Layout

[Scott A Smiley <sc.smiley@juno.com>]

The decision on gauge of layout has often been based upon personal
preference and what you were raised with.  All things being equal there
are several tradeoffs that come with any choice.  AS you have already
read, thew bigger gauges are easier to handle and put on the track.  The
smaller gauges allow more track in a confined space.   Also cost can be a
factor.  the smaller gauges usually cost less for their basic pieces..  O
gauge now have a lot of features available in the trains that increase
play value.  The HO gauge is considered as more of a model railroad than
a play vehicle.  Operating cars in O gauge provide other things to do
with the trains.  O gauge trains are often run at faster speeds than HO.
        I agree with Mike that 027 would probably be the best for your
situation.  All of the starter sets come with 027 track.  This is O
gauge, just a little smaller track and cars.  The trains are not O scale.
 Larger cars to O  Scale are available but cost significantly more than
the 027 line.  027 equipment is made by Lionel, Kline and MTH.  Lionel
calls it 027, MTH calls it Rail King and most Kline is 027 unless it says
otherwise.  Industrial also makes 027.

Starting out from scratch, I would recommend a full layout set.  Some are
as inexpensive as $100 but can go up to $250+ when they come with more
pieces and the engines can come with sound systems.  Kline also has some
very good sets.  Both companies have web pages and 75 page catalogs of
the current offerings.  In the back of the Lionel catalogs are some
layout suggestion, and there are books in the stores.  Past issues of
Classic toy trains has some examples, one that fits under beds(less track
though).  Kline is often a little less expensive than Lionel.   Sets
often come with some track side accessories too.

Bob mentioned the big red button.  this is an accessory device for TMCC,
command control.  This remote control system can cost another $200 plus
the button.  But then the button allows the activation of the last
commend entered into the system, say brake the engine, or sound the horn,
...  I have not used one so do not have personal experience with that.

Scott

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