I am modeling the Southern Pacific Oregon Division. What is the best scale to choose,O or HO scale.
If you like the SP in HO check out Joe’s web site.
That depends on the amount of space you can devote to it, the amount of money you can devote to it and the amount of time you can devote to it. Set those parameters and you will get more input.
Are you thinking steam or diesel power? In HO, Espee diesel power is pretty well represented by several manufacturers. In fact, I believe that Genesis has just re-released a very well-detailed ‘Tunnel Motor’. Both SP cab and hood units are relatively easy to obtain from several manufacturers, either in the original “Black Widow” or later “Bloody Nose” scheme.
In steam, BLI offers the AC 4-5 Cab Forwards and is reputedly coming out with an AC-12. Genesis is set to offer the MT-3 4-8-2, and several other mfgrs either have or are coming out with GS 4-8-4’s. There’s little to offer in the smaller Espee steam wheel arrangements of locos like 4-6-0, 2-8-0, 2-8-2 and especially the ‘Deck’ 2-10-2’s–which, if you chose to model the Siskiyou Line in steam would be an absolute necessity–except in used brass. Espee had very distinctive steam locos, so taking one of the many plastic USRA locos available and slapping SOUTHERN PACIFIC decals on it probably wouldn’t really satisfy you if you’re a die-hard Espee fan (and most of us who model the road are, LOL!).
Espee freight equipment is easy to get from most manufacturers, either older or newer. Passenger equipment is a little trickier–Lifelike offers the “Harriman” series of steam passenger cars, Walthers offers Pullman Standard in the Espee two-tone gray, and though they are not really authentic, several manufacturers offer the “Daylight” passenger cars. Both Genesis and BLI are set to release versions of the “Daylight” train, but it’s the “Coast Daylight” and not the “Shasta Daylight”, which had different cars. That doesn’t mean that you can’t ‘fudge’ on the train, though.
All in all, Espee is pretty ‘healthy’ as far as HO offerings.
Tom [:)]
Agree - Joe all the way - Nobody models the SP better and he’s doing Central Oregon.
As far as “off the shelf” items, in O scale diesel locomotives, the old Atlas F-9 can be a starting point for these units. RS-3s FA/FB-2s ang GP-38s (among others) are available from Weaver. Atlas O (the recent offerings) makes a GP-35, SD-35, Erie Built, GP-60, and GP-9 as well as a few big Alcos.
( All these are 2 rail BTW. I’m making the assumption that you are interested in 2 rail, not hi-rail)
There are some 2 railed locomotives from MTH in SP. Both steam and diesel. Prepare for some pretty heavy compromises for these, as they were originally designed for the 3 rail market, and having to compromise for the larger flanges can show up (especally in the pilot and trailing truck areas.)
Steam locomotives, well for SP specific stuff, for the most part one word: BRASS!
Size does matter in O scale. If you want to do Donner, or Tehatchpi (sp, sorry) in O you better have a gym!
However, if your interested in switching, smaller branchline operations O has a LOT to offer. Reliable coupling, great rail to wheel electrical pickup (MASS! Heavy locomotives, mean better electrical contact.) ease of superdetailing, and somewhat better tracking of a train. Again, more mass.
Even though I’m an O scaler, I recommend S scale to new modelers. I’m heavily invested in O scale rolling stock, so a switch to S would kill me (make that the wife would kill me) economically. S Helper and American Models make some fantastic stuff in S scale!
Model Power offers excellent reproductions of second series Harrimans in HO and MDC’s harrimans are still out there as well. Rapido makes excellent “tomato stripe” passenger cars and other manufacturers have excellent Daylight reproductions. Intermountain’s AC-12 is on the shelf now, and is an excellent model of that unique locomotive. Harriman 2-8-2’s are available at relatively minor expense in brass. MDC Harriman 2-8-0 kits are still out there, and a swap of the oversize drivers for the prototype’s actual 56 inch drivers is relatively easy.
Actually, SP 2-10-2’s “Fe’s” or “Decks” or “Big Mikes” to SP men, are actually available at reasonable prices since Sunset Models did a large run of these things quite a while ago, but it is all relative…
If you go with the “majority opinion,” go HO. But as people say, it all depends on your preference. From where I sit, you can’t choose a better prototype to emulate.
Mark
As mentioned Space for your layout would be the main factor. As for motive power what era are you planning to model? In the early 1950’s steam and early diesels would be the most common. The 1970’s would be EMD almost exclusively. There were some BLW S12’s around but no Alco’s. The C628 & C630’s made a brief stint but were quickly sent packing. GE’s U30C and U33C were very rare visitors to Oregon. Espee never owned any Alco FA’s or RS3’s either.
For the 1970’s it would be GP9, SD9, SD40’s & SD45’s in both standard and “Tunnel Motor” versions. Except for the GP9 four axle power was very rare in Oregon.
Yard engines would be BLW S12’s (until 1975) & EMD SW1200’ SW1500 units. Local and branchline power was usually in the care of the SD9.
It’s kind of a no-brainer if you ask me. Unless you have an air craft hanger and a lawyers salary to buy a lot of brass, go HO. Then you will have a great deal of steam or diesel era rolling stock to choose from. I grew up with the SP in the Sacramento area and still buy some of it even as a Rio Grande modeler. Athearn is currently offering some nice tunnel motor diesels and SD45’s too. Athearn Genesis PC&F box cars etc, so you are all set for 70’s and 80’s. My preference!
I agree with what’s been said so far.
HO is smaller so you can get more into your space. HO also has the most variety so you will get your finished layout up and operating faster because you can buy instead of build – if fast is most important to you.
O takes more space, has far less available for it commercially, and costs more. The size and heft of O is impressive, and if I had the room and time to build more things myself, it would be very tempting to do O.
Ultimately, it’s a personal choice, and only you can make it.
As an Espee modeler, I’ll just add my 2 cents and say that not only is there a large verity of rolling stock and motive power made in HO scale but a lot of laser structure kits such as depots and yard buildings.
Somethng I didn’t mention is the two Southern Pacific Diesel Compendiums by Joe Strapac. Volume one details the 1939-65 time period and volume two covers 1965 to the end of the Espee. Both will give a wealth of information regarding purchaces and details of the options applied and end with the disposition of the units. Very well worth the cost.
If you use O scale you will have to do a lot of repainting of Locos and Rolling Stock. There is more Southern Pacific in HO scale. If I was chooseing i would pick HO, but it’s your model railroad and it’s YOUR desicion!!!