There are a number of scales people use to build their model train layouts, and everyone has his favorite. When I first entered the hobby, I narrowed my initial choices down to HOn3, HO, Sn#, and On30.
Here's how I did my final analysis on which scale is best:
Physical Properties:
The larger scales (1:48, 1:64) allow enhanced detail, literally down to the bells and whistles. Generally, your model trains will also have better operating characteristics. The smaller scale (1:87) allows more terrain on the layout, allowing for more miles of track and additional city and landscaping.
Space and concept:
I wanted to build a layout that borrows heavily from Furlow’s HOn3 San Juan Central (and 8' by 10' layout for those unfamiliar with it). I could fit a layout only slightly bigger than that into my available space, an important consideration for anyone considering a new layout. These space limitations tipped me towards HO or HOn3.
Detailed Models
I am a long time, avid reader of Narrow Gauge & Shortline Gazette. The majority of real quality work seen in a typical issue is in larger scales. There is currently a wide variety of structures, a great variety of On3 rolling stock and scratchbuilding materials. On30 has a lot of energy and enthusiasm surrounding it these days, and I am comfortable with the slightly less formal atmosphere of the On30 community. This area tipped me towards On30.
Vehicles and Figures
I love model period vehicles and figures. I also wanted to have a complete model population of figures. In 1:48, there is a fair variety of figures but a marked shortage of vehicles. It's possible to use 1:43 vehicles modified slightly, but then that diminishes the layout's fidelity.
HO boasts a large number of vehicles in the late-20’s to mid-30’s timeframe that so intrigued me and also a wide variety of figures -- which means one unit of "tip" toward HO.
Pragmatic Concerns
Namely... What do I already own. That's an important question to ask since there's no need, after all, to completely reinvent the wheel. I have many classic HO structures, a fewO scale structures, a variety HO standard gauge kits, several HO locomotives, and two HOn3 engines. This all means: HO and HO standard will be cheaper to get going. Additionally, some of these HO kits are what I’ve always wanted to have on a layout. (call it one unit of tip towards HO).
HO wins so far: Narrow or Standard gauge?
I like narrow gauge, but I find that the models are awfully small. Bachmann has recently begun providing excellent inexpensive small and medium size steam engines in HO standard that look and run great (and I already even own several).
My primary goal is to overcome the intertia inherent in starting a new gradiose layout, and so I'm going to get with what I already have a basis for: HO standard guage. Perhaps in the future, once I have an initial success under my belt and build some momentum, I'll try something more alien (to me anyway) and ambitious.
And so, the question begs: Am I paying a price for my security?
I personally believe that projects of any sort turn out best when we acknowledge and accept the compromises we feel are necessary to make and confirm that we are really comfortable with them. A fellow by the name of Boone Morrison really summed up the choice I decided to make:
“HO is a great scale to build a model of a railroad; O scale is a great scale to build railroad models.”
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