Christmas is approaching; is there someone you know who already does, or might, appreciate electric trains? Lead them toward Postwar-style railroading. There are a few valid reasons why, and many I may not cover, but there are a few salient points:
1. Unless a rather large space is available to run trains, nearly all O gauge scale-size trains, regardless of how beautiful and detailed they may be, are proportionately massive, and may even look awkward turning in most spaces. 2. Postwar and postwar-sized trains, for the most part, can feature scale or near-scale sized engines, but passenger and freight cars are a somewhat smaller than scale and therefore fit into a smaller space in a less overwhelming way. 3. We all know 3 rails are practical for simplified electrical hookups and action/operating cars and accessories (that still wow kids, the uninitiated and when possible, moms: often the purse-string holders in the family), but starting smaller and building bigger as time goes on is very easily done. 4. Postwar trains are easy to maintain and repair, and there's a world of information available to anyone for repairing, restoring, refurbishing and setting up layouts anywhere in homes or apartments, regardless of space constrictions. 5. Actual postwar trains are less expensive to buy, unless one has set sights on well-known collector pieces, but a few hundred dollars can obtain a quality engine or two, several cars, one, two or more action accessories, inexpensive tubular trackage and a decent transformer. The sounds of classic air whistles or bleating postwar horns still have an appeal to many. Milk-cans, logs, coal and icehouse delivery mechanisms have a strong appeal to young people, who may find O gauge railroading more glamorous than the full-size ones they see in everyday situations. For budding railroaders, even the buzz of classic e-units isn't a deal-breaker, as it signals one push away from action. Of course, many or most modern postwar-style engines do not have buzzing e-units, and may feature sound packages that aren't cost-prohibitive. 6. And, maybe most importantly, you may bestow the mark of a true friend - by giving someone a wonderful, relaxing hobby where the light at the end of the tunnel is SUPPOSED to be a train! (This whole message is not meant to in any way denigrate or reduce the beauty, symmetry and overall awesomeness of scale-size trains or scale railroading, but the fact is that a modest start for most budding hobbyists can and does lead them toward the best, and more expensive - eventually, it is hoped...)
