This December I have made the plunge into O. I have a HO train that was mine from when I was like 8 in the 80s. We have used it for the last 10 or so years around the Christmas Tree. After years of service, the cars have given up. The couplers are shot and they derail. This is even with upgrades to metal wheels a few years back. Thus I was able to get permission to get a new train.
We went with a O gauge MTH starter set, 4-6-0 Steamer passenger set. We also picked up some additional cars and track. I have to say that I stumbled into being a genius as I laid the track by the love seat where my wife sits most of the time. The track under foot was not happening for her. Thus back to the train store (Leesburg Hobbies in Leesburg, VA, great shop) for more track. We now have a very kewl layout with 4 switches, a 90deg cross, and loop around the living room. We added a few additional cars and made a LEGO gantry crane. You can see our layout here: http://youtu.be/tn5WCAJfjrM
The kids love the set and both can control the train with the remote commander (6 and 8). The only problem is that we caught a box with the train and killed the motor.
Thus it is at the shop now waiting for a motor. Also, the passenger cars burn up lights, so I think I will change them for LEDs soon. Glad to have found this forum. I am sure that I will have questions and comments. Talk at you later.
Bill
