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At the time it was introduced, O-64 offered the average train enthusiast an affordable way to enjoy scale model railroading. Most of the scale products of other makers were too expensive or demanded specialized model-making skills. O-64 was priced comparably with the toy trains and came ready-to-run. An added benefit was that O-64 took up as little room as the common toy trains. That meant that people with limited space could still enjoy scale model railroading.
The added benefit for the O gauge owner was that he did not have to give up his old trains. They could run with the new scale ones. O-64 gave him all the benefits of O Gauge combined with the realism of scale model railroading.
Granted that "scale" was a much looser concept when O-64 was introduced. Off-scale anomalies were much more tolerated. In scale terms, the track width of O gauge is 5 foot in 1/48, and 6' 8" in 1/64. Likewise, wheels and couplers tend to be larger than true 1/64. These are small concessions to scale. Believe it or not, every scale makes a few concessions. In O-64, ours are more obvious. We can live with them.
Some train makers fudge the difference by making their cars in 1/64 length, but making them wider to look better on O27 track. The width can range from 1.60 to 1/64. We can live with our scale being off a bit. Unlike the scales that are rigid, ours have a little tolerance to them.
When hobby production resumed after World War II, American Flyer took 1/64 to a new level. Gilbert abandoned O gauge altogether. His Postwar trains were 1/64 models made to run on two-rail, 1/64 scale track. Gilbert's old customers had two choices: give up their old trains and adopt S gauge, or give up American Flyer and keep their O gauge.
O-64 allowed the O Gaugers to have a scale railroad and keep their old trains. For people who enjoy the benefits of O Gauge, O-64 allows them to have the best of both worlds.
S gauge has its own limitations. A major problem is the track. S gauge needs a wide diameter track. Among modern makers, the smallest diameter is 38 to 42inches. A layout would need to be at least four feet wide to comfortably accommodate a basic S gauge layout
For O-64, both the 027 and standard 0-31 track systems give the hobbyist something that S Gauge can never provide: the ability to design an action-packed train layout in the smallest of spaces
Be it a limited budget or limited space, O-64 is the answer. By virtue of using 027 and O Gauge track, it allows people with limited space to have an operating layout. The cost of 027-sized cars and accessories are far lower than S gauge and 1.48 scale. A workable layout can be constructed on a 3' by 5' table. Size and cost make O-64 a great way to enjoy scale model railroading.
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