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Had a couple of HO trains friends over to see my layout. The comment from one was that, while he liked the larger size, he "could not get past the third rail".  I told him that I never think about "that" anymore. So, it got me thinking of the hesitancy of many to enter the 3-Rail O Gauge model railroad market.

I came up with my own "early" reasons for waiting so long to join the hobby.

#1. Not enough room - a 5x8 layout in O scale is not enough for me to "feel" the rail road. It is enough for a display to look at and to dream bigger. In fact, for a few years, my first O scale project was an RS-3, a box car, a gondola car, and a caboose mounted on a section of track just long enough for this short train. The track was ballasted and had RR spikes decoratively placed at each end. I now have a 10' x 12' layout and most of you know that is pretty small. But it suffices to keep me happy. And, actually, maybe the smaller space keeps me from spending more money than I should.

#2. Too expensive - The manager of my LHS said that he feels bad when a kid comes in with a $25 gift certificate because there is very little he/she can buy. The starter set I began with, an MTH RS-3 Pennsy freight set was, I though, a good value. But, in spite of myself, I have knowingly and willfully paid "too much" for items that I just "had to have".... How can a plastic boxcar be worth $64?? Part of this is my own fault as i am not much of a scratch-builder or innovator. I don't  think I'd last long in American OO or TT scales whee you have to make just about all of your own buildings.

#3. Not realistic enough - I have long gotten past the 3 rail objections. I know now that the hobby has many facets. Recently I have even taken a liking to and someday would like to purchase a tin-plate passenger and freight train, maybe in standard gauge, for display. But back to O gauge, what really put me off after I had some idea of what I was doing, was the O-27 variety of cars. I understand why they were made, for small curves essentially, but I now try to buy only "scale" within O gauge. There is nothing wrong with the "toy" look if you want to go that way but I wanted to drive "real" trains.

#4. Reliability problems - My very first engine, the RS-3 I mentioned, was DOA on my "layout". I took it back to the LHS the next day and out of pity to the new guy they forgot the formalities of warranty, and etc., and just fixed it themselves free of charge. Turns out it was just a wire improperly fastened. I bought a Lionel subway set and had to take parts back no less that 3 times to solderer electrical breaks. I had another engine, why continue to bash the manufacture(?), that's smoke unit and drive train never worked at 100%. I have also had some coupler and truck problems on new freight cars.  Mostly - stuff works ok, but I like to test drive just as much as the seller will let me before I buy.

#5. Lack of technical knowledge/ability - OK, so in many ways I am smart. But I have never been smart in a practical way that some guys are who can diagnosis and repair all kinds of problems. If I took a modern engine apart I am quite sure that it would never, ever, be the same. I run my trains conventionally, partly owing to the further expense of advanced control systems but also due to the fact that it is just so much information that boggles my mind. I have only just recently after several years running trains added "activation track" to my layout.

Bottom line is, I am still running trains and enjoying O gauge. I guess the positives must outweigh the negatives. I don't mean to bash are mutual interest so much as just to talk about it. That is what forums are for, right?  To that end, your comments are solicited and appreciated.

Got to go (I have been putting it off) shovel about 20"s of snow!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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MONEY

The Top two things expressed to me by other people: space and expense, in respect to HO v. O.

The space issue is puzzling to me.  Why?  Yes the overall volume of O scale is bigger than HO.  However, the "standard" curvature in sets are IDENTICAL.  Both are 18 radius.

I can place the "same" layout, in either scale, on an 8 by 4 board.

The expense is a tricky question, because if you are patient and a good shopper, you can get a lot of good quality "O" scale stuff inexpensively and the RESALE value is far greater in O.  80% of modelers have HO stuff.  HO stuff is virtually worthless...does not hold its value--not even close--if someone disagrees you may purchase my 1000s worth of HO stuff.

I was an HO guy for close to 40 years.  I just can't believe how expensive this stuff is today--new retail.  I personally just like "O" because it is bigger!  It's all great stuff and fun.

I admit yes you can get the HO stuff cheaper especially at shows where I've seen it sold in huge lots for next-to-nothing.

Michael Hokkanen posted:

Had a couple of HO trains friends over to see my layout. The comment from one was that, while he liked the larger size, he "could not get past the third rail".  I told him that I never think about "that" anymore. So, it got me thinking of the hesitancy of many to enter the 3-Rail O Gauge model railroad market.

I came up with my own "early" reasons for waiting so long to join the hobby.

#1. Not enough room - a 5x8 layout in O scale is not enough for me to "feel" the rail road. It is enough for a display to look at and to dream bigger. In fact, for a few years, my first O scale project was an RS-3, a box car, a gondola car, and a caboose mounted on a section of track just long enough for this short train. The track was ballasted and had RR spikes decoratively placed at each end. I now have a 10' x 12' layout and most of you know that is pretty small. But it suffices to keep me happy. And, actually, maybe the smaller space keeps me from spending more money than I should.

#2. Too expensive - The manager of my LHS said that he feels bad when a kid comes in with a $25 gift certificate because there is very little he/she can buy. The starter set I began with, an MTH RS-3 Pennsy freight set was, I though, a good value. But, in spite of myself, I have knowingly and willfully paid "too much" for items that I just "had to have".... How can a plastic boxcar be worth $64?? Part of this is my own fault as i am not much of a scratch-builder or innovator. I don't  think I'd last long in American OO or TT scales whee you have to make just about all of your own buildings.

#3. Not realistic enough - I have long gotten past the 3 rail objections. I know now that the hobby has many facets. Recently I have even taken a liking to and someday would like to purchase a tin-plate passenger and freight train, maybe in standard gauge, for display. But back to O gauge, what really put me off after I had some idea of what I was doing, was the O-27 variety of cars. I understand why they were made, for small curves essentially, but I now try to buy only "scale" within O gauge. There is nothing wrong with the "toy" look if you want to go that way but I wanted to drive "real" trains.

#4. Reliability problems - My very first engine, the RS-3 I mentioned, was DOA on my "layout". I took it back to the LHS the next day and out of pity to the new guy they forgot the formalities of warranty, and etc., and just fixed it themselves free of charge. Turns out it was just a wire improperly fastened. I bought a Lionel subway set and had to take parts back no less that 3 times to solderer electrical breaks. I had another engine, why continue to bash the manufacture(?), that's smoke unit and drive train never worked at 100%. I have also had some coupler and truck problems on new freight cars.  Mostly - stuff works ok, but I like to test drive just as much as the seller will let me before I buy.

#5. Lack of technical knowledge/ability - OK, so in many ways I am smart. But I have never been smart in a practical way that some guys are who can diagnosis and repair all kinds of problems. If I took a modern engine apart I am quite sure that it would never, ever, be the same. I run my trains conventionally, partly owing to the further expense of advanced control systems but also due to the fact that it is just so much information that boggles my mind. I have only just recently after several years running trains added "activation track" to my layout.

Bottom line is, I am still running trains and enjoying O gauge. I guess the positives must outweigh the negatives. I don't mean to bash are mutual interest so much as just to talk about it. That is what forums are for, right?  To that end, your comments are solicited and appreciated.

Got to go (I have been putting it off) shovel about 20"s of snow!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They are all great points and I feel the same way as many on here the reasons for starting a layout on o scale are many, But I feel its not just the trains its the friends you meet on the way and no space or money can compete with that, So for all of the people who are thinking of starting a layout whatever size it is, I say just go for it and have fun because this hobby needs everyone big, small

#1. Not enough room - My 2nd biggest issue - cars and locomotive are twice as long a HO.

#2. Too expensive - This is probably my biggest issue.

#3. Not realistic enough -  Other then the third rail, manufactures have a lot more scale equipment now compared to back in the 70/80.

#4. Reliability problems -  I have/had more problems in HO (and DCC) then with any O gauge I have had over the years.

#5. Lack of technical knowledge/ability - Learn as you go. But the same issue as other scales and/or Hobbies.

Last edited by John Graser

If you get into O-gauge Model Railroading with the end in mind, space and money have already been considered. Example: If you live in a studio apartment, it is a pipe dream to believe that O-gauge makes any sense at all. And if you want the new technology stuff, it isn't practical if you are living pay check to pay check.

The OP, in his title, referred to "starting" a "layout". IMO that supposes you have enough space (somewhere within your house), and you have enough money to acquire adequate amount of stuff to start a layout. The question asks what is the biggest obstacle to getting started with the layout. Obviously, the first item is to pick a location for the layout. 

For me that is easy. What is difficult is actually doing the physical activity to get started with the layout. From that time forward it becomes a battle to actually do more work on the layout. The difficulty and battle is that of overcoming the inertia of everyday life.

YOURSELF!

Its the toughest battle I fight everyday!

There are TONS of excuses any one can muster but YOU are your own worst enemy.

SPACE- I have seen great works in small space. Just see Norm Charbonneau's old layout. Amazing layout in a basement space that you and I grew up in.

greenbrook_final

MONEY- More excuses. I have bought scale equipment at HO prices... just have to look for it...or practice sprucing up some semi scale equipment at bargain prices. You don't need that new engine in the catalog! H&LL you can buy 4 TMCC scale engines at that price.

NOT REALISTIC ENOUGH? Really stuck on that 3 rail are you? Then paint it black... otherwise you need practice on making some good scenes. As my Dad would say stop your cryin' , do something about it or move on!

20130320_212458

Reliability Problems?! Have you ever played with TYCO Night GLOW HO trains as a kid? Have you ever owned an older HO Brass engine? Now that was a lesson in frustration!!....

Lack of ability?!!!!  - How many times as a kid did you break something and over and over again take it apart and eventually fix it? It was pretty triumphant when you fixed it wasn't it? Nope I am not using this excuse. If you have enough tenacity in this hobby there is NOTHING you cannot do. And there is PLENTY of help in this forum.

My biggest excuse is having too many distractions. But every night after I put the kids to bed. I head to the basement and either run trains or take that next BIG project on ... now lets see where is that bridge to no where going?

20160929_223528

The secret is to just chisel away at it.

 

 

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