what is your opnion on using a o guage train and using it for a outdoor garden layout??? are they made for these conditions? can you run them in snow?
im asking this because i have wanted a g scale GRR but the $$$$ is making it look like a little too much wating and adding too the train list in my head!!!(too much $$$)
what type of grades can they pull?? Loaded, Unloaded?? how much of a tighter curves can they go around?
I think that o scale fits my budget a little better but will this last outside??
any other comments or questions that you think i should know feel free too say them
O is not made for outdoors. G gauge is, with some type of UV blocker and the gears are sealed. That said, it would be wise to take precautions with both types of gauge trains outdoors.
O scale will hold up very well outdoors if precautions are taken.
I happen to use O for 2 reasons:
Already have the trains and cannot afford another collection of them
I can fit more train into my approx. 30X70 backyard
If I had money and a big yard, I’d definitely go G gauge, as my philosophy is bigger is always better; matter of fact, if I had that much money, I’d buy a shortline and run picnic speeders and handcars all day on it with my beer buddies.
Its hard to beleive that the toylike Lionel stuff is more expensive than the larger more detailed G stuff isnt it? The more detailed model train like stuff in O makes LGB look downright cheap pricewise!
Excuse me! But I model in 16mm scale on 32mm track AKA SM32. I also use the 32mm track for my collection of ‘O’ scale locomotives. There is no problem running them provided it is not raining and I have sprayed the springs with WD40 beforehand. It takes a slow but gentle hand to wind them up and then let them go.
The PECO SM32 track is quite suitable for narrow gauge 16mm scale or coarse ‘O’ scale.
What Bucksco and vsmith said is true. I recently started Large Scale modeling in addition to On30. I built some pieces of rolling stock for a small indoor logging line I plan to model. I used Ozark Miniatures detail parts and they were MUCH cheaper and of a higher quality than anything I’ve used in either O or HO scales. Even a lot of the RTR locos, rolling stock and trucks are cheaper and more detailed than some items in the smaller scales. I found there as many or more detail parts available for LS as there is for O. I found that for myself Large Scale is a pleasure to work with compared to working on some equipment in On30 - and at least I can really see the details. Although I’m modeling LS from a model railroader’s point of view and am building to the ratio of 1:20.3, I use parts from 1:22.5 and other scales. If they’re available and look right, they’re good enough for me. Because of the limited amount of space, I have a shelf-style L-shaped layout against two walls built above my On30 layout. I mostly concentrate on scratchbuilding and superdetailing individual scenes, small structures, and rolling stock.
Although I enjoy working in Large Scale, I still model in On30 because I like having scenic effects such as trestles, structures, valleys, trees, wider curves, a good track plan and I like the availability and quality of the equipment. These concepts would require a space the size of a gymnasium to accomplish in Large Scale. No one scale can satisfy my every desire in model railroading so I model in multiple scales and gauges and have the best of both worlds. Despite the fact I can only model so much in the limited space I have available, the more I work in LS the more I like it and I am discovering I don’t enjoy working with On30 .
I too I model in 16mm scale on 32mm track, which we call SM32. [8D]
My garden railway is a mix of Japanese and British narrow guage nostalgia. The PECO track is great outdoors. In my garden it soon lost the initial shine and now looks as if it has been there a good long time. This is just what I wanted, for the rails to blend in to the surroundings. Fine as long as you don’t want to put power into the rails.
With 32mm track I can model a typical narrow guage line and build what I need from scratch. Lacking shops close enough (i.e. in the same country) to nip out and buy things I decided at the beginning to research and make what I need. This is an extremely satisfying way to go as one learns all sorts of things along the way.
You will learn a great deal if you read what and how others have done. Go to their websites and enjoy taking your time. Once you start off you can change your mind but only at the expense of your wallet.
Quote: “Excuse me! But I model in 16mm scale on 32mm track AKA SM32. I also use the 32mm track for my collection of ‘O’ scale locomotives. There is no problem running them provided it is not raining”
You’re excused![:D]
(I failed to consider “largescale” O gauge).
Mathew, used to ride Japanese narrow gauge; even switchback; several decades ago when I lived there.
O Gauge Steam engines are metal - most of LS trains are plastic and plastic injection molding is cheaper. You want to price compare Ogauge Steamers - price compare USA Trains all metal engines to the all metal engines of Ogauge. And all Ogauge metal steamers are NOT less detailed…it depends on what “grade” of engine you are buying…
The intro level is berift of details but the scale versions are extremely detailed.
Then there is the Ogauge Brass engines which are priced like the brass engines of Large Scale.
Ogauge has it’s advantages - one of them being that OGauge starter sets for example - have tremendouse bang for the buck - specifically the MTH starter sets…you get wonderful detailed engines with the full enchilda command control system [smoke, lights, sounds - many of the feature can be accessed with the conventional power pack that is also included] along with track for about $280.00. Nothing comes close in Large scale for the price point, quality and details.
Plus - Ogauge is still going through a glut on the market. It has been noted that there was so much manufacturered in the last 10 years - you can find some fantastive details…I just found 3 or 4 highly detailed Ogauge engines in my favorite road name with full sound/smoke for around $225.00 or less [“buy it now” prices].
The Diesel engines are made of plastic in Ogauge - and I can find my favorite road name diesels at or near the price point of the LS diesels. And again - they have better smoke and sound already included…and their details [if you buy the higher end scale lines] are comparable to what you find in Large Scale.
Ogauge - as a whole - is more expensive but the deals are out there aplenty…
I am very intersted in your life in Japan; my wife and i are house swappers but we have had not had much luck in Japan. Been to Northern Germany, UK, France and now we are off to irelend, but no Japan, would you have any idea why?
Yes I do consider myself as a pom, sometimes a brit but almost never a limey. By the way, what is the slang term for a garden railway person? Or a british one?
Japan is not at all like Europe, sorry, that doesn’t sound very intelligent. For me Japan is the most interesting place in the world, from so many perspectives. It is welcoming and comfortable and at the same time demands a strenuous effort. Not just the language or thr three alphabets, but the readjustment of one’s way of thinking.
Oh bugger! My wife and daughter (now 6 yrs old) want me to build a cabinet for them. They know I can’t resist a building project. Just as I was getting to what I wanted to say…well I’ll get back here later on.
There seems to be a huge number of people over here in the uk modelling in 16mm scale, on both o gauge track and 45mm, but i think in 16mm o gauge track is more popular…[;)]
I have both G scale & Lionel O gauge. I started in G in 1989. Back then there was no real practical alternative for outdoor o gauge track. The stainless gargraves had wooden ties that wouldn’t do very well out side. If I were to start outside today I would stay with O gauge. The sound systems and integrated remote systems are far ahead of g scale and the stainless track with plastic ties is more weather proof than in the past. And besides then I would only have to but new track and not all the trains.
I was going to suggest On30, BUT i think I wiil stay out of this one.[soapbox]. PS if On30 would have been avalable in 1988 like it is now, I would deffinitly be in it
Hi Daniel
The little trains of Wales have a lot to answer for[:D] the 32mm represents two foot gauge.
NMRA doesn’t even acknowledge the scales existence hardly surprising though
given the predominatly UK following the scale has.
regards John
NMRA has its head in the sand when it comes to 16mm scale. Do you guys have to scratchbuild your stuff or is it sold ready to use? Also, do you predominantly do track power, live steam, R/C or all 3?
Hi FG&J
Most sm32 stock seems to be kit or scratch built with some kit bashing.
RTR live steam (NOT cheap) and battery power are popular in both RC and manual operation.
Track power is rare and clockwork sometimes makes an apearance.
I think the collectors would have an attack of the vapeours if you put a 16mm scale body on a Lionel clockwork mechanism.
Ready to run stock is only just coming on to the market and is made by Acucraft
and it seems that all sm32 stock has to be ordered from the UK.
The track standard is coarse “O” WETI
I am one of the odd ones in that I use 45mm gauge track.
Thinking of the Maine (spelling) two footers or similar are you??[:D]
regards John