There is another possibilty that hasn't been mentioned yet. Model a short line railroad. If you don't desire Big Boys and long passenger trains you can run smaller scale locomotives like 2-8-0s, 4-6-0s, even 2-8-2s. Most of them will run on 042 and many on 031 and are still scale size. It can be just as satisfying.
Its a philosphy shared by most who model narrow gauge. A few trains and lots of scenery.
Pete
