@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!
I can’t even say “I’m new” to 2 rail… as I never even heard of it till recently (despite having been “training” off and on since the 60’s). But, cost is a factor. I can buy cheap used (post war) lionel and used tube track and be in business at a reasonable cost. The gateway drug to O gauge. But there is NO new stuff (2 or 3 rail) that is inexpensive really and I haven’t seen any “old” reasonably priced 2 rail despite aggressively looking for O gauge model railroading stuff for the last six months as I jump back in. Now I admit, I could live in the wrong area (western PA to OH border) as i never heard of 2 rail as a kid, nor now 50 years later and I never saw it then nor do I see it now for sale at local auctions. Might be coincidence but regardless, lack of availability plus all the new tech does drive up cost should I want to jump in. Of course, I guess I could join a group (if there were one) and not buy in at all…. ??? Just my two cents which, as you say will get me nothing.
