[WoodyB]

Hello,
I have a large OO gauge layout but would like to move to O gauge.
Is it likely that my NCE powercab(s) will work the O gauge.
Will any of my sound cards be suitable for O gauge locos?
I'd also like opinions on which make of track to go for.
Many thanks

 

[Richard Johnson]

*** The Power cab will control just as it does for OO but of course O scale locos draw far more current, so unless its quite a small O scale layout you will need to upgrade the power output by adding a booster.

You should test the current draw of any O scale loco before adding a standard sound decoder (or any "usually for OO" decoder) for the same reason.

During the transition, just stay aware of the higher O scale current draw... and you should not have too many issues.

Track: Peco would be the obvious choice really... and I think that it is also reasonable in cost compared to others. They have both bullhead and flat bottom options

regards, Richard

QUOTE (WoodyB @ 29 Dec 2019, 20:27) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Hello,
I have a large OO gauge layout but would like to move to O gauge.
Is it likely that my NCE powercab(s) will work the O gauge.
Will any of my sound cards be suitable for O gauge locos?
I'd also like opinions on which make of track to go for.
Many thanks

 

[andrew]

Depending on your specific needs and its availability where you are, Atlas makes 0 scale standard gauge track with Code 155 flat bottom rail, though it has a sleeper pitch of 12.5mm; probably too close for most UK needs. (I haven't built a railway with it, but have used it for some display models). The plastic and nickel silver are rather harsh and demand serious weathering.

andrew

 

[34C]

QUOTE (WoodyB @ 29 Dec 2019, 12:27) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>... I have a large OO gauge layout but would like to move to O gauge...
Whatever you do, don't let on the reason if you are selling the OO. A friend who went O gauge after many years in 4mm told me that he
had never had the displeasure of meeting so many chisellers and chancers who worked on the basis that if moving to O he must be 'rich'
- and therefore in their opinion - should sell his unwanted 4mm for knock down prices to 'us poor types'. (He didn't sell off much, and
now two decades on in a small retirement flat the EM activity has resumed.

 

[Graham Plowman]

QUOTE (34C @ 3 Jan 2020, 21:11) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Whatever you do, don't let on the reason if you are selling the OO. A friend who went O gauge after many years in 4mm told me that he
had never had the displeasure of meeting so many chisellers and chancers who worked on the basis that if moving to O he must be 'rich'
- and therefore in their opinion - should sell his unwanted 4mm for knock down prices to 'us poor types'. (He didn't sell off much, and
now two decades on in a small retirement flat the EM activity has resumed.

I agree with 34C.
I think that by the time you add up all the costs, a 4mm vs a 7mm layout probably come out about even.
The thing to remember about 7mm scale is that as far as rolling stock goes, you don't need as much of it as you do in 4mm scale.
Similarly, every 7mm vehicle is a 'scene' in its own right. You don't need hundreds of them to make a 'scene' in 7mm like you do in 4mm.

 

[WoodyB]

Thanks all for the considerate replies...much appreciated.