the correct gauge- which in hindsight of the gauge's demise in the US was probably the right decision. It survived better in Europe behind the Iron Curtain as it was what was allowed manufacture in East Germany by Zeuke. (Although Rokal also did it in West Germany) In the US almost all was made by Hal Joyce. When N scale came out it was pretty much doomed- except in the captive market in East Germany which also supplied Russia. Because it got market penetration as a result of this it remained. N scale made a more significant difference in size and was also better detailed by far that Joyce's line. Basicly a single provider did not help it's lack of popularity in the US. It was just too close to HO to make a difference in size- something that also hamstringed S scale vs HO and O- a scale seems to be significantly larger or smaller to see a niche become successful. Large scale, O, HO, N and Z are all positioned about double (or half) the size. S, OO (American) and TT were kind of left out. S scale held on better than the other two because of Flyer and the Sn3 community.
I actually was at a swap meet about a year ago and spotted two gons I thought were HOn3 from the other end of the table. When I got closer- realized they were TT- well he offered them to me for a buck each- I got them of course and they are awaiting conversion to HOn3.
MJ4562- HOn30 was indeed originally called HOn2 1/2 and most all of the early articles popularizing it for modeling Maine 2 foot gauge by Frary and Haden used that term. Same for the imports by Joe Works. I can not remember the year it and On30 were switched in terms but I think in the 90's.
I have been in S scale for 30 years now. I did HO for a few years when I started and then O for a few years, before I decided S was the best scale for me.
MJ4562Wondering if anyone here has experience with the less common model railroad scales or gauges? What is it like
S scale is similar to HO but the bigger pieces make it a joy to work with. Also the larger S trains have more a visual presence than HO. Track cleaning is non issue, probably because of the bigger wheels and extra weight. An S scale layout requires a bit more space than HO, but still can be done on a table top, walk in, etc.
An important thing to note about S scale is that while the linear scale is about 1 1/3 the size of HO, the models being 3 dimensional are actually 2 1/2 times the size of HO.
MJ4562knowing what you know now would you still do it and do you have any regrets?
Yes I would still do it. I found HO's small size to be too frustrating for me. I know many are fine with it, but for me it's just a little too small. O scale is nice and the trains have a real presence running on the layout. But O scale requires more room than I have for what I want to do.
MJ4562Any suggestions for someone that is considering it?
The biggest decision has to be made up front. Use scale wheels and scale turnouts or use Hirail wheels and Hirail turnouts. You can easily use KD couplers with either one.
The old S Helper line included both types of wheels for their freight cars and diesel locomotives - be sure anything you buy on the used market has or includes the type wheels you want. Also converting freight cars to KD couplers required a spacer piece also included. The diesels came set up for AC but included a part to convert to DC. They also used a DCC socket so changeing to DCC was easy. MTH took over the S Helper line but only included both wheel types with their diesels. MTH also use Protosound 3 decoders which will work with AC, DC, DCS, and DCC Scale Trains bought the tooling when MTH closed down, but has yet to produce anything.
American Models is currently the big manufacturer other than American Flyer. Their stuff is available either with scale or HiRail wheels. Also with AC or DC. Conversion parts are not included.
American Flyer has Hirail wheels and AC or Flyer Chief. One diesel had scale wheels available from Lionel, but other wise you're on your own for conversion. Also most American Flyer equipment tends to have over sized details.
The biggest issue most people have with S is there is a lot less available than HO. Steam is very limited, but diesels are available. Passenger equipment is also limited. Road specific equipment is very limited. The car or engine might follow a particular prototype, but it will be decorated for several railroads.
The age of laser kits has been a boon for S scale. Most laser kit manufacturers include S versions of many of their kits.
Quite a bit has been available over the last 20-30 years and is frequently available used. The S Helper line is very good. American Models line is also good. Some American Flyer stuff may be usable depending on how picky you are on the details. There are many small manufacturers as well. The NASG website has information on current and past manufacturers.
Overall there is enough avaialble in S that you don't have to scratchbuild anything. If you are somewhat flexible in using what is available then S scale is a good choice.
Paul
IRONROOSTER American Models is currently the big manufacturer other than American Flyer.
American Models is currently the big manufacturer other than American Flyer.
drgwcsKevin- interesting to note TT gauge track ALMOST became the standard for HOn3. John Allen and several other early narrow gaugers lobbied for the correct gauge.
They are extremely close. It takes very little effort to push the wheels on the axles to get them the sit on the HOn3 gauge rails. I have not had to modify any sideframes to get this to work.
HOn3 track look enough like "war emergency" fast-build trackage for what we are doing.
I was not aware that at one time TT was considered for HOn3 gauge. Interesting stuff.
There are some other unique modeling scales. Doug Tagsold uses HO standard gauge old timers to model narrow gauge in 1/72. He scratchbuilds buildings but figures and vehicles are out there for military modelers.
richhotrain IRONROOSTER American Models is currently the big manufacturer other than American Flyer. Paul, I was looking at the American Models website, and I see that Ron, the owner, passed away this past December. His "family" has indicated an intent to keep the business up and running but from the photo they look to be up in years. What is your assessment of the future of S scale trains in general and American Models specifically? Rich
Paul, I was looking at the American Models website, and I see that Ron, the owner, passed away this past December. His "family" has indicated an intent to keep the business up and running but from the photo they look to be up in years. What is your assessment of the future of S scale trains in general and American Models specifically?
I think S will remain going forward. American Flyer under Lionel seems to be here to stay. They just came out with Flyer Fast Track - interestingly it uses scale rail profile instead of the bent steel sheet metal used in their Lionel O gauge Fast Track. The Flyer Fast Track rails are code 138 (similar to code 100 in HO) and matches the rail used in S Helper/MTH track and Fox Valley Models track. I think this new investment shows a commitment to S. They also continue to develop new products.
Basically S scale survives because of the American Flyer Toy Train market - with collectors of vintage and new products. Most folks in S are in American Flyer and compatibles. American Models produces a more scale model with Hirail wheels and Flyer couplers for the American Flyer crowd as well as versions with scale wheels. Their locomotives are available with AC or DC power also.
I think the S scale market can easily support American Models. They have a more stable inventory with product always available while American Flyer does more product development but with limited runs and usually has less available at any given point in time. Of course when the founder retires or dies (as in this case) a company may or may not survive - hopefully the family can keep it going and pass it along to the next generation.
If Scale Trains actually produces S scale trains from the S Helper tooling they bought from MTH, S scale will be very robust going forward. The S Helper Line doesn't have much overlap with the American Models line - they are more complimentary.
IRONROOSTER richhotrain IRONROOSTER American Models is currently the big manufacturer other than American Flyer. Paul, I was looking at the American Models website, and I see that Ron, the owner, passed away this past December. His "family" has indicated an intent to keep the business up and running but from the photo they look to be up in years. What is your assessment of the future of S scale trains in general and American Models specifically? Rich I think S will remain going forward. American Flyer under Lionel seems to be here to stay. They just came out with Flyer Fast Track - interestingly it uses scale rail profile instead of the bent steel sheet metal used in their Lionel O gauge Fast Track. The Flyer Fast Track rails are code 138 (similar to code 100 in HO) and matches the rail used in S Helper/MTH track and Fox Valley Models track. I think this new investment shows a commitment to S. They also continue to develop new products. Basically S scale survives because of the American Flyer Toy Train market - with collectors of vintage and new products. Most folks in S are in American Flyer and compatibles. American Models produces a more scale model with Hirail wheels and Flyer couplers for the American Flyer crowd as well as versions with scale wheels. Their locomotives are available with AC or DC power also. I think the S scale market can easily support American Models. They have a more stable inventory with product always available while American Flyer does more product development but with limited runs and usually has less available at any given point in time. Of course when the founder retires or dies (as in this case) a company may or may not survive - hopefully the family can keep it going and pass it along to the next generation. If Scale Trains actually produces S scale trains from the S Helper tooling they bought from MTH, S scale will be very robust going forward. The S Helper Line doesn't have much overlap with the American Models line - they are more complimentary. Paul
Another thing that has helped S is the Sn3 narrow gaugers. This has fueled Craftsman structure kits. However it again is primarily one manufacturer for rolling stock and motive power PBL. There are a few others that are more craftsman kits and generally they are multi scale producers. It does seem like a great scale for narrow gauge with cars being slightly larger than HO standard. I do think the rise of ON30 did bite into a large share of the larger narrow gauge market. It did probably help On3 product availability as many simply include extra wheelsets. I suspect that it might have cut the overall share of Sn3 but it is so hard to find hard stats. Sn3 tends to be more popular on the west coast from what I have seen.
Most of my friends are narrow gauge modelers. From my view of their collective experience (HOn3, On3, Fn3 & Sn3), I would say that you can expect to spend lots more on motive power and rolling stock than you might in the common scales and gauges. It also seems that there are many more hard core scratch builders and builders in general in narrow gauge, due to the general lack of kits and RTR.
It looked like Blackstone was on the way to revolutionizing HOn3 when they got off track (pardon the pun). Despite some problems, their locos were gorgeous and ran better than most HOn3 brass out of the box. The rolling stock was so good that most of us would have a hard time building a kit to the quality/detail/precision level of their RTR. I hope the dream is not dead at Blackstone.
PBL continues to produce beautiful models in the Sn3 market (not inexpensive, but very nice stuff). Sn3 always struck me as the perfect scale/guage combination. One of my buddies and I used to kid another modeler in our group by calling Sn3 "gods scale" stupid, but fun.... LOL!!!
One Nice thing about narrow gauge is that there are no 100 car unit trains - you don't need tons of rolling stock to populate the layout.
The other thing I have noticed is when the narrow gauge bug bites, it generally causes the modeler to dive pretty deep in the pool. I've seen guys sell massive collections and start very ambitious projects while under the effects of the "fever" LOL!!
While I have been exposed to narrow gauge for many years now and operate regularly on narrow gauge layouts, the effect on my modeling has been to try and replicate the beat up look of narrow gauge running through big mountains in standard gauge. I have a mild case of the "fever".
Looking forward to the NNG convention this year in Tacoma. Hopefully the virus will behave...
Too much from me,
Guy
see stuff at: the Willoughby Line Site
trainnut1250 Most of my friends are narrow gauge modelers. From my view of their collective experience (HOn3, On3, Fn3 & Sn3), I would say that you can expect to spend lots more on motive power and rolling stock than you might in the common scales and gauges. It also seems that there are many more hard core scratch builders and builders in general in narrow gauge, due to the general lack of kits and RTR. It looked like Blackstone was on the way to revolutionizing HOn3 when they got off track (pardon the pun). Despite some problems, their locos were gorgeous and ran better than most HOn3 brass out of the box. The rolling stock was so good that most of us would have a hard time building a kit to the quality/detail/precision level of their RTR. I hope the dream is not dead at Blackstone. PBL continues to produce beautiful models in the Sn3 market (not inexpensive, but very nice stuff). Sn3 always struck me as the perfect scale/guage combination. One of my buddies and I used to kid another modeler in our group by calling Sn3 "gods scale" stupid, but fun.... LOL!!! One Nice thing about narrow gauge is that there are no 100 car unit trains - you don't need tons of rolling stock to populate the layout. The other thing I have noticed is when the narrow gauge bug bites, it generally causes the modeler to dive pretty deep in the pool. I've seen guys sell massive collections and start very ambitious projects while under the effects of the "fever" LOL!! While I have been exposed to narrow gauge for many years now and operate regularly on narrow gauge layouts, the effect on my modeling has been to try and replicate the beat up look of narrow gauge running through big mountains in standard gauge. I have a mild case of the "fever". Looking forward to the NNG convention this year in Tacoma. Hopefully the virus will behave... Too much from me, Guy
I would echo your thoughts about people diving pretty deep. Narrow gauge can get pretty expensive if you try.. Blackstone had neat stuff but it was not cheap. I have a couple of Blackstone cars. Their economy door box was close enough to a C&S box. I also could not resist a deal on one of the tanks. Being C&S helps limit what I use. I still keep an eye out for Microtrains gons. I have enough of their reefers. I always thought if they would have started with a C&S box or a stock they would still be doing HOn3. I just need to get assembling my Grandt line and Railline kits......... Good luck with fighting off narrow guage fever at the narrow gauge convention it is highly contagious.
Just as Bachmann did with On30, one way to keep the cost down is to use HO track, trucks and loco mechanisms for Sn42.
You can also use N for HOn30.
My favorite is using HOn3 for Sn2. A while back I got mildly interested in Sn2. Among other goodies, I bought some of the MDC HOn3 locomotive kits for eventual kitbashing into Sn2.