2nd phase of the hobby with 8yr old Son - A few early decisions

I am in the process of changing my layout from MTH Real Trax to Altlas O. I went with Atlas because I like the look and more so, the wide variety of curves and turnouts including a double slip switch that will eventually be included in my layout. Atlas O maintains 4.5" track spacing throughout their product offering. Apparently there has been a lack of availability for the last 2 years for both Atlas O and MTH Scale Trax. I don't know about Scale Trax, but the Atlas O drought is nearly over.

Atlas O is UV compatible.

Under the heading of sustaining his interest in our hobby, I feel it helps to have his train treasures permanently in view. So, if maintaining a layout or a site for one has become a challenge, with those imposed "evictions," I'd encourage you to provide him with shelves or dresser-top display space so he can see his trains, or at least, various cars or engine(s), anytime he looks around his room. They become a source of pride in what he possesses, and just seeing them as an easily visible/accessible part of his world can bring joy and reaffirmation that his hobby is a good and ongoing part of his life.

FrankM.

Moonson posted:

"... I feel it helps to have his train treasures permanently in view. So, if maintaining a layout or a site for one has become a challenge, with those imposed "evictions," I'd encourage you to provide him with shelves or dresser-top display space so he can see his trains, or at least, various cars or engine(s), anytime he looks around his room. They become a source of pride in what he possesses, and just seeing them as an easily visible/accessible part of his world can bring joy and reaffirmation that his hobby is a good and ongoing part of his life.

FrankM."

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Thank you Frank, great point, and I did just that when he initially lost interest.  I built a display shelf for the set to store them in an artistic, decorative sort of way.  His Grandfather's vintage 1950's Lionel train is right above his set, and my favorite surviving three pieces from my old HO set are to the side.  We have started many chats about trains based on the shelf display, they are safely stored that way and the enjoyment isn't boxed up out of sight, out of mind!

Oman posted:

"I am in the process of changing my layout from MTH Real Trax to Altlas O. I went with Atlas because I like the look and more so, the wide variety of curves and turnouts including a double slip switch that will eventually be included in my layout. Atlas O maintains 4.5" track spacing throughout their product offering. Apparently there has been a lack of availability for the last 2 years for both Atlas O and MTH Scale Trax. I don't know about Scale Trax, but the Atlas O drought is nearly over.

Atlas O is UV compatible."

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Thank you Keith, that's very helpful.  I am not going to add to our carpet layout any more (We will keep what we have in RT for Holiday layouts)  Everything from this point on, however, is going toward the semi-permanent layout.  Your information is very helpful, it backs me up in avoiding committing to a product line that is not readily available past the first round of obvious stock.  I will check Atlas Track out a little more closely!

Gilly@N&W thanks for the suggestion, I see your reply on my email, but not here on the site anymore.  Anyhow, I think I will only be adding to the semi permanent layout now, no more RealTrax.  I'll check out the Lionel stuff too.  Best Regards-

Atlas-O is also nickel-silver rail like Scaletrax and is probably much easier to get now that their supply problems seem to be over. Atlas has a much better selection of curves and switches as well. Atlas-O is also the only O gauge track I am aware of that is UV rated. Scaletrax is nice, but selection is limited and I believe it is a bit scarce. My local train shop doesn't even carry it, but they do carry all the other track systems.  

There are some forum members here that have outdoor O gauge layouts. I don't recall their forum names, but I have seen a few posts about O gauge layouts outdoors. The ones I remember, I believe, were using Atlas track. I try to read all the posts I find on Atlas track. Gargraves makes track with stainless steel rails, but the ties are wooden and I am not sure how well those would hold up outdoors?

I also think track is a personal choice and you should look at everything available before making a selection. The UV protection is a very limiting factor (probably to Atlas only). I use Atlas myself and would recommend it, but I think you should still look around to see what all is available before and make the final choice based on what you like and your specific needs. It really is not a one size fits all selection, IMO. 

Eddie, I've been on the fence for over a year regarding ScaleTrax. I've seen a full layout in Burbank CA and the track looks great. However, since then I've learned that availability appears to be a real problem and I'm not willing to order without being able to handle it first, especially their flex track. I'm on my way to GA and had a source, but they are now out of stock. I have another source south of Dallas that I'll check in the way home in 3 weeks, assuming they still have some in stock. If they don't, then I think I've given MTH enough of my time and they'll simply lose out to Atlas. I actually like Atlas too and they have more curve options, O36 & O45, that meet my needs better. Price was the hang-up, but I've since starting looking at street prices and Atlas seems to have larger discounts that bring it more in line with others. It's still more expensive, but track is a one-time buy, unless you expand your layout, so I'm more concerned with availability than cost. My layout is going to have a separate shelf layout next year, so I might use ScaleTrax for that if it's available when I'm ready.

As far as outside goes, do a search for "outdoor layouts" and you'll find some threads. Maybe someone in those threads will be able to give you more info. I assume success depends a lot on where you live, etc.

Hi Eddie P.,

It sounds like negotiating some long term trackage rights would be most beneficial.

Any chance to secure a 8' wide space in the garage? You at least need 7' 6" ends for a dog bone of O72. Some have even had a train table on lift cables in the garage. That would allow for future expansion to an outdoor branch line. It's not climate controlled, but it would at least eliminate lease termination evictions.

Eliminating the track rights termination cycle will go a long way.

Is there a family room or a porch that you can get half of the space to use?

I would put the use of smoke on the table as a negotiable point.

No basements make it tough to find a right of way.

RTR12, Doubledaz (Dave), MoonMan (Carl), thank you for the great suggestions and tales of fellow struggle to decide on the virtues of the various track systems!

Carl your suggestion of a garage based layout with hoist is an idea I had not considered at all.  This has some possibility.  Our garage configuration allows a few possible options.  I could see that as being something to explore further.

I will do some more searching on the outdoor layouts too.  I found the "Family Garden Trains" website here.  A huge supply of articles and links  Some of the links are dead though, but many still work.  They have a Facebook page too.

You guys are all packed with great ideas, thank you.

Eddie P.,

Here is one such thread on a "hoistable layout". brings up the pros and cons. There are a few more if you search the forum.

Websearch "garage storage hoist"

Another option is a fold-down out of wall. That doesn't appear to be a good solution based on some of the generic constraints that you have stated and the fact that you want to use large radius curves. Doubling the framing on a non-load bearing wall would allow you to create a 6" deep space to fold a layout into. It could be two or three sections. The problem is that you can't get an 8' wide table as a fold down.

Garden layouts are whole different animal, but certainly an option.

When an 8 year old boy wants to run trains or work on the layout, I don't think weather and temperature limitations would be fun for too long.

The Atlas O 3-rail Gateway Central is a decent dual main layout with some operations. 8' x 15' is the required space.