Standard O or traditional? What should I go with?

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

Hey,

I already have 2 sets of traditional size engines and rolling stock. With me building my layout in the future, im trying to decide whether to go with traditional or standard O size from now on. The detail of the standard O wants to have it, but the low cost and already the same size I already have with my set, draws me to it.

Whats yall’s recommendations?

Thanks,

Grayson

2

If I were to start on building a new layout I would go with one as large a space would allow and design it for using scale sized equipment. In my opinion it appears that the industry is leaning more heavily on standard O/scale size offerings since we are demanding more and more detail. Even if you have traditional, those cars can be blended in with scale equipment. In reading some books on the steam era it is noticible that a number of engines sit higher than the consist whether it is passenger or freight so a scale steamer with traditional cars isn’t that unreal.

3

[#ditto]

Buy both. I started with the Polar Express and have ALOT of other traditional cars. But, for my future layout…it will be more realistic. (I came from the HO world). There is nothing wrong with running both. If there is a train that is a “gotta have it” then buy it and run it![:D]

4

This depends a lot on what era you intend to model and how much space you have to work with. There is a lot of stuff that is traditional sized and is scale. It’s just scaled for 1930’s and 1940’s era equipment. This equipment did make it into the late 50’s/early 60’s (railroads hate to toss anything that’s still usefull). Passeneger cars are a different story. 72-85 feet has been the standard length since the mide 20’s/early 30’s.

Most modern era equipment is huge. The SD-70/90 and GE ACC units are going to be 18-19 inches long. Scale Autoracks even larger.

If you want to go scale, you will need minimum O-72 and O-84 or larger would be better. That’s a lot of real estate.

5

I mischeviously vote for 027…

6

If cost is the main issue there are low cost solutions such as Atlas O Industrialrail line(o27 sized cars), RMT Ready made toys locos and hoppers and caboosees are a good deal as well. If you want cheap rolling stock Hobby surplus has a grab bag deal where they pick 3 cars from thier stock(usaly K-line) for $29.99 that is less then $10 each[tup]

7

Since I play with my trains and am limited to space and budget, I opt for the Traditional ‘O27’.

I have seen some really nice layouts with a blend of the two.

8

Thanks for the replies. I think I want to go with Standard O for now on. Im trying to do this layout in detail, with nice senery and such, and super detailed Standard O cars would match with that. About size, im sure everybody has heard of my layout enough, but its going to be 17ft. x 12ft. Pretty good size, so standard O size would probably look good with it. 2 mainlines wired for tmcc and conventional control by tmcc, as well as having a yard. I think from now on I will go with standard O, but still use my traditional locos and cars mixed in.

Grayson