My multi-scale collection of steam engines and tenders is finally complete. I have engines in G-O-S-OO-HO-TT-N, and Z. Some notes about the various sizes with the steam engines I have.
The hardest to rail is the OO. I think that is because it was a kit and the tender trucks are very loosely attached. It is also the oldest being made in 1938. The eastiest to put and keep on its track is, no surprise the G engine. The hardest to find was the TT, but being near Williamsport, PA, where one of the nation's TT gurus lives, was helpful.
The TT and OO are all metal made from kits. The cheapest construction and "most plastic" award goes to the HO switcher.
The cheapest was the HO engine with tender which cost me under $10.00. The whole collection cost me just under $700. The most expensive was the O. The only one in the collection that will not run is the Z scale Mikado. I bought it defective and still set me back $50. Used or cheap Z is hard to find, and I lucked out as my LHS had a defective trade-in due for repairs.
I learned that there is a real size difference between American and European OO. I was careful to secure an American model as the foreign types are HO all over again.
I am pretty sure that S spelled the demise of OO as a major player in model railroading and that N largely supplanted TT.
TT scalers have to be scratch builders and crafters for sure. Z scaling requires a lot of patience. (probably too much for me)
As I look at them and handle them from time to time I am reminded that by happy circumstance that O gauge seems to be the optimal choice for myself. It has the looks, is big enough to see and handle, has plenty of available accessories and choice of track, and can go anywhere from cartoonish to very realistic. It stays on the track, has great sound, and is very durable.
I am probably not telling most of you anything that you do not already know. I put the collection together as a display for fun and to show visitors what is out there in model railroading. When I get the right display that will take decent pictures I'll put one up here.
Just for fun!
