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Why is it that American O scalers are predominantly 3 railers?
Every other country O scalers tends to be 2 rail but in America O scale is predominantly 3 rail. Lionel is the big name and historically used 3 rail track and continues to even though technology has changed to the point that it is not necessary. Other countries had 3 rail O as well like Hornby in the UK and so on but these were considered toys and today it is a nostalgic thing with most O scalers there being of the two rail variety.
Thoughts?
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1 Reply
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Track Layer
I’ve occasionally wondered about this myself. It would be like if Hornby was still selling O gauge 3-rail today – possibly even with DCC and high levels of detail.
I totally understand if it was all still tinplate or even coarse scale modern plastic models – which many are. But when I see American O gauge layouts where everything (scenery, trains etc.) is to scale – except the wheels and track, it seems incongruous. I’m guessing compatibility is part of it. If you started with Lionel in the early days and have kept building / evolving your layout ever since, you don’t need to start all over again with 2-rail.
Perhaps some 3-railers shall weigh in with their thoughts.
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