Ok i thnk that after researching i am going to go with the o-gauge scale. I really like the size and the look of the trains. With that said i wanted to know if there is anyone else here that builds and runs o-scale? And could you help me pick my first set. I am really leaning to the Lionel trains.
Thanks
C’mon over to the CTT (Classic Toy Trains) forum, at the top of the forum index page. There are lots of us that model in O-Gauge(generally considered 3-Rail) and O-Scale (generally 2 Rail, O). The CTT forum covers all O and S gauge/scale trains. This forum (Model Railroader) generally covers the little stuff, HO, N, and Z scales.
Doug
If you like Lionel, you can’t go wrong with a quality NYC hudson. O gauge is fun, I’ll never stop loving it. There is nothing like feeling the heft of a quality lionel steam engine.
Is there a particular railroad you will be modeling? If not, if you like diesel, try getting your hands on a Santa Fe Super Chief.
As far as track goes, try working with Lionel’s Fastrack system. Its a little pricey, but its worth it, and looks a lot better than tubular track in my opinion.
Wow, that is actually a tall order. Personally my first O-scale was AHM from the late 1970s. I never cared too much for the three rail stuff. However, through the years I collected quite a bit of Lionel.
From Lionel today one can get really junky toy stuff to some pretty nice equipment. Likewise there are still many places one can purchase a vintage Lionel Set. It depend on what one wants and on how much one wants to pay. I would avoid the sets being sold in Hobby Lobby and Walmart.
Are you interested in steam, diesel, or electric locomotives?
Are you interested in work-a-day type locomotives or the rare and exotic type?
Are you interested in freight or passenger trains?
Are you interested in modern day equipment, classic, or really old looking trains?
I am partial to passenger trains.
http://train-station.com/cgi-bin/shop.pl/page=023922317773.html/SID=795333068
http://train-station.com/cgi-bin/shop.pl/page=SET-2009-5.html/SID=795333068
It sounds as though the “hirail” bug has gotten you. Hirail refers to running three rail trains in a realistic setting. I choose this over two rail scale because of space issues and greater availability of product. Get better trackage in smaller area compared to three rail scale.
Just remember when posting pictures to only show track if the train is on it[swg].
With good scenery it will be a lot of fun. good modeling is always welcomed here
Bill D
I never understood the difference between Hi-rail and 3 rail scale? Could you explain it to me?
I consider myself a Hi-railer, but I still have a lot to learn and a long way to go.
[#welcome]
While Lionel is the most common known name in O gauge, there are a few others and they might be lower priced than Lionel for a starter set and have the same good quality.
Have you considered Williams or Atlas trains?.
Lee F.
Get the NYC Flyer. Its got enough quality to get you interested, but not so expensive that if you choose to go elsewhere you’ll get stuck. The cars all have die-cast sprung trucks, die-cast couplers, sounds in the tender, and operating couplers on the front and back of the engine.
Jon [8D]
As KOOLJOCK has said the NYC set is a homerun also the EL Capitan set will give you a nice beginers set of passenger car service with a great looking Santa Fe FT engine. Also there is a dummy B and dummy A units along with add on cars.
http://www.lionel.com/products/catalogs/LionelRTR_09v1/index.cfm
Pg 28-29. I hope this helps?
laz57
"I never understood the difference between Hi-rail and 3 rail scale? Could you explain it to me? "
The most basic features that differentiate a 3RS locomotive from a 3-Rail loco is the concept of fixed pilots and scale couplers.
I think if you are starting out new go with command control engines. the extra price is worth having the realistic operating features and easy multiple train operation.
Bill D
"I never understood the difference between Hi-rail and 3 rail scale? Could you explain it to me? "
Good question & it seems to change, depending on who you talk to. As I understand it now, high rail is not true 1:48 scale as some toy train accessories are not to scale and are not ‘prototypical’. High rail has more detailed modeling than toy train, but not to the extent 3 rail scale does. Everything is scale in 3 rail scale - no toy train accessories, etc.
Hope this helps.
Happy Thanksgiving to all.
wyomingscout
" High rail has more detailed modeling than toy train, but not to the extent 3 rail scale does."
it simply depends on whose layout you look at and their intentions. Have seen many hirail layouts that are much better done then some 3 rail scale. With fixed pilots the min radius has to be larger. The result often is less trackage available for realistic operations (especially yards) if space is an issue.
Bill D