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Welcome!
In today’s video we are talking about model railroad scales. If you are just getting in the hobby or you are looking to make a change, I am going to go over 5 of the most popular scales in Model Railroading and talk about how to choose the right one!
Thanks for a really interesting review. I ran a 4 ft x 6-1/2 ft N-scale layout back when N-scale first hit the market, around 1967 or so, There was not a lot of equipment available back then; I'm glad to see that situation has improved. I liked it from the standpoint of being able to run longer trains in a semi-mainline setting, and I still think that's its big attraction. Back then, DCC and all of those wonderful things hadn't been invented yet. HO was king.
I'm looking at getting back into the hobby; my long-range marksmanship competition has taken a serious setback after a multiple fracture accident on one arm. However, living in Canada, where the money is worth less and everything costs more, I've been trying – without a lot of success – to get a good feel about the initial investment I'd need to start up a modest layout – lets say a maximum of a 4' x 8' or 3' x 12' space. With all the advances in scenery techniques and materials, it looks like its possible to put together landscape and structures that have a somewhat believable appearance. I don't know if the same is true for rolling stock, particularly locomotives. I remember that long ago, anything "good" in HO was brass, and the cost of that was "BRA$$$$!" Being retired and on a fixed income once again makes that a factor. I can see 3D printing being useful for structures, and possibly even some basic parts of freight rolling stock, but I don't know about locomotives.
More than once, I've heard people comment that "it's better to do something even if it's just a small start with a 3' x 3' layout, or a diorama", and that seems reasonable. But, I'd sure like to hear more about the actual costs involved for half-way decent quality locomotives. Sometimes it's like comparing apples to oranges, but for starting out? It's not the oranges but the pockets – or rather their depth.
As for coffee, I'm drinking Kicking Horse 'Three Sisters' this morning, only slightly adulterated. It's an appropriate brand, considering where I live. Thanks for your insight and advice.
enjoyed your video. scales. interesting. I am TT, standard, and have recently started dabbling in HO (having had OO, N, Z, O, and G with a smattering of S in the past). Now, there are a substantial amount of variables that can really influence a decision. my ongoing foray with HO, it can take up an very unexpected amount of space. #6 turnouts etc are actually longer than standard gauge of roughly G scale size. modern diesels and appropriate trains are very long. N scale excellent, but can appear very small, and sometimes trying to capture the big landscape look may not be to everyone's ability. glad you mentioned S: it's easy to overlook that Z was the domain of one manufacturer for decades and was marketed almost sadly as not being for modellers, it was as a pricey deluxe novelty item and conversation drawcard. Anyway, enjoying your channel 🙂
G scale for me… over 200 feet of track in doors… check it out on my channel… great videos and awesome channel you have… I like black with 2 sugars also.. ☕👍
ANOTHER GOOD THING ABOUT S SCALE MATCHBOX AND HOTWHEELS CARS FIT IN THE SCENES. PLUS HO SLOT CARS
N Scale is good if you like Japanese trains. Though HO is available, there is heaps at 1/150. The main problem is easily getting it outside of Japan (or cheaply).
There is a “perfect “ scale for all people that want to build a layout or collect trains . That is what is part of this wonderful hobby!!!
Nice new video thanks like it.
I model modern CN and BNSF in N scale, and my brother models the same in HO. I chose N scale for the space saving aspect and so my brother and I wouldn’t fight over the same rolling stock. However I do enjoy modelling both scales
I pick ho scale because of my dad . My dad inspired me for watching his stem engens
Listen, I got Model Railroad A.D.D.! I can't just pick one!
In all seriousness though, this was good video. Picking a scale qnd gauge is pretty crucial when getting into the hobby. I strongly favor On30, although due to a lack of space (the bane of all model railroaders) I'm currently working on an HOn30 layout. HO scale on N gauge track with hand laid rail in code 55. Not giving up on my On30 empire dream though.
I've always wanted to get started with model railroading ever since I went to places like Madurodam in the Netherlands and a lot of model railroad layouts in Germany as a kid. Choosing a scale is the first thing to do and this video explains it well!
As for what coffee I'm drinking, it's a cup of earl grey tea for Loyd haha
I am an O-Scale modeler and I love the size and heft of the larger locomotives. Smoke, sound, and fun accessories are just a few reasons for my choosing this. It is also much more durable then some of the smaller scales.
I must say that this was a fair review all of the scales. Some people can be so biased against different scales. Nice post.
I'm primarily an N scale guy, myself. I like the cross between quality and size.
I do have a few Z and O scale sets as well. I am interested in a few of the American Flyer set.
On top of that, I do have a big backyard…. 🙂
Oh. And as for Coffee, I usually do medium Columbian roast that Pilot/Flying J truckstops offer due to my job.
My first post on DIY and Digital Railroad : I stumbled across your channel while researching planning software and really appreciate your way of explaining things. So let me jump in with both feet "Coffee and Trains" as they say in the movies "you had me at coffee ha ha. Peet's Major Dickerson's Blend or their Big Bang. And I'll take one splenda – Thank You. SCALE: Spent years holding onto my HO scale items from early days, yard sales, and my boys. Things change, as they do, and based on current "move" I'm working two fold – HO in 4' modular with local train club, but also considering N scale based on space and options. Look forward to reviewing more from your selections, again "THANK YOU"
Something that many people don’t realize but I came to find out when trying to plan my layout was that I was actually able to fit more o gauge into a space than I could my ho
When you have detailed Ho locomotives especially like modern excursion trains and such those need relatively gentle turns
With o gauge, specifically the Lionel trains made in the 50s which are not scale, those were made for really tight turns which can actually make it possible to do when compared to other sizes