Just Getting started

[Anonymous]

Just Retired, New to Internet, Trying to decide whether to go with "O" gauge or "HO" gauge system. I have a space about 7' x 15' that I can use. I'm concerned about having enough space for the "O" (although that would be my prefence) but the "HO" seems to offer more options for the limited space I have. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm in the process of clearing out the space, gathering ideas and information and plan to go to large show at Timonium Maryland on April 16th before I make a decision. Again any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks-Ed

[cheese3]

If you want operation go HO scale for that space if you want running go O

[simon1966]

Ed, welcome to the forum.

You mention that O would be your preference. Is there a particular reason, or set of reasons for this? Elaborate a bit, and let the group know a little more about what you would like to get out of the hobby? This would allow folks to chime in with some suggestions based on your needs.

[Anonymous]

I run in three rail O, hi rail. It has certain advantages. I like the larger size, easier on the eyes and fingers. Plus withthe new control systems you can really do a lot with remote control couplers and sound. However my spage is about 18'X 13". O scale magizine ran a contest a few months ago about desiging a small alyout in a small space, if you woant i will find the magizines tongiht and send you an email with a picture of the layouts. Pretty neat what they could do in a limited space.
Bill

[Train 284]

Hello,

If you want to do a lot of operation (switching and stuff) then I would probably go with HO. If you don't want to get to serious about that stuff and just want to play around a bit, you could go with O. It's all about personal prefrance

Matt

www.reddingrailroads.8k.com

[selector]

I think that HO provides the greatest use of space and budget. I will admit that I really like the visual appeal (size) of O scale stuff, but the third rail is unrealistic and I have difficulty getting past it. You don't appear to mind.

I, too, would like to hear about your first and second most important criterea; what are they, and what is your rationale? As you type your response to us, you will likely begin to see your answer.

[Anonymous]

I was asked to elaborate on my preference for "O" Gauge and with limited knowledge, I guess that I like the size of the O a little better but I'm also mindfull of my space limitations and I'm trying to expand the length from 7x13 to 7x15 but I can't go wider but I may be able to add a 3x4 L to the top of the layout as well as expanding the length. I want to have as fully operational layout as my skills will allow. The gentleman from Vancouver BC brought up a good point about HO being possibly the best in terms of space and budject. I guess one question I have is whether you can get the elaborate controls for HO that exist for O-Topic 33091

[selector]

I can't help you much because I am not knowledgeable about O. I hope you are aware of DCC? The HO world is on the verge of a large change to digital control that offers really spectacular and comprehensive operations of many powered items on your layout. Although it has been around for a few years, many new people are being urged by the older folks, who are well versed in it, to start out right away in DCC. The wiring is simpler; you can almost eliminate toggle switches entirely. More and more engines are being released with built-in decoders for DCC, or they are sold 'DCC ready." And, many come with sound-generating systems on board that also need to be programmed..although most will run on DC systems as well, but with limited functionality (you have to buy accessories or get used to flipping the direction switch back and forth to activate bells and whistles).

I beleive that O is also using newer command systems, but I am not familiar with them.

If you can gain some useful terrain by having elevations, you will eat up more of it to get to the elevation in O..that is, your grade will take up a lot of room compared to HO.

There is a huge market in HO, so lots of product and support. O is still very popular; in fact, several people who have answered have returned to O after years of handling HO, from finding that their aging eyes and hands just don't do so well with HO any more.

I know, decisions, decisions.

[egmurphy]

Congrats on retirement.

Something you may want to consider in On30. That is O scale narrow gauge that runs on HO scale track. You get the advantages of working in a larger scale (easier to see and work on) while having the ability to squeeze more in a smaller space.

I'm personally not familiar with it (I'm in N due to space limitations) but there has been a lot of traffic about it recently. Try searching or just post another post asking for info about On30.

Look at the following website for an example of what can be done. This guy is a really good modeler.
http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/



Regards

Ed

[Jetrock]

On30 is a narrow-gauge "scale"--the engines are modeled after the kinds of prototypes that ran on narrow (2 or 3 foot) gauges, rather than the standard 4 feet 8.5 inches, like mining companies, loggers, etcetera. Not a scale to consider if you want to run modern equipment, big steam, or mainline railroading, but interesting if you like cute little narrow-gauge engines but want something big enough to not be miniscule.

Cost is an important consideration--O scale equipment costs CONSIDERABLY more than HO, and there is less of it around. Another important consideration is whether you want to model O scale tinplate (the shiny toy-train type stuff) or O scale model railroading (same scale, but with two-rail instead of three-rail control and more attention to detail and accuracy.)

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Jetrock

On30 is a narrow-gauge "scale"--the engines are modeled after the kinds of prototypes that ran on narrow (2 or 3 foot) gauges, rather than the standard 4 feet 8.5 inches, like mining companies, loggers, etcetera. Not a scale to consider if you want to run modern equipment, big steam, or mainline railroading, but interesting if you like cute little narrow-gauge engines but want something big enough to not be miniscule.

Also, On30 runs on standard HO gauge track.

[Anonymous]

One thing you might want to do if you live near a metro area is look to see if there are any model railroad clubs in your area and visit them. There would be a couple of advantages of joining one. 1: Many of the members would no doubt be long time model railroaders who would be able to point out the pros and cons of each scale. I'm sure that their opions and ideas would be as veried as what you would get in this forum, plus you can ask questions on a one on one basis. 2: I'm not new to model railroading, but this IS my first chance to start my first layout (I just retired myself). Arm chair MRing is a good way to get information and ideas, but it lacks for practical hands on railroading. A club is great for learning and doing under the watchful eye of a veteran modeler. Look at all aspects of both scales before making a decision. But look at it this way, if you pick one and you wind up not caring for it you can always tear it down and start all over again in the other scale. And don't thinki you would be the first one to do this. Good luck and hope to see your layout in Model Railroader some day.

[jacon12]

First of all congradulations on retirement! I'm retired also and love it.
I have been 'doodling' with O for a couple of years now and it is a great scale visually. I'm mean you can really SEE it. It's also much easier to work with in some ways such as easily getting all wheels on the track and the track itself, being so much bigger and more robust is easier to put together. Sound? Good grief it has great sound!
But, that is just about where it all ends. A top HO steam locomotive with DCC control and sound will run from ..... oh... $230 to $400. That same engine in O with just about the same detailing etc., will go for $700 to $1,200 and up... easily. But if you just want to run trains, big trains and have great sound, O is hard to beat. Accesories such as buildings and bridges and everything else is pretty expensive also and not nearly the selection you have in HO.
Space? I know that some people build complete O layouts in 8x10 rooms but if you hang around the O type forums much you'll soon learn that many are large basement sized layouts.
As far as having a layout that is geared toward operation or running, I personally am going to build mine so that I have both. I think I'd get bored very quick with just running trains, so to me HO is the better option.
But oh man, is O scale nice. Expensive...... but nice! :)
Jacon

[selector]

Further, there is rising popularity with a 'tween' scale called S. It is between HO and O. With that, I am afraid that I have reached the end of my help in this subject.