When I left 3-rail, it was the "Hi-rail/Scale" approach that caused me to start looking for the door to go elsewhere.
Long story short: When I was indulged in PW and PW-type engines and 6464 type rolling stock, I enjoyed it. I was enjoying toy trains and the center rail was SUPPOSED to be a part of that scene. It wasn't until I started attempting to make my 3-rail hobby look more scale (with scale sized engines/cars) that the center rail submarined my immersion. Mistake. However, it's for the better, for my true modeling roots is steeped in HO, and that's where I ended up back into. (And I'm thoroughly enjoying it at this point.)
Now, having said that: IF, for dexterity reasons, my HO becomes too small/piddlesome, and IF my health and ambulatory ability were still up the challenge, at that point I would be VERY tempted to pull down my current HO layout. In its place I would build an around the walls w/peninsula "yard scene", and thereon create a Kansas City-type layout within my 20' x 16' layout building. HOWEVER, all this with a twist: The layout would only use 3-rail "Traditional sized" equipment, AND I would build reasonably realistic scenery. (Emphasizing the "gritty" nature of city railroading during the 1950s.)
A long time ago, the following pictures helped me to truly see the potential of traditional sized trains when the setting is convincingly realistic.
From an OGR member that I can never remember who...
In the above picture, I love the overall look of those cast frame FA's look pulling those 6454-type rolling stock through such scenery. They would also look good at the head end of 6464 boxcars.
And from ORG member "Christopher", come these two photos:
Note even the little stamped frame FA's look great when the scenery is convincing...
And another from "Christopher" that takes the lowly little 2-6-4 and makes it look great. Again, (IMHO) the setting (scenery) is the key...
So yes, if my aging body gets to the point that HO has a bigger H Factor (Hassle Factor) than F Factor (Fun Factor)... then it would be very tempting to do something along the lines illustrated in these pictures. Upside: In view of the above, I already have a plan IF HO eventually gets to be too small and the H Factor overtakes the F Factor. 
Yup, I certainly understand the way PW can call out to one's inner self.
Andre
