I think it is the size of a layout more than product availability. HO guys (for the most part) want to run prototypical operations and they need long runs with lots of towns/industries along the way. They often build double decker layouts to gain an even longer run. I have to admit you do need a very large space to do what the HO guys do in O scale.
I am constantly hearing about older 2 rail guys passing on and their collections hitting the secondary market but yet there’s no product out there? With the exception of recent years I think the product availability thing is just another myth like how they used to say it is so much more difficult to wire a 2 rail layout as compared to a 3 rail layout.
True in recent years with the restructure of MTH less 2 rail products were offered but not a significant difference. Even in 3 rail in recent years some items are very hard to find due to the lower quantities and the BTO ordering system. Yes, you are not going to find 2 rail O at your LHS but between converting 3 rail rolling stock and knowing where to look for the 2 rail stuff it is out there. I think the problem with this is no demand due to some many 2 rail guys leaving the hobby for various reasons.
How about the myth that O scale 2R is very hard to keep on track? Your trackwork must be meticulous for 2R to run good. I have heard that one a few times. I am sure there are more myths and any myths will continue to be told as truth unless the person being told does their own research.
How about the myth that OS2R runs only on DC and DC is much harder to work with than AC?
Maybe the reason HO is so popular (other than requiring less space) is because you can get what you want immediately. So searching for it requires very little effort and the user gets instant gratification.
They used to say when guys got old and their eye sight started failing the6 would switch to a larger scale. I guess that doesn’t happen anymore.
