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S SimRacin40OGR Forum Member

Hi, I'm Jeff!


I thought I would introduce myself here. I've recently gotten interested in O gauge trains again, after a brief interest in it 5 or 6 years ago. At that time I had a Lionel set(I still do), but decided to stick with N scale. Moving to the present, I finally have a separate building that I can use for my trains (It's 20x20ft) and decided that maybe I would look at O gauge again. While N would make a great layout in that space, I don't think I could have the motivation to come up with such a large layout. I also like the idea of "collecting" engines, hence an interest in scale size O gauge trains, but I still want to run them on a layout and enjoy them. O gauge locomotives just seem much more interesting than anything in N scale with all the bells and whistles(literally) they have. While I haven't bought anything yet, my goal is to start looking at modern day diesels, I live in the midwest/south and CSX/NS are the main players around here. I thought about starting my "collection" by purchasing NS's Heritage units if I can find them, and go from there with modern era stuff. From what I've been reading online I think I shouldn't have any curve issues with the space I now have, but I have other questions such as what track to use and what system should I go with(I've seen at least one person mention they use TMCC and DCS on their layout), but I'll save those questions for the appropriate board.

Last edited by SimRacin40
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Allan MillerAllan MillerOGR Editor-in-Chief SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Welcome to the forum and to the O gauge segment of the hobby.  You'll find answers to just about any and all of your questions here.

 

You shouldn't have any real problem finding most all of the NS Heritage units that have been made to date, although some are more elusive than others, depending on when they were made and who made them.  They certainly would make a colorful collection.

 

As for track systems:  You'll find all sorts of recommendations here, but the final choice will, of course, be up to you.  I'm going with GarGraves track and Ross switches on the layout I'm rebuilding, and previously had it fitted with Lionel FasTrack.  I had no problems with the FasTrack, but simply decided that I want to go with something that will afford a bit more realism in terms of separately applied roadbed and ballast.

 

Other oft-used systems are Atlas and MTH ScaleTrax, among others.  Try to get a hands-on look at all the alternatives, if possible, before settling on a single system since the cost will add up if you have a fairly extensive layout in mind.

 

I, like many, use both the MTH DCS and Lionel Legacy control systems on my layout, and both play very well together.

Last edited by Allan Miller
TN TRAIN NERD ALOGR Forum Member

I got some good advice from a friend 14yrs ago when I built my layout, so I'll pass it on. Your engines & rolling stock will come and go but the track will be there for the life of the layout so look at all the options before you pick one. He also said use the largest curves you have room for because he said the big steam engines "look stupid" going around a tight curve & some won't work at all. And like he said, 14yrs later the track is still there. Also this forum is a great place to spend some time & get good advice on about anything you need to know.

 

Train nerd Al

rtr12rtr12OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Welcome. In addition to the good advice already given above, if you have a local hobby shop (LHS) available to you that carries O gauge trains, go and talk to them and look at their stuff. Great place to view the different track systems, power supply options, control systems, trains, accessories, get information on new products etc. This forum is also a great place to learn about O gauge trains and more. Lots of knowledgeable and helpful folks here.

 

I believe both Lionel and MTH have made the NS heritage units, so you should be able to find some of them still available. You may still be able to pre-order some of them, but I don't know for sure about that. I model a different road name from the west.

 

Going with the largest diameter curves is also good advice as given above. The large steam engines and some of the large auto carrier, passenger and a couple other cars require an O-72 minimum diameter (O-36 radius) curve. The O-72 or larger curves are nice, but if all you ever you plan to have is modern diesels like the NS Heritage units and no large cars, you could probably get by with O-54 diameter curves. That's what I am doing (O-63 is my largest and O-54 smallest, but I limit my purchases to O-54 minimum). The O-72 or larger would be your best bet if space permits. That way you are covered if you change your mind someday about what you want to run on your layout.

PRR2818PRR2818OGR Forum Member MEMORIALIZED MEMBER

Welcome Jeff, feel free to ask for any help as there are quite of few experts, (IMO) on the forums and they can in many ways of you hobby.

 

Something, I still forget is to try and find any info by using the search function first rather than asking a question that may have already been asked again. Not a big deal but may save you some time and you stumble on other stuff you will find useful also!

 

Again Welcome Jeff!

Ed BoyleEd BoyleOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Hi Jeff, glad to have you join us. It was good decision to start posting here on the Forum.  It is a great source for answers to the questions you have as a new person in O gauge.  Just from looking at the previous posts, you have already gotten some excellent advice from your fellow O gauge Forumites.

 

Welcome aboard! I hope you enjoy the ride.

 

Ed Boyle

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