G Scale vs. 3-Rail O Scale (vs. HO scale) for young kids - Model Railroader Magazine

Hi, I am a multi-scale modeler, I enjoy HO down at the club (Columbia Gorge Model Railroad Club, Portland, OR) and mainly O-Gauge at home. I also have some Bachmann G Big hauler stuff (not the most expensive G available, but the best suited for what You are considering) Plus I have also collected a little N-Scale over the years, and I've had S-Gauge American Flyer when I was younger.

   My recommendation would be O-Gauge, with Lionel being my personal preference. These are VERY RUGGED trains, and WHEN, not if something gets broken, Lionel is second to none in customer service. They have sent me many replacement parts for FREE. I have gotten 7 Nephews, a 2Nieces, a Granddaughter and some Family Friends started with O-Gauge, and when something needs Fixin, Uncle/Grandpa Doug is who they call first, and a phone call to Lionel has ALWAYS resulted in the part I need in the mail in short order.

   My Granddaughter and 2 Nephews were started at 2 years old (with adult supervision) and they did very well, and had a BLAST. Aside from the ruggedness of O-Gauge trains, the 3 rail track will let you do any track configuration such as reverse loops and Wye's without any special wiring needed. O-Gauge also has a lot larger variety available than G-Scale ( although still nowhere near what is available in HO) A couple of small Locomotives that I would recommend, although they are not Lionel, are RMT's Beeps for a small diesel, they look very nice and run well and have a price of about $69.95 last I looked. And also K-Line's (by Lionel now) 0-4-0 Porter for a small steam locomotive, at about $99.95, I believe, very cute and good running engine based on an actual locomotive. Both of these do have some detail parts that may be susceptible to damage, but they do have a nice advantage, that they will not go fast enough to launch themselves off the track on curves, even O-27, so they are safe for even the youngest to learn throttle control with. On a floor layout too fast on curves isn't so much an issue, but if you go to an elevated table layout, 4 inches is the minimum recommended space from the track to the edge of the layout table, and 6 inches is better to keep trains from falling to the floor, also a plexiglass edge about 4-6 inches tall around the layout is an excellent idea for younger operators.

    If you live in an area that is warm and dry much of the year, an outdoor G-Scale would work well also. A floor G-Scale could be an option, and there have been a few indoor G layouts done, but here O-Gauge has the same advantage that HO does over O, so much more can be done in the same space. And more is available in the smaller scale. When the Log Cabin that I owned had vaulted ceilings in the living room, the G-Scale trains looked great under that 12 1/2 foot Christmas Tree that would have dwarfed even the Lionel's.

   Those are My thoughts and suggestions, may or may not be the best solution for You, but it is a Good chance that your Kids will enjoy whatever trains You decide to get. I Hope that You and Your Kids have many Happy Times and Memories Together, with which ever trains you do decide to buy.

                                                                 Doug