You’ve asked a good Question, scale versus traditional. First, how much room do you have for a layout? That’s the beginning and then, do you want to control your trains and layout by Command Control, or simply conventional control? If you are confined to 036/048 circles, you should buy accordingly. Choosing road names and time era’s make it easier on your budget, like CSX, NYC, Union Pacific, etc. if you limit the time era and go with Command you’ll have a lot of fun. I utilize Lionels Legacy command control. So, if it’s not Legacy or close, I don’t buy.
If you will look at the thread that Melgar posted, you’ll see a smallish layout jam packed for fun. Small sized scale engines with sound and quality features are really fun to run. GP30 Switchers, SW7 Switchers, NW2 Switchers, Heavy Mikados and 0-6-0 B6 Switchers are all cool under Legacy command. Just a thought. This is the best of times in model railroading.
Now, I suggest you subscribe to OGR The Magazine, and other magazines with great information on products and ideas on model railroading. A big layout is ones dream, but a small layout is a step in the right direction. Get the recent issue of OGR’ great magazine. Good luck and Happy Railroading Everyone.
