Is anyone modelling in US or continental O gauge?

I have wanted to start an O gauge layout for a long time and I am getting closer and closer to taking the plunge. It will be an end to end freight shunting layout, so the Peco O gauge starter set should take care of the track. I want to do something different from my current British OO layout, so I am looking at a USA or Germany based layout. However, American O gauge seems a minefield with 2 & 3 rail options plus non-standard control systems. Then German O gauge seems to consist solely of models from Lenz, which are very lovely but seem to range from expensive to very expensive. Though there does seem to be some bargains on German websites, especially for their little Kof shunter.

So does anyone have any advice on where else I should be looking? There is plenty of British O gauge on eBay, but slim pickings for other countries.

 

Thanks Paul. One option would be to get a Dapol class 08 and repaint it in Deutsch Bahn colours.

I am going to Germany on holiday in April, so I might wait until then and see what I can pick up.

 

Thanks for the link Gary, I have not heard of them before.

 

I have just bought an O gauge Deutsch Bahn ESSO tank wagon on eBay. I put in what I thought was a low bid and won it. So it seems I am going to be modelling 1960-70s. Germany!

 

It has arrived! all I need now is some track and possibly a loco?

 

My grand scheme to begin an O gauge layout have suffered a setback. I was sharing my plans with senior management when she vetoed any further developments until we get the cellar ceiling sorted. It needs the plasterboard replaced and new lighting put in, apparently.

Still, it doesn't stop me buying stock. So I am off to the Doncaster show now to seek inspiration and possible bargains.

 

Despite the Doncaster show being the Festival of BRITISH Railway Modelling I managed to acquire this very nice O gauge German railway carriage. There are no identifying marks on it, but I have since discovered it was made my Rivarossi. This purchase has increased my stock of rolling stock by an incredible 100%!

 

Yes, I have seen a few Lima models on eBay. They are not top quality, but they are usually excellent value for money. There is a complete Lima 0 gauge trainset in SNCF livery on there now for £190 which I was very tempted to get. I have also discovered that Rivarossi made some very nice 0 gauge wagons. I managed to get a lovely example in Spatenbräu livery which arrived yesterday.


Unfortunately a Bo-Bo loco would be too big for my initial plans. I aim to start small with just an inglenook shunting layout, and then possible expand from there. With that in mind I have ordered a Lenz starter kit from a retailer in Germany. It includes a KÖF II shunter with DCC sound, two wagons, a large oval of track and a Lenz DCC controller. All this for only about £420 including shipping! Even if Fedex remember to charge UK VAT it is still a bargain. The UK price for the loco alone is £399.

 

I have been looking out Rivarrosi shunters on eBay, but they were pretty thin on the ground. I almost bought a Heljan class 03 in industrial livery (in fact I still might), but then I got a great deal on a Lenz starter kit from a shop in Germany. A DCC sound fitted loco (Kof II), two wagons, an oval of track, and a Lenz LH101 for about £520. It arrived two days ago and I have just been trying it out. I never thought DCC sound was worth the money, but now I am converted.