[BikerDS]

A couple of years ago I started to transition from HO to O. I had limited space (8' X 15') so I decided a small industrial branch would be best. Using FasTrack I built a layout with 5 industries and a yard/interchange. I got a Lionel Alco S-2 and 10 freight cars, a Legacy controller, and started operating. It was fun! Then about a year ago I saw a Lionel GP35 and just had to have it. The problem which soon became apparent was the there was no easy realistic way to integrate a second train into the layout: it took up half the yard and just didn't fit into the operating plan I had. The result was that slowly my enthusiasm for the O layout waned and I stopped running it.

About three weeks ago my wife said she would like "that pretty engine" on the mantle over the fireplace. I brought it from the layout room and set it on some track with the caboose I had for it. While I was at it I decided to run the S-2 a little and move a few cars around. After about an hour the fun was back, and I've been running trains again almost every day.

I have started watching O-Scale layout videos on YouTube, and one thing I notice is that almost everyone of them has storage/display shelves with locomotives and perhaps passenger cars on them. So the lesson (I'm trying to convince my wife) is that you can't have too many locomotives, but you can have too many on your layout at once

 

[Lehigh74]

There is no such thing as too many locomotives. There are just some layouts that need to be enlarged.

 

[D&J Railroad]

Don't forget the space on top of your kitchen cabinets.

 

[Andreash]

To many locomotives? Not possible...cheers

 

[Lee Willis]

I did extensive study of this question years ago and determined, without any doubt at all, thq5 the optimum number of model locomotives to have is always given by this forumula:
Optimum number of locomotives to own = Number that you now own + 1.
This has been consistently true for ten years now.
Of course, you have to keep building more shelves over time, but that is just the cost of achieving optimality.

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

Well over half my locomotives are in boxes, the other half are on my first set of shelves in my new train room. Lee's formula is spot on, except the +1, I just added three, and I still need just one more. Time for more shelves...

Then there's the Union Pacific Corner.

 

[Spence]

I’ve been a good boy lately. I haven’t bought a new engine in over a year. No particular reason just been concentrating on other aspects of the hobby.

 

[MichaelE]

Auch du Lieber! I've never heard of having too many locomotives. Or rolling stock for that matter.

I only have seven with one down right now for a truck replacement, but I will be buying a new narrow gauge HOm locomotive and consist pretty soon.

 

[seayakbill]

When you run out of room then that is a possibility.

Bill

 

[J.Albert1949]

I started out with just the 6922, on my enginehouse track.
Then, somehow, they started proliferating!
(there are at least this many more scattered around here and there...)

 

[Riggzie]

I was given everything in december from a friend.. 5 locos and a switcher and tons of rolling stock.

ive added little joe and 5 passenger cars...and i want a mega puller....
do i need it? no.. want it? yes.. i want a 6-8-6 or 6-10-6 if they exist...lol...

 

[MichaelE]

Well, if everyone needed a model railroad , locomotive, or new rolling stock, I don't think anyone would have one.

Want is the basis for this hobby. And I want a lot.

 

[SF 5011]

Hello guys and gals

I just have 5 plus one still in parts LOL. The engines are sunset 3rd brass S.F. Texas , Railking Challenger, Ralking NW-2, Williams F-3 ABA, Old Williams brass Dreyfuss Hudson (in parts) and finally Kato "N" scale NW-2 LOL. Out of 5 engines, I pretty like the Railking Challenger the best probably easiest for me to handle and it had full LED's in it (PS-3) and semi-scale which the lionel traditional size (postwar size wise) freight cars look in "right" behind the Challenger. The Railking challenger is smaller in size (semi-scale) and is heavier that the scale brass Texas by half pound but easier for me to pick up due to one piece boiler !! Sometimes i wished to just have ONE train (less burden).

God will save you from hidden dangers and deadly diseases. Just put your trust in Jesus !! Psalm 91:3 ERV (easy to read version)

Tiffany

 

[86TA355SR]

I look at it this way, I’m preserving a little piece of nostalgia with each purchase. It’s great to have a hobby and something to enjoy. Others aren’t as fortunate.

I just bought my 16th Challenger. Other than that, I spend most of my money on bourbon and cigars, the rest I just waste 😊

 

[Dogdoc12]

Though I had it licked 10 years ago. Dismantled my layout and boxed stuff up. No purchases for 10 years then fell off the wagon. New layout and picked up where I left off in regard to buying. They are cheaper than guns, another hobby of mine.

 

[DennyM]

I haven't seen anything jumping out lately. I'm pretty happy with what I have, but you never know what comes your way.

 

[seayakbill]

Sure don't need anymore locos, BUT, had to place an order with Pats Trains for the Trump diesel with caboose. I don't have a clue in regards to whom our President will be come Nov but I will be running the Trump diesel in revenue service for the Seattle & Yakima RR.

Bill

 

[Millstonemike]

Anxiously waiting to see some pic.'s of that.

 

[Booly15]

A couple of years ago I started to transition from HO to O. I had limited space (8' X 15') so I decided a small industrial branch would be best. Using FasTrack I built a layout with 5 industries and a yard/interchange. I got a Lionel Alco S-2 and 10 freight cars, a Legacy controller, and started operating. It was fun! Then about a year ago I saw a Lionel GP35 and just had to have it. The problem which soon became apparent was the there was no easy realistic way to integrate a second train into the layout: it took up half the yard and just didn't fit into the operating plan I had. The result was that slowly my enthusiasm for the O layout waned and I stopped running it.

About three weeks ago my wife said she would like "that pretty engine" on the mantle over the fireplace. I brought it from the layout room and set it on some track with the caboose I had for it. While I was at it I decided to run the S-2 a little and move a few cars around. After about an hour the fun was back, and I've been running trains again almost every day.

I have started watching O-Scale layout videos on YouTube, and one thing I notice is that almost everyone of them has storage/display shelves with locomotives and perhaps passenger cars on them. So the lesson (I'm trying to convince my wife) is that you can't have too many locomotives, but you can have too many on your layout at once

Umm No

 

[Riggzie]

Umm No

lol agreed. i want to do a train yard and have them all out. only own about 6 locos and 1 switcher