I did lots of HO and a little N when I was young. The best thing I did was to model a 4' x 8' HO "pike" based upon one featured in a "beginning railroading" book I checked out from the school library (parents later bought a copy). I wish I could recall the title, but it simply documented everything the author did as he built the layout. It had detailed plans and methods for scratch-building landscaping and structures, and specified Tyco (ha, instantly dates me) track and accessories. It did a great job at explaining the wiring/switches needed for multiple trains, reverse loops, etc; I learned a lot from the process but I guess that knowledge is now somewhat obsolete with the advent of DCC.

I've thought of either doing O/G live steam (but don't have space for a super elaborate layout) or doing a detailed, sprawling Z-scale layout in the same or less space (but I'm unsure about availability and expense of Z-scale stuff beyond simple "train sets" in the U.S. and have no experience running the trains). Each provides a particular type of fun, but I don't know which would ultimately be more satisfying. I've built a few Wilesco and Mamod steam engines and tractors, so live steam isn't particularly intimidating, but I know nothing about Z-scale (other than the fact that it looks really cool ).

Anyone have an opinion? Is Z-scale as satisfying to operate as good N or HO or is it more of a novelty?