O-Gauge Remorse??

[wrmcclellan]

dougdagrump

Using the DCS record & playback feature you could run multiple trains on the same set of tracks at the same time in opposing directions.

DougnotaG - this sounds really really interesting - two trains on a shelf- one track - opposing directions - and one puts all faith into DCS . I anxiously await the YooTooob posting on this one...

[cnw1995]

I imagine MTH HO because their use of DCS offers some interesting special effects in comparison to DCC.

I came up the other way - from N to HO now to O. Each scale has its pros and cons - and these are subjective and individualized too. I put a higher value on the size, 'heft', effects and sheer playability (IMO) of O gauge. I am fortunate to have a fairly large space - but the space is 'uneven' so it is valuable to me that O gauge tubular track is pretty good on inadvertent elevations.  I find O gauge also easier to deal with electrically, with older, more basic units practically bulletproof - but those were higher values to me.  As you note, if long runs are valued more that your current O space affords, you could work out the cost benefit of what it might look like in HO.

[balidas]

If you like long consists, how about going to N gauge. I was at a model train show several years ago and there was an N gauge layout with a frieght consist that had to be at least 4 feet long winding around the layout. It looked so cool! I couldn't get a count of the cars & locos tho.

I also have O gauge and love long consists, but don't have the room. But then that's where the secret ingredient of our hobby kicks in. It's called imagination! We had an unlimited supply as kids and we need to tap into that again as adults.

[dougdagrump]

Bill,

The closest thing I have to a layout is the 5x8 Thomas/Christmas table in the living room. I don't really consider the ceiling track in the "train room" as much more than a test track and staging track for what I take to the museum to run. If you would like to run some really long consists have you considered putting up a relatively narrow shelf layout around the perimeter of the basement. Put up maybe two mains or a single main with a couple of long sidings on oppsite sides of the basement. Using the DCS record & playback feature you could run multiple trains on the same set of tracks at the same time in opposing directions.

[Major]

I would have no remorse,  I am helping my son on an European HO Layout,  As nice as that is it cannot compare to S Scale or Pre War O Scale I have.  The size of the trains does matter to me and the smaller scales while visually nice and having the ability to fit more into a given area lack dramatic impact.  Even without sound trains like an American Flyer City of Denver or Lionel M10000 from the 1930s have a visual and auditory impact!  Also if you have ever ran them on hard wood floors without any rubber roadbed you can feel them go by!   LOL

[C&NW]

Why "MTH" HO?

[Seayakbill]

I have a fairly large layout that has continued to grow over the years. I have the entire basement dedicated to the layout, display and storage. It is a continuous work in progress.

But, if I was getting into the hobby today I would be jumping in on the ground floor with MTH HO.

[wyomingscout]

Mine's a little bigger than your & I'm thinking of redoing some of it, but I love 0 gauge.  Wouldn't consider HO at all; I like the toy train aspect and can't model well enough for spectacular HO, or even O, gauge high rail or scale.

wyomingscout

[C&NW]

So I'm about 90% done with my roughly 8 x 11 O-gauge layout.  I can run (conventionally) 4 trains at a time; 3 on the main level (3 separate loops: outer, middle and inner) and 1 on a second level " L" configuration.  I very much like the feel of the O-gauge units (engines and rolling stock).  However, after a year of subscribing to CTT magazine, I guess I've grown a bit jealous of the 20 x 30 layouts that can run ultra long consists.  Given my 8 x 11 space I have wondered if I've made a mistake by not going the HO route.  Anybody ever been at this point?  I'd appreciate your thoughts.