Glad you are still interested in the hobby after these past couple of years; remember, it's a hobby, not a job...take your time and enjoy every minute of it!
Buy quality and you won't be sorry, it might cost a little more but it will save you money and frustration doing it right, right from the start.
I think Atlas, Athearn, Kato, Proto2000 and Broadway Limited are among my top choices (there are probably many more but these are my choices). I don't like the train sets available in toy stores (even hobby shops), but they will get you running pretty quickly. Instead of a train set, why not get individual models? Your son will have a lot more smaller presents to open vs. one big train set box.
First of all, pick your favorite railroad and get a general idea of the place your layout will be set (i.e. CSX in Michigan (a specific town is great, but not totally important for a beginner).
Get a locomotive (diesels are a bit more forgiving for beginners); make sure it has 8 wheel drive and 8 wheel pickup (it should also feel kinda heavy, it will help make electrical contact with the track and it will pull more cars too).
Get a matching caboose (modern trains usually don't have cabooses, but they are good for kids); keep the loco and caboose the same railroad/paint scheme to start out with.
Get rolling stock; if you just want an oval, buy whatever you want your train to look like (basically, a train is at least an engine and caboose; freight cars can be added to build length.
Get track. For you, I think sectional track will work for the short term. Make Sure It Is Nickel Silver rail, NOT steel (even though it looks similar, it could rust and frustrate you by causing poor running trains), NOT brass (it looks unrealistic (gold) and generally performs poorer than nickel silver, especially for beginners.
Get a control system: I highly recommend DCC, it is commonly available and prices are pretty acceptable. True, you can spend several thousand dollars on a big, beautiful model with smoke, many lights (like firebox flickering light, marker lights, other signal lights, etc.) and sound, but if you can get a decent loco (I'd advise against internet purchases for now, buy the models you can touch and see operate) and add a $10-$20 DCC decoder to (just about) any locomotive. If this is too much for you to do by yourslf, I'm sure your LHS (Local Hobby Shop) can install it for a price (I have no idea how much). Don't be too concerned with sound; it's totally cool to have, but your son will still have fun running 2 or 3 (or more) trains...making all the sounds himself.
Now, you have a RELIABLE: loco, freight cars, caboose, track and a power system and an idea of what your 4x8 will look like (remember when I suggested you pick a location?) in your head. Now all you have to do is make your layout look like it does in your head; since you want a plain oval, it shouldn't be too difficult so I won't go on about track laying/scenery...too much.lol Track needs to be bulletproof; it will be what your trains run on tomorrow as well as a decade or so...make it good! No, make it PERFECT! If you aim for prefect, it won't be perfect, but I will just about guarantee it WILL be trouble free (aim for the stars and you might at least reach the moon). Since roller coaster was mentioned before, I will continue to use it as an example. Think of a roller coaster, when it goes up a hill, it is SMOOTH, no sharp angles! Think about the roller coaster curves; smooth transition from straight to the curve, no sharp angles! When tracks are butted together, there are no gaps; gaps on straights aren't too bad, gaps on curves will pretty much guarantee a problem...be it now or 10 years from now, probably right after you add scenery (Murphy's Law is in full effect in model railroading! lol); once again, aim for PREFECT trackwork and take your time to get it right.
I understand you want to start with an oval, then add onto it, but don't have any ideas now. Try to resist the urge to pack a lot of track into a small space; read Model Railroader for the project layouts (go back a couple decades if need be) and pick one that looks reasonable to you. Most have been 'approved' by serious modelers to be operational; that is, it will keep your interest running trains (making up trains, switching cars into industries will be more entertaining than making a train go faster and slower (just about the only option with an oval). Most of the MR project layouts are roughly an oval with other track added. If you can mentally remove all the industry spurs when looking at the track plans, you may have a basic oval-ish shape you can run in circles now, and when you are ready to expand, you will know where turnouts will fit, where industries will go (even though the actual industry may vary;instead of a lumber yard, maybe you want a small factory). Build it in stages and it will keep your interest.
One more thing about rolling stock/locos: Each time you buy a new car, get metal wheels and metal couplers. It will cost you a few extra bucks now, but it's easier to swallow an extra $5 each car, than to convert 3 locos and 20 cars all at once (I'm just estimating $5, it's probably less, especially if you buy in bulk).
Start out with quality equipment and you will eventually have a quality layout. If you buy cheap equipment, you will probably end up with a cheap layout (or spend more money upgrading).
Even if you don't listen to a single word I've said, I'm glad you are in the hobby and you will always have me as a friend; remember: Model Railroading is FUN!!!
Oh, and don't just head to the basement when you want to get 'your train on'; take your son track side to see the real things in action; hang out at an Amtrak station for a while, or (Highly Recommended) find a club and attend an open house and maybe meet another adult that can give you some hands on advice. As you might have figured out, it's sometimes a little hard to describe an issue you're having (seems like no matter how many details you provide, people always ask you for more information), thus a little hard getting a good answer. There are a lot of super helpful people on this forum (I'm not implying I am one of those, but I sure know how to write a long post! lol
http://delray1967.shutterfly.com/pictures/5
SEMI Free-Mo@groups.io
I concur about turning the sound off especially late at night. As The Who puts it
The Kids don't eat The dog can't sleep Theres no escape from the music in the whole d**mn street Mama's got a squeeze box Daddy never sleeps at night.
Joe Staten Island West
Joe - thanks for the tip. Do you have any recommendations for a good starter loco? The sounds are determined by the loco itself, not the controller right? I was pretty impressed with the sound effects from the MTH equipment. Is it possible to buy a decent loco with good sounds for under $100?
Also, now that I decided on DCC, I can buy any brand locos, right? Happy to be finally moving forward with this!
For now I would say yes except to fully appreciate DCC you will want 2 Locos one for you and one for your son , DCC Equpped Locos start at about $50 each
Once you get a more permanent layout and as your son gets older you may find yourself wanting a more advanced DCC system than the EZ Command.
There are only 2 expansions to the base EZ Command. The 5 amp Booster (which you will not need for a while, as I have run 2 or 3 locos off the base with no problems) Plus for the cost you could buy a higher end system.
The second is the walk around campanion which adds a second thottle so you and your child can each control your own trains seperately. I think you might be able to find this on EBay for about $40. While your there look for a shop called The Favorite Spot. I think you'll find they are cheaper than Amazon.
I have dealt with them they are quite reputable.
Joe
Thanks for the input.
Done some more research around and found this which may be an even better setup. I can buy the Bachmann E-Z Command (which I believe is better than the one that comes with the set I posted above) and a starter Bachmann track set they have for around $190 for both. Then I just need to pick up a loco and a few cars and I think I'm in business with a better set up than the starter set. And I believe this DCC controller will be more expandable than what comes in the box, right? Plus that track set is not just an oval - seems to have some turnouts included as well.
Plan would be to set this up on a 4x8, play with it for a while to get comfortable while I plan my "permanent" layout. Then I guess all I would need to buy is more track.
Do I have everything covered?
E-Z Command
Track Pack
The train set you want to buy comes with steel rail track. Fine, if you're running a loop around the Christmas tree, but in the long run, it will probably give you trouble.
Dave
Just be glad you don't have to press "2" for English.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ_ALEdDUB8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hqFS1GZL4s
http://s73.photobucket.com/user/steemtrayn/media/MovingcoalontheDCM.mp4.html?sort=3&o=27
I will second the Bachmann E-Z command. I used one for years with no problems. My Digitrax SEB on the other hand? I still use the E-Z command when the SEB is having a bad day!
Good luck.
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust
hominamad One quick followup to my own post... would a set like this: http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Walthers-Trainline-HO-BNSF-Freight-Set-p/931-890.htm be better to start out with for future expandability? Seems like it also has sound but uses standard DCC. Could I use this same transformer, etc on a bigger 4x8 layout when I'm ready to expand? Thanks again!
One quick followup to my own post... would a set like this: http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Walthers-Trainline-HO-BNSF-Freight-Set-p/931-890.htm
be better to start out with for future expandability? Seems like it also has sound but uses standard DCC. Could I use this same transformer, etc on a bigger 4x8 layout when I'm ready to expand?
Thanks again!
Hi
We won't go into my personal bias against DCC.
With a train set today If it doesn't have nickel silver rail don't buy it.
If it is not a quality brand don't buy it.
Generally speaking the train controllers regardless of type that come in a train set even a quality set are only up to running the train set and very little else. Some will even have a hissy fit if you dare to have a two coach lit passenger train added to the basic set.
When it comes to expanding the set the first thing to do is ditch the train controller and get a good quality powerful one, that will set you up to be able to expand.
Inspite of my personal feelings toward DCC this is the way things are heading so if you are starting from scratch that would make sense getting a DCC set
I see from this thread you never fixed up and finished that layout go stand in the corner
If you buy the set you are going to have to get the mind set of I will finish this or its going to turn into a very expensive white elephant.
If you have problems the people on this forum will help you get that new layout done properly if they can.
regards John
Hey everyone. I'm bumping this thread I started 2 years ago and feel very pathetic to admit that even after 4 pages of discussion, I was not able to make a decision and built....nothing! Well here it is, 2 years later, my son is now 6, its x-mas time and I have the bug again. This time I'm definitely going to pull the trigger (I think?) and I'm in this more for my own enjoyment at this point.
One thing I decided for certain now is that I want to stick with HO. My plan is going to be, to start small, with just an oval on a board. After getting the feel of it, I will decide on a 4x8 layout that has opportunities for expansion, and take it from there. I like the idea of a starter set because I can play with this with my son, and then when I start the "real" layout, I will get more realistic track, but still have the option to use the starter track on the floor, etc while the main layout is under construction.
Now I just need help figuring out what to buy at first. I'm really drawn to these MTH HO starter sets. For $200 you get everything you need to start out, plus a decent quality engine with nice sounds, and all. I'm just leary of getting hooked into the DCS system. Am I correct in understanding that with a DCS system, I can run DCC locos, but just won't get any of the sounds and extras? I don't want to be tied down to only buying MTH trains going forward.
Assuming I don't go with the MTH starter set what would be an equivalent if I just purchased the pieces individually? What upfront purchasing decision do I need to make now that will be hard to change later? The type of track?
Thanks in advance. Hopefully I can finally get this thing off the ground. The number of choices and directions to go is overwhelming.
~H
Just something to think about. You might want to consider used equipment. I went to a model railroad "garage sale" last weekend. Among some other killer deals (I spent $120 total) I got:
More than 24 of the Lionel turnouts, all sorts of crossings, and four boxes (big boxes) of track including O-72 curves. At least one of the boxes was as close to brand new as possible. This is the type in the diagrams you posted above. So turnout wise I have enough for at least two of those type of layouts. I haven't been a tinplate person for years and don't know what this stuff runs new, but some of the turnouts were marked from prior sales at $20 each. I got all of it for $40. I am guessing with the Lionel Fast Tracks no one wants the older stuff anymore?
I also got a box of 16 Scale O freight cars (Atlas, Weaver, Intermountain) with Kadee couplers for $10.
A Weaver RS-3 loco for $10.
A 1948 Lionel 0-4-0 switch engine for free because it was missing 1 wheel.
If one is patient, one can get a whole lot more trains for the same money on the used market.
Good Luck
Looking forward to seeing the pics.
Springfield PA
Thanks for everyone's advice here. I think I have a loose plan in my head for what to do. I think I'm going to buy the MTH RTR Railking set and it will be something for now he can only play with when I'm around. I'll have to put the trains away when we're not running them. I also may strip the track off the 4x8 layout in my parents place, bring it down to my basement and use it to run the MTH set for now so at least its not on the floor. If over the next few months he's really into it, I can gradually expand the layout, and if I'm happy with the system and O gauge in general, I can use that for the base of the layout I want to do. If I'm not happy with it, then he can continue to use it as his set as he'll be a bit older and know how to use it, and then I can start planning an HO layout for myself. The thing I realized is that I don't have time just yet anyway to begin work on my dream layout - hell, we barely finished unpacking into our new house! Just reading these boards and magazines, etc gave me the itch to get started immediately. Getting the Railking set is sort of a win-win for me, because if I decide in a few months or a year that I want to do HO, then I'd want my son to have a set that he considers his own so I can have full freedom to do what I want with mine. These railking sets seem to be the perfect starter set for a 5-10 year old kid.If and when I actually buy this thing I will be sure to post pics and a review. Thanks again everyone!
hominamad I'm reviving this thread I started about a year ago to update everyone on my new situation, and new dilemma. I don't really have any hard questions to ask, but maybe some members can share any personal experiences with me that will help me decide what to do here.Since I wrote my original post, my wife and I have bought a house - and thankfully, I have an approximately 5x10 area in our nice climate controlled basement which my wife has begrudgingly agreed to let me put some trains. My father has offered (or rather encouraged) me to take the half completed HO layout and equipment I wrote about originally out of his attic. My son is turning 4 in a month and absolutely loves trains. My parents bought him a Lionel remote controlled plastic G gauge set which runs on the floor in an oval, makes some great noises and he plays with it for hours. He wants to expand it though but also wants just about every train he sees on Youtube and in my catalogs, magazine, etc. Over the weekend I went to my local hobby shop with one of the plastic G tracks to see if they had any extra ones I could use to expand this set. I thought this could be a good temporary solution while I work on getting the HO set over to my house. However, once in the store, they sold me on these MTH Railking O-Gauge sets. They seem to be the perfect solution for me and a great way to get started with a solid quality, digital set. For about $350 I could get a DTS/DTCC equipped die-case metal steam engine, with a full range of sounds, smoke, etc, a transformer, digital controller, 4 or 5 cars, and enough track for a nice sized oval. He gave me a demo of the engine and I was really blown away by how easy it was to set up, and the sounds etc. The thing I like about this, is that I can buy this for my son's birthday, and then expand it, and maybe make this our "main" setup rather than continue the HO set.I know the topic of HO vs O is sort of sensitive but I'm really stuck on what to do here. The thing that makes me hesitant is that my son is still kind of stubborn about how he likes to run the trains. He doesn't like putting any fancy scenery around, likes to carry the trains around the house in his hands (def not a good idea with these), and the jury is out how he will feel about the sound and smoke. If I buy this though, I want it to also be MY layout to design and decorate, etc. I want to buy him something, but also retain the ability to work on my own project.The other decision I have, is to figure out if I want to switch to O scale. It was very appealing to me how easy it was to set up the track, the infrequency of derailments, and the ease to get the digital sounds, etc "out of the box" at a reasonable startup cost. I always thought O-gauge was more toylike and awkard, but after reading around and doing some research, I've seen some amazingly realistic O layouts. I was also surprised at how much action could be packed into a relatively small space - even with O. I think I could do something pretty cool with a 5x10 layout.At this point I'm leaning towards just splurging on this set "for my son" ;-), and putting it on a 5x10 or 4x8 tabletop I'll build for him and just keep the layout simple at first. I can see then how he likes it, maybe expand a little bit to a figure 8 or something. Then I can just play it by ear. As I said above, I don't really have any questions here, but wanted to share my story and see if anyone else has gone through a similar process. It seems insignificant, but these are investments and I don't want to spend a lot of money time to go down a "track" that I'm not happy with.Thanks! ~H
I'm reviving this thread I started about a year ago to update everyone on my new situation, and new dilemma. I don't really have any hard questions to ask, but maybe some members can share any personal experiences with me that will help me decide what to do here.Since I wrote my original post, my wife and I have bought a house - and thankfully, I have an approximately 5x10 area in our nice climate controlled basement which my wife has begrudgingly agreed to let me put some trains. My father has offered (or rather encouraged) me to take the half completed HO layout and equipment I wrote about originally out of his attic. My son is turning 4 in a month and absolutely loves trains. My parents bought him a Lionel remote controlled plastic G gauge set which runs on the floor in an oval, makes some great noises and he plays with it for hours. He wants to expand it though but also wants just about every train he sees on Youtube and in my catalogs, magazine, etc. Over the weekend I went to my local hobby shop with one of the plastic G tracks to see if they had any extra ones I could use to expand this set. I thought this could be a good temporary solution while I work on getting the HO set over to my house. However, once in the store, they sold me on these MTH Railking O-Gauge sets. They seem to be the perfect solution for me and a great way to get started with a solid quality, digital set. For about $350 I could get a DTS/DTCC equipped die-case metal steam engine, with a full range of sounds, smoke, etc, a transformer, digital controller, 4 or 5 cars, and enough track for a nice sized oval. He gave me a demo of the engine and I was really blown away by how easy it was to set up, and the sounds etc. The thing I like about this, is that I can buy this for my son's birthday, and then expand it, and maybe make this our "main" setup rather than continue the HO set.I know the topic of HO vs O is sort of sensitive but I'm really stuck on what to do here. The thing that makes me hesitant is that my son is still kind of stubborn about how he likes to run the trains. He doesn't like putting any fancy scenery around, likes to carry the trains around the house in his hands (def not a good idea with these), and the jury is out how he will feel about the sound and smoke. If I buy this though, I want it to also be MY layout to design and decorate, etc. I want to buy him something, but also retain the ability to work on my own project.The other decision I have, is to figure out if I want to switch to O scale. It was very appealing to me how easy it was to set up the track, the infrequency of derailments, and the ease to get the digital sounds, etc "out of the box" at a reasonable startup cost. I always thought O-gauge was more toylike and awkard, but after reading around and doing some research, I've seen some amazingly realistic O layouts. I was also surprised at how much action could be packed into a relatively small space - even with O. I think I could do something pretty cool with a 5x10 layout.At this point I'm leaning towards just splurging on this set "for my son" ;-), and putting it on a 5x10 or 4x8 tabletop I'll build for him and just keep the layout simple at first. I can see then how he likes it, maybe expand a little bit to a figure 8 or something. Then I can just play it by ear. As I said above, I don't really have any questions here, but wanted to share my story and see if anyone else has gone through a similar process. It seems insignificant, but these are investments and I don't want to spend a lot of money time to go down a "track" that I'm not happy with.Thanks!
Hominamad One of the reasons you many HO people do not like MTH is due to the control system for engines, (They don't ,make a pure DCC engine) they sue a lot and there customer support is or was lacking.
The idea of a 4 year old carrying around any gauge steam engine is a broken engine waiting to happen. Get Diesel, less things to be broken.
Building a layout for a 4 year old does not make scenes to me, at 4 years old they will like anything, including the boxes the trains come in. Build the layout for your self and let your son enjoy it with you!
Far as scale, I like HO. Plus you are ready have some. You can get a Bachmann DCC starter kit for around $200.00. There Bachmann E Z comand DCC system is easy to use for you and your son. Lot of things it won't do like changind CV's if you know what they are. I ran one for 3 years and not a problem.
Far as you old layout derailing. Well, could be the track work. But I was surpized no one brought up rolling stock and wheel gauge? Wheels of Engines and rolling stock can come out of gauge. I don't care how good your track work is, if the wheels are not right they are going to derail.
Some of the more afforadble cars came with plastic axle's. They will wrap and nothing will keep them on the track. Ask me how I know? All most got me out of the hobby till I found the problem.
Good luck and like to hear waht you decide to do.
hominamad Hmm - I guess I have some things to learn then. What makes O "toy" different from "regular" O? Is the size different? How can you tell this from the layouts? Is the MTH railking series considered toy? I wish this were simpler. Not only does one have to decide between HO, O, N, etc, but within each there are several variations. Is there a "generally accpeted" O track system that I should look into?
Hmm - I guess I have some things to learn then. What makes O "toy" different from "regular" O? Is the size different? How can you tell this from the layouts? Is the MTH railking series considered toy? I wish this were simpler. Not only does one have to decide between HO, O, N, etc, but within each there are several variations. Is there a "generally accpeted" O track system that I should look into?
To use your own words - O gauge tinplate is usually not trying very hard to look "somewhat realistic" - it tends to go straight for "surprisingly interesting" - ie track plans with lots of track, several paths the train can take through the layout, sharp curves and various animated accessories - like log loaders that drop little plastic logs onto cars.
Think amusement park ride, rather than trying to get things to look like a tiny piece of a real railroad.
Nothing wrong with that, if that is what you want to do.
Smile, Stein
hominamad
Here are a couple of other thoughts for you to think about.
First a 4ft. wide top requires that you be able to access to it from both sides meaning you have to have a space 8 ft wide as a bare minimum. You would also need access on at least one end. It is generally accepted that you can only reach between 24 to 30 inches. Also you will have to decide on the height or maybe you alreadyhave. Many build to a height of 40 to 52 inches high.
Is this what your son wants? Reading between the lines of one of your recent posts I get the feeling that your son would like the larger gage and play with them as a toy. When I was a child that is what I did. I had Lionel trains and I can tell you they were built tough and with stood the abuse I gave them. HO is definitely not toy like. If you don't pick up an engine carefully you can easily brake off details.
My suggestion is that you buy your son a larger scale to play with for a few years and when he out grows it and if he is still interested then consider HO.
But remember the cliche, "I'ts your rairoad so do what pleases you"
Happy Railroading
Bob
Don't Ever Give Up
Hominamad, what you've illustrated in your most recent post are trackplans for three-rail O-gauge tinplate train layouts. These employ O-gauge toy, rather than scale, trains and are regarded by most hobbyists as a distinctly separate hobby from either O, or HO, scale model railroading. This website has a separate forum devoted to the toy train hobby and you might take a look at what they have to offer in the way of advice as well.
CNJ831
Thanks for the info. I eventually would like it to grow to something thats scale and somewhat realistic. I originally thought the same way as you about the O-gauge layouts but then when I started doing some research I saw some layouts that were surprisingly interesting in a small space. What do you think of the layouts on here for instance? http://www.thortrains.net/marx/funlayo1.html
They are 4x8 and have a decent amount of complexity. I'm thinking of building an L-shaped layout which would afford me a bit more space. One side of the L could be approximately 5x10 with a 4x4 or 5x4 piece jutting out to form the L. Thats about 65 sq ft of surface area to work with. I have lofty ambitions for what I want to do with it but how much I actually accomplish would depend on how much time I can devote.
The thinking was that I could buy this MTH O set for my son to start out with, and then build it up over the next year or so, and eventually make a big push to turn it into my dream layout. I'm just not sure if this MTH Railking equipment is the right direction to go in. Once I start down that path, it would be expensive to switch. If not MTH railking, what would be the next best that would give me the most value for my money? For $350 I get a starter set with digital controller, engine, etc. The main downside I see is the track that it comes with has the plastic roadbed attached which is certainly not realistic.
if this layout exists now and you want to tackle it...
just go over each section of track and test/align it, if the roadbed is glued down, you won't be able to adjust very far.
Have an engine ready a car or two and check as you go. It could take pulling up track pieces and re-aligning as needed and can change alignments down the way. Be ready to make some custom sized track pieces.
I just relaid my trackwork on my modules getting it closer to my designed layout, nothing is cutout yet, just testing design, then it gets cutouts.
hominamad I'm still torn between the HO and O. What would be the minimum startup costs to get something similar to what I described up and running in HO? i.e. with DCC, sound, etc. Also, I know its not the most realistic but the MTH O track I saw seemed incredibly easy to put together with little or no derailments. Does such a thing exist for HO? Thanks...H
I'm still torn between the HO and O. What would be the minimum startup costs to get something similar to what I described up and running in HO? i.e. with DCC, sound, etc. Also, I know its not the most realistic but the MTH O track I saw seemed incredibly easy to put together with little or no derailments. Does such a thing exist for HO?
Thanks...H
What needs to be decided from the outset is just what sort of layout/scale you wish to tackle. Your question is somewhat nebulous regarding O-gauge, since you do not specify whether you are talking "scale" models, or "tinplate (toys)." The latter would be cheaper, but still far from "cheap"!
It's also a matter of what you are aiming for with your layout's appearance. Is it acceptable for it to be a fairly crude test bed intended to cut your modeling teeth on, or do you envision something more sophisticated that has at least some modest degree of quality and realism to it?
If done with mid-range products, to a mid-range degree of realism, it will run you a minimum of several thousand dollars in HO and I would personally set a reasonable figure at $4,000-$5,000 if starting from just the existing benchwork stage. The Atlas sectional track package for this trackplan is $800 alone.
In O-gauge, there is no way you could fit anything like that trackplan in the space occupied by the HO version. An O-"scale" version would require several times as much room to be allotted, while a tinplate arrangement could not be quite as complex as the HO example and fit in the space. In all probability, either O-gauge version would run between the same as HO to perhaps 3x as much.
Incidentally, attempting to split this Atlas layout design in half would likely create an alignment/derailment nightmare for you.
"And MTH mentioned around here will get you jabs from voo doo dolls"
Really? I was pretty impressed with the engine I saw. It was fairly detailed and seemed pretty solid. I'm wondering if this was one of the "premier" line rather than the Railking. I don't like buying something like this without seeing exactly what I'm getting first. If I stuck with O-gauge, what is the more "acceptable" line around here?
hominamad Heh - funny thing - I was getting annoyed at my son because when we watch train layouts on the computer he is constantly saying "no, I want that one", etc over and over and over. So I said to him "why do you keep saying you want everything?". And he rightfully replied "because there are so many cool things to get." touche...
Heh - funny thing - I was getting annoyed at my son because when we watch train layouts on the computer he is constantly saying "no, I want that one", etc over and over and over. So I said to him "why do you keep saying you want everything?". And he rightfully replied "because there are so many cool things to get." touche...
You could tell him that with that attitude a small "closet" sized layout might be in order
Before switching to O gauge I would look up local model railroad clubs and pay them a visit. Your son won't stay 4 forever and HO will allow you much more flexibility in the future, especially in the space you noted. An O gauge set in 5x10 will quickly boar the hell out of you. And MTH mentioned around here will get you jabs from voo doo dolls
Drilline. Your wife in the 4th pic earlier has the "what the hell did this thing actually cost?" look in her eyes.