Layout Design Help

As one who also spent years in HO, I realized that because space is defined as BOTH length and width a similar "O" layout needs 4X the space to have the same operating characteristics and realism as does HO in the same layout space.  That is because "space" is defined as length X width.

I think that a veteran HO modeler might be unhappy IF he attempts to have the operating possibilities in "O" as he had in the smaller scale.  I think that we have two basic choices:

- A "model railroad"- with a good rendition of reality, scale modeling (sort of), with reasonable trackage, but fewer scenes.  or;

- A "toy train".  Look at a well-done toy train layout, and what matters is that there are lots of tracks to run lots of trains, and many accessories.  This IS very much fun for those of us who loved this as kids and wanted all those sawmills, oil derricks, and other stuff we/ our parents could not afford.  A toy train layout IS fun for most of those and also for most who will see our layouts as visitors.  

No negative implied, and there are fans of each on this Forum and in the hobby. 

But if you (being an HO modeler) want a similar"scale" looking layout, you have to compromise on the number of yards, have more off-layout storage like wall racks, fewer spurs and double track mains etc., and focus more on the scenery, buildings, etc, of the layout. 

You need to be better with "fooling the eye"- using things like forced perspective, use of building flats vs. buildings, etc. and to compromise on the yards, and trackage.

You also will (believe it or not) spend less money in total on the stuff in between the trackage, because in sheer numbers, you need 1/4 of the items to fill the same space.  Think about it.  Our available space defines the size of our layouts regardless of the scale.  "O" buildings etc. might be twice the price - but needing 1/4 as many, you might only spend 1/2 as much!!  (My wife says "a fortune".)

As a bonus, in "O" you WILL get:

- better running- O gauge trains are WAY less "fiddly", and that is a benefit over smaller scales.

- access to what is really a second hobby- chasing old, but still good trains on e-Bay and at train shows.  Lionel engines from the late '40's can and do often run as well as when new.  (This is "collecting"!)

- easier to work on trains.

- (I think) more durable trains.

Mike,

 Thank you for the reply's and insight on this hobby and my layout. I will definitely look at the design carefully and think about taking the yard out before get to far into laying track. As for the design I am not completely sure how I want it to look yet either scale or toy, because I am going to build this for me and my daughter who I think likes trains even more than I do. She is only 2 so I want to make it interesting for her as she grows up so I can keep her interested in the hobby. I am not the best at designing it so hopefully Ken will drop by (hint, hint, lol) and see this post and maybe help me work on this since he is an Anyrail guy so this layout will really come together and make it the most practical for the space I have. Again thank you for your response and time Mike!