Many of us might model a larger scale if we had the room. It is my opinion that if we all had the room, and certainly the money because larger scales do cost more, HO would NOT be the most popular scale modeled.
I would model S scale if I had the room. I like the size and ability to work on something larger. As we get older, our eyes, our dexterity with our fingers, is just not like a person under 45. Ohhhh, if I only could use the entire lower level of this house!!!
Probably. Though, in a way, we’d all like to have 1:1 size railroads! I would like to go up to O or G if I had endless space and endless money.
I’m an N scaler right now, so HO seems to be a lot bigger to me. However, I’ve always had a soft spot for G, but would have to have at least a garage size room to have a decent size layout…
TL
Still would go HO, but wow what a layout I’d have.[:D][8D]
Same as Gappleg.
I’m not that great at “infinite” space as a concept, so in my mind I think of “no space constraint” as “we don’t need the astrodome any more… have at it.”
In a case like that, I’d probably stay with HO regardless of space. I’d also probably use extra space mostly to decrease the density of my layout features (by which I mean towns, industries, yards, etc). Instead, I’d use extra space to create longer, more prototypical run lengths between features and to remove compression from features.
And, since I just have to do it for Tracklayer… I’d have BEER! (Presumably, they’d leave the concession stands at the Astrodome in place, facilitating this)
I’m in HO,But the heft and amount of detail in O guage would be great,and a lot easier on the eyes and manual dexterity.I probely would’nt build too large a layout as I have just about enough time,patience,and skill to handle my moderate size layout.
i’d go to S scale if I had the room and the money…
Assuming having real trains isn’t considered modeling…
All things considered I’d stick with HO. Large enough to get some detail and not be mechanically restrictive. Small enough one could make some really interesting layouts that are still “viewable”. I mean if someone tried to do a St. Louis Union Station in O-scale it would be hard to see from one to the other side of it.
On3 is still O scale, especiall in the context of this question. 1/4" to the foot is 1/4" to the foot reguarless of how many of those feet are between the rails. And G gauge is who knows what “scale”… My G gauge is used for 1:20.5 scale.
I would go to G scale. It just seems more life like than the other scales. Plus, as *** indicated, as I get older it will be easier to fiddle with. But, it will have to wait on time, money and space!!!
762mm (2’6") gauge, full size, Kiso Forest Railway prototype. All I need is a quarter-section of hilly, forested land.
Oops! Forgot to mention the billion dollar grant from the (Nonexistant) Obsolete Technology Commemorative Fund.
I would love to model S gauge size but They don’t have to much choice in the availability of the material like sizes of track radius and equipment that’s available in O gauge.
You forgot other!?! If I had the money I’d like to try my hand at 4’ 8 1/2" guage. [swg]
Now that would be some layout!
Fergie
Doin G now, even with the small space constrictions I have now, I’ll never go back to them smaller scales. Wouldnt mind a bigger yard or a bigger garage.
I’d like “S” scale please in a gutted14x65 mobile home.
It seems to me if you have a super large space, you’d have to go outdoors - because taking care of a lot of “fake” scenery is just crazy - maintenance, dust, etc.
Whereas if it’s outside, you’d be taking care of the scenery with a lawnmower, hedge trimmers, etc.
The coolest layout I’ve ever seen is still probably the LA county fair outdoor layout, back when it was all scratchbuilt equipment. I haven’t seen it for a few years since it’s been G scale - I bet it’s looking great.
So, I haven’t really answered the question, have I?
The milwaukee road Rocky mountain division would be my dream layout. I would builld the whole thing from Butte to Harlatton. The Rocky Mounrtain division would be the ultimate railroad of the century. Planning on building this monster layout too.
James
3 1/2" scale 7 1/2" gauge. I do 1 1/2" scale, 7 1/2" gauge, now. It’s always more fun when you can actually get on board and ride the train yourself.
1:1 scale… Why not dream of the best…
If I had the space, I would like to model in large scale (G scale). I’d model an indoor narrow gauge backwoodsy/logging line. I currently model in On30 and like the ease of working with the larger size of the equipment but I really would like to try G scale where the equipment is big and the detailing possibilities are great. Since I am attracted to the odd and unusual, I might try Gn30 (G scale on O scale track) or even Gn2 (G scale on On3 scale track). In addition to modeling in On30, I’ve seriously entertained the thought of trying Gn15 (G scale on HO track). I currently do have space for this. As far as money goes, I would scratchbuild and improvise whenever possible like I do now. I know I would really enjoy scratchbuilding in large scale. As Lynn Westcott said in his book “HO Primer,” Money is basically a timesaver (in HO).