Hi Everyone,
I am trying to figure out whether to build my layout in scale or a hi rail gauge form. I don't think any person who does either is better than one or the other as this is about fun. I am just trying to sort out what things to look at to make me choose a path. I, as many others, am limited by space. My train room is only 15' wide and 17' long. I have chosen S because HO is too small for me and O is a little much for the size of my room.
I am sure as time progresses larger offerings of S scale will come to market. What radius do you need to operate S scale? As I understand it with S gauge you can run anything on a 28" radius?
The only thing I do not care for in S gauge are the large couplers. The larger flanged wheels, swinging trucks/couplers and taller track profile are OK with me since I am used to the world of O gauge. The only thing that I do not care for in the scale version is the fact that I think I may need a larger radius than my room size can handle, (limited track plan) and I am not sure if Lionel or M.T.H. offer scale versions of their S locomotives for compatibility? I have seen where you can have an American Models S gauge converted to TMCC and RS which I think is encouraging and I would have to do that.
One more question if Lionel does produce scale versions can they operate on DCC I know that M.T.H. will?
Any advice on helping me to sort this out is much appreciated. And also I would like to run an occasional steam locomotive but as for modeling I'm thinking 70's and 80's. Heck I guess I'd even run modern locomotives too.
Thank you.
