@roll_the_dice posted:I am relatively new to the OS2R side of the hobby (2-3 years)...having been in HO most of my life to 3 rail and now OS2R. Yes, O scale any variation is primarily more expensive than HO on a loco to loco comparison. However, is OS2R really that much, if any, more expensive than 3 rail? Maybe if you are comparing true scale for the curmudgeons versus standard non scale 3 rail offerings...but I paid $1000 for a Lionel Legacy Steam Scale engine used a few years ago and just paid $750 for a used Sunset Brass steam loco with DCC...so I don't understand the cost aspect. I haven't seen any cost difference in 3 rail vs OS2R. If I buy brass freight cars, I expect to pay more than plastic freight cars doesn't matter if it is 3 rail or 2 rail. I just don't see the cost aspect. Just my opinion, that and a $1 will get you nothing in today's world!
Don't get me wrong - I'm not 'arguing' it is more expensive - I'm only reporting on what folks have commented on. Regardless of the accuracy, if these perceptions are preventing folks from going 2-rail they must be changed for the hobby to grow at the desired rate.
Most folks enter the hobby with the purchase of a starter set for a child. They want affordability, reliability, easy to set up (plug and play) and variety of add-ons.
-Greg
