I returned to model railroading in 2012 after nearly forty years away. The comeback began with Lionel, then quickly shifted to 3-rail scale (3RS) as I chased a more realistic look. That phase lasted about two years. Eventually the unavoidable middle rail and oversized wheels became impossible to ignore, so the 3RS layout was torn out and I started fresh.

Approaching the redesign as I would a living space, I made a list of preferences, necessities, and nice-to-haves—very much in the spirit of John Armstrong’s “givens and ’druthers.” I wanted slow, deliberate movements; detailed track with broad curves; brass locomotives and rolling stock with smooth-running trucks; easily accessible switching areas; and solid mechanical and electrical reliability.

The next decision was track gauge. Standard 2-rail O scale uses 1.25″ gauge, which scales out to five feet—wider than the prototype’s 4′-8½″. Proto48 corrects this to a precise 1.177″. To sort through the decision, I made another list:

• Exact gauge of 1.177″ versus 1.25”  If I’m building a new layout from scratch, why start with something intentionally incorrect?
• The difference is negligible  No, it isn’t—especially when viewing equipment head-on. The correct gauge looks right.
• Realistic wheel treads, flanges, and axles  They’re properly scaled, and it shows.
• Flex track is readily available  Perfect for making quick progress in less scenic areas like yards.
• High-quality Proto48 components for hand-laid track  Thanks to Jay Criswell of Right-O’-Way, detailed track work is achievable wherever I want it.
• Prototypical flange ways in switches and crossings
• Limited interoperability with other layouts  Not a concern—I don’t plan to take my equipment elsewhere.
• Lower resale value  These are toys, not investments. The value is in the enjoyment.
• Locomotive conversion—especially steam—is complex  True, but I don’t need a large fleet and can always hire specialists.
• Rolling stock needs new trucks and wheelsets  They’re readily available, and the conversions are part of the fun. That’s modeling.

The turning point came at O Scale West in February 2015, where I met two generous and knowledgeable advocates: Jay Criswell of Right-‘O-Way and Norm Buckhart of Protocraft.  I left Santa Clara, California, with several new Proto48 brass boxcars from Norm and handed Jay a beautifully painted Overland Alco RS-11 for re-motoring and conversion.

The Proto48 community is small, friendly and steadily growing.  Social media and online  communications make it easy to exchange knowledge, and modelers are always eager to share their experience.