I have a ton of 2 rail o but lately I have been having a ball with ON30. O scale structures and detailing, but HO size trackage. Most equipment will work on 36 radius curves. If you haven't made the jump yet it might be worth a look. Russ
This has ben a great thread guys, thanks, sorry I am late to the party. I have been trying to do something in O 2-rail for years, I have several locos and maybe 50 cars acquired over the years, mostly old Atlas and Intermountain cars. I really like the look of Proto48 but can't see installing $50 trucks on $5 cars!
I have about the same amount of On30 and have been planning a sectional layout to be set up outdoors or at shows, I can only fit 2-7' sections and a switching lead in my garage at a time. I really just want to run some trains! So have begun planning a loop of standard and On30 in my 12x18 foot barn but am frustrated I can't fit a 48" loop with some storage shelves and other features I want to keep so have been investigating if I can sell off all my 2-rail and On30 and buy used S scale stuff instead but there seems to be limited availability of steam locos (I like 1929) so am undecided and just running On30 on EZ-Track for the moment...
My 2-rail sections set up at the Emmett Cherry Festival 2016: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...C8&frags=pl%2Cwn
My On30 temp layout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...rw&frags=pl%2Cwn
Silly train stuff I do: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...1U&frags=pl%2Cwn
For layout design you may want to consider around the wall concept running the track twice around over under with a meandering right of way dodging obstacles with cosmetic curves.
Duck under / pop up access is only for those who will never have a health problem, never grow old or deny reality like I did on my previous layout.
For great prices on good condition used flex track get yourself to an 0 scale show. Same goes for turnouts.
There may be a good quantity at the Strasburg PA show if I have any left.
jonnyspeed posted:It all depends on what you want.
Pretty much sums it up.
When you know your needs you need to shop around. Do a bulk order and have them have Atlas to ship direct to you. This will get you the best price. If you have a favorite dealer try working through them.
Consider Micromark who carries both Atlas ans ME track. They often have sales and free shipping. Right now a case (18 pieces) of flex is $250.
Jan
If you go the traction route, you could go down to 12 inch (or less) radius. Very little space problems.
Might me a little small if you're going to model 2 rail scale in 1:1 
Back to this topic. The past few years have been a whirlwind. I closed my shop, took care of my ill, elderly father who recently passed away and I'm on my 3rd job. I'm ready for some trains!
As of late, I have been selling all of my 3 rail O. I forgot I had purchased a bunch of Atlas O 2 Rail rolling stock. Wow are they nice even the Trainman cars. Recently my wife said maybe after retirement we move and I could have the entire basement! For now I'm going to clean the 15' x 17' room and build benchwork. I may go with Atlas 49.5 radius track. My era will not surpass the 90's the latest model loco would be a dash 8. Most everything else early diesel and possibly some steam. I want to buy a 2 rail locomotive so thought I'd reach out to you fellows for opinions.
From my understanding my options are Atlas, M.T.H. or Sunset Models. I like the looks of the Sunset models, (CNW SD40-2) but they are a little more money and seem to need larger radiuses from what I could read on their website. I'm not sure but I think I only need a DCC system as the M.T.H locos will run on DCC? The only thing that bugs me about the M.T,H diesels is how high the body looks above the trucks at least in the photos. I only have pictures to look at so I'm hoping you fellows can shed some light on what you like about the locos and do not like. Also, I am used to the cruise control feature and worry that with the Atlas and Sunset locos I may not get as good of slow speed operation.
Lastly in the spirit of train kinship I want to answer these questions and make a video so other guys like me may consider the 2 rail rout. The size and detailing of scenery is so appealing in O it is what keeps me dreaming about it. Yes there are limitations in two rail O. However, I'm sure there are plenty of other people out there like me who lack information/experience in two rail O and would go for it if examples are there.
What are the pros and cons of different manufactures' engines
What DCC system? I want user friendly, easy to read etc. Big hand friendly.
Any dealers out there who discount off of MSRP for Sunset Models?
It so nice to have this distraction thank you in advance for your help people.
@Classy Woods, LLC posted:What are the pros and cons of different manufactures' engines
The pros of the Sunset Diesels are they come with the horizontal drive system and are very smooth runners. The con is they cost more. The opposite is true for Atlas and MTH (which by the way in case you haven't heard MTH sold most of their diesel tooling to Atlas and is most likely closing up shop). Atlas and MTH come with the "China Drive" system which doesn't have as smooth a start up as the horizontal drive but are smooth at higher speeds (like over 15 SMPH) and are usually pretty dependable. I have yet to have a "China Drive" fail on me but I did have two locomotives with the China drive system that came with one bad motor out of the box. I am not an expert but I believe Sunset has more road specific details on their locomotives than the other companies. Atlas does have a few switchers with the horizontal drive system in it.
What DCC system? I want user friendly, easy to read etc. Big hand friendly.
I like the NCE DCC system which is what I use. It is popular among O scale guys. The owner of NCE is a O scale guy. There are other good systems out there but I could not name all the pros and cons of each system.
Any dealers out there who discount off of MSRP for Sunset Models?
There isn't anyone that I know of that gives more than a slight discount for Sunset.
It so nice to have this distraction thank you in advance for your help people.
Your wife sounds like a real keeper!
I also wanted to say thank you to Classy Woods, LLC for starting this thread. I read so many times on this forum where someone says I am going with 3 rail simply because I can run a Big Boy on 36" radius curves. This thread shows that 2 rail can be done in a smaller area and the enthusiast can still have fun. Many Sunset stream models can negotiate a 56" curve. I once knew a guy from the club I once belonged to who had a Sunset Challenger and it was rated for 56" curves.
@Classy Woods, LLC posted:Any dealers out there who discount off of MSRP for Sunset Models?
I can not answer your question. However, since the markup on most diesel and steam locomotives is only $ 100 I doubt it. Passenger cars run about $ 20 for an aluminum model and even less on the plastic cars. Hardly seems worthwhile for a dealer to handle Sunset / Golden Gate. Some dealers may though.
R. Heil - Sunset Models / Golden Gate Depot
Here’s a short video of the first train around the newly laid mainline connection. The layout is in a 19 x 21 foot space. The over under aspect required 3% grades and 42” radius curves but I felt it was worth it for a longer run and scenic possibilities.
https://youtu.be/7AgVxTqLkrk
Peter
I am SLOWLY building a new 2 rail layout in our 12.5'x13' spare bedroom. It is an around-the-wall layout, with a center peninsula coming out into the center of the room. Min. radius is going to be 36', but most of it will have 42". This is my 3rd, small, 2 rail O scale layout. I have 44 tonners, a 70 tonner, and an SW9. Most cars are 40 footers, but I do have a few 50' cars. Can't do a lot, but can do continuous running, and have some interesting switching planned. My last 2 rail layout was in a 10'x11' spare room. However, it was 2' wide, around 3 of the walls. Switching only.
Jeff
I wandered into the dream world that is the 2 rail sub forum. Only in this alternate reality would someone wonder if 17x15 was too small. I am running 3 rail and am looking at a~9x5 layout. 
I recently finished the benchwork and track for my 14 by 14 O scale layout. It's a twice around track plan with a couple passing sidings. I have 56 inch minimum mainline radius so I have very limited straight track. The twice around is an over/under that the upper track is switched off to a small yard. I'm still laying the yard track but I have basically 5 sidings. You have to make a lot of compromises in a limited space like I had, but I can run 3 trains on the layout but not all at the same time. I agree with the other comments that you'll have to determine your priorities, but it can be done in the space you have. Good luck!
Here is a 2-rail 14'x16' O scale railroad I found on Youtube:
Rusty
Rusty, that's too funny! You have posted from YouTube the same layout the owner posted earlier! LOL
Peter
From my understanding my options are Atlas, M.T.H. or Sunset Models. I like the looks of the Sunset models, (CNW SD40-2) but they are a little more money and seem to need larger radiuses from what I could read on their website. I'm not sure but I think I only need a DCC system as the M.T.H locos will run on DCC? The only thing that bugs me about the M.T,H diesels is how high the body looks above the trucks at least in the photos. I only have pictures to look at so I'm hoping you fellows can shed some light on what you like about the locos and do not like. Also, I am used to the cruise control feature and worry that with the Atlas and Sunset locos I may not get as good of slow speed operation.
There are lots and lots of different O scale models. You can find all sorts of things at O scale shows on the big ugly auction site. Of course all the older brass stuff and other stuff requires you to install you own electronics unless you stick with straight DC, As you say, MTH stuff generally sits too high on the trucks. You can verify this by looking at simple equipment diagrams, or scale drawings of the prototype. I personally like single motor drives. I have yet to see a dual motor one that is quite as smooth in operation - my experience and opinion. Given that I consider the Atlas SW9 a very good model both for detail and operation. As you say the Sunset models are better detailed. In that space, I would shy away from 6 axle locos. they do generally require broader curves and the size is more overpowering on a smaller layout. That said, I have a pair of Sunset E7s that easily track around 48 inch radius curves.
As for control, I think DCC is more practical. We just saw that MTH is shutting down and the future of DCS is in question. With only one supplier, it leaves you very vulnerable if they go out totally. On the other hand DCC is supported by at least a half dozen suppliers. Most of your cost for DCC will be in Decoders if you have any number of locos. They car compatilbe with any DCC system. Throttles are not interchangable.
Lastly in the spirit of train kinship I want to answer these questions and make a video so other guys like me may consider the 2 rail rout. The size and detailing of scenery is so appealing in O it is what keeps me dreaming about it. Yes there are limitations in two rail O. However, I'm sure there are plenty of other people out there like me who lack information/experience in two rail O and would go for it if examples are there.
What are the pros and cons of different manufactures' engines
Two motor locos do not run as smoothly in my opinion. MTH models generally sit too high. Detail is more road specific on Sunset stuff. Older brass has become much cheaper as buyers want to have electronics pre-installed rather than learn to do it them selves.
What DCC system? I want user friendly, easy to read etc. Big hand friendly.
They are all good and bad. The biggest problem you have is that the designers often write the user manuals. therefore they know the stuff so well, they make assumptions in their explanations inadvertantly. This sometimes make them hard to understand. The best advice is to get a system that other modelers in your area use. That way you can find someone local to ask questions and give advice. This is especially true as you begin. Once started it all starts to make sense. Also with local guys, if you have a problem, they may have seen it and fixed it. Most system, including NCE and Digitrax, have large "master" throttles that you can program the system with and program decoders. They also have smaller utility throttles that are just for running trains. These smaller ones work really well and are not as confusing as the master throttles for day to day use. The CVP system I know does programming on a big panel, and their throttles are more like the utility throttles.
NCE, Digitrax, CVP (EasyDCC), and Lenz are major suppliers. MRC has a low end system that I don't much about. You should look at each one and hold and fiddle with the various throttles to see what you like. One feature of the Digitrax utilitly I like is the reversing switch is a togle with center off, so you have a definite stop when you a loco to stay in one spot.
Any dealers out there who discount off of MSRP for Sunset Models?
It so nice to have this distraction thank you in advance for your help people.
Thank you guys. Please keep the info coming. I'll buy a DCC system and put down some track to experiment with. I have to find a locomotive. I saw a Dash 8 Atlas Trainman online that may be a good start since it is larger so I can push the envelope so to speak regarding radiuses. I'd love to try a Sunset Models locomotive if I could find a used one. I'm not afraid of electronics or modifying locos so that is at least good. I'm actually very excited about all of this! Unfortunately, where I live I'd be hard pressed to find a 2 rail O person. Milwaukee would be the nearest connection.
You can go around the wall and work with 72" radius for at least one circuit and maybe even a twice around folded figure eight for large engines. You can also feature tighter curves for industrial switching with smaller engines inside that dimension.
Be careful in building a limited use layout for engines which hold your interest for right now.
Who are you going to be in 5 or 10 years?
Interests change and you may wind up making something you may regret.
@prrjim posted:They are all good and bad. The biggest problem you have is that the designers often write the user manuals. therefore they know the stuff so well, they make assumptions in their explanations inadvertantly. This sometimes make them hard to understand.
Well said. We used to use interns who were computer illiterate... amazing how well the users manuals turned out. We also had them do the in-house beta testing as well... when the programmers finished the alpha testing and it was *bug free* the interns could find the first bug in the software in about a minute.
Still excited and felt like posting pictures of one of my two rail cars. This is an Atlas Trainman car and looks great! This is further affirmation for me as I can see the detail and be part of it. That's O scale 
to me.
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I have yet to see whether 15' by 17' is the size of the room or the size of an island layout.
The initiator of this thread needs to let us know which it is. Based on the answer, there will be additional questions before sound solutions can be offered.
Regards,
Ed
Hi Ed. That’s the room size. It will be an around the wall layout.
@Hudson J1e posted:Mike, yes I have considered it. When I was in a 2 rail club I heard bad things about the ME track but I have decided that I like it. It is a little cheaper than Atlas but I am told it is harder to bend. I have some ME track and I am using it as long straights. I hope to build a layout someday and I will use both ME and Atlas track.
I didn't mean to get off topic here. This thread is about if a 2 rail layout will fit in a 15' x 17' space and not about the best kind of track. I just wanted to point out that the prices Russ quoted were old and out of date. Unfortunately, Atlas track prices have risen for both 3 and 2 rail track.
Hi Phil.
I've had some experience with ME Flex. The Weathered is very difficult to work with; the non-weathered is harder to flex than the Atlas as the ties seem to have more "bite" into the rails, but rocking the track back and forth around a curved form will bring it into line. Similar to the technique for bending Gargraves flex.
Here is a 16 ft by 30 inch switching layout that I am building. I built this to wet my feet in 2 rail O scale. So far it is a hoot. I have a few more structures to complete. Eventually this will be incorporated into a 38 x 16 layout in a garage/workshop that I am having built. Cheers all.
Pete
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Pete, very nice!
Dan Weinhold
That’s awesome Pete! Great idea to build a small layout that can be added on to a larger layout later on.
Thank you Matt for the information.
Pete you packed a lot of operation in that space. I bet it will not only be fun to operate but you will come up with some clever scenery as well. Thanks for sharing.
