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Where to Start with Building a Layout
Atul asks readers this question:
“I’m in the early planning stages for my layout. Currently, I’m leaning toward HO scale but I will consider O scale as well. I definitely want sound capability. Can someone tell me which brands are most expandable, as far as accessories available and options? Recommendations please.”
4 Responses to Where to Start with Building a Layout
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O gauge is the best for operating accessories (a lot of them)!
If layout size is limited go with normal O gauge, not O gauge scale which is larger.
The sound that MTH engines producers are excellent. Also, with the MTH electronic controls, including the WI-FI unit, using your smart phone, or iPad as a remote control is great.
In terms of O gauge, Lionel is optimal in your case as they offer sound on a lot of their locomotives, but I am not as experienced with O gauge, so I’ll leave it to someone else to go into further detail about O gauge. HO is more popular so it has more to offer, but is harder to modify and work with. I would go with either Bachmann or Atlas for HO gauge. It really comes down to how much space you have, and your budget, as well as your patience. If you have lots of patience and a steady hand, go for HO gauge. If you want things done faster and easier to work with, go with O gauge. It must also be noted that if you are going for more specific locomotive classes, you will most likely come to the point to where you have to put in your own decoders. Your options depend on the locomotive you buy, and what sort of chip is in it or you put in it. To get the most options, and at the same time keeping it easy, buy a locomotive that is DCC ready (assuming you also want DCC), and buy a chip that is customized to your liking.
Since you want sound, I say;”Go with HO.” It has a wide assortment of DCC sound decoders as compared to O gauge. Added to that, you can select decoders that have other built-in functions like running lights, head lights and other features. With HO scale, you can create a more interesting layout than you can with O gauge because there are more accessories and structures available for HO. HO is a very common scale so it would be easier and less costly to expand your rolling stock than compared to other scales.
May want to consider On30- it’s O scale, but uses HO track. ‘On’ means it’s O scale but narrow gauge; ’30’ means it’s proto was 30″ gauge ( not standard 56.5″)
Advantages:
1 – O scale houses, figures, etc are used, so its a nice, fairly large size scale, and if you already have O scale items you can re-use them
2- You’ re able to get a lot more track on a platform. I started by using a simple 4X7 platform, & was able to 5 lines on it.
3 – HO gauge is cheaper than O gauge.
4 – Trains are readily available from Bachmann, but local retailers or online are much cheaper.