Either G or N; G because I could run it outdoors around the pool. Nice heft and better prices than O. Also with O you can use on-train battery power which neatly solves the two rail polarity issues.
N because it doesn’t take up much space and is cheaper than O.
I’m in O because I didn’t like HO and due to the fact that my first train was a lionel.
S has clunky couplers (though it has 2 rails).
I’d give HO another try. Actually, with my planned train room, HO would proably fit better.
Tony
I’d go with G. Came from HO and would not return. N and Z are too small for my hands.
Interesting to think about.
Steve
If money were no object, I would either build a huge house so I can build a 60x60 O layout (or bigger), or I’d build a Z empire in the 10x20 room I’m currently planning.
Unfortunately, I live in the real world. I’ll make do with an O layout in a 10x20 room
Tony
Depends. If I were staying in my basement with my layout, S gauge because it still has that postwar feel, and it’d allow me to reuse a lot of the stuff I already have. Besides, the closest train shop has tons of postwar Flyer. If I had my whole attic to work with, I’d go with Standard Gauge though. Standard is so fascinating, and I love tinplate. Only trouble is figuring out how to afford it.
I’d choose S-Gauge 3/16 scale. I can still remember the trip our old Scout Troop made to the Gilbert Hall of Science. Us Scouts were mesmerized by the chuffing smoke of the American Flyer Locomotives, but for some reason, we missed seeing the familiar center rail!
Bill
www.modeltrainjournal.com
I’d do N scale for the acerage and mileage you could get in a train room. I’d try a mushroom layout and do multi levels.