Not to worry Jeff. I have decided I would commit to large scale with my layout. Specifically 1:20.3.

At this time I am interested in modeling 1885 - 1910.
Minning, logging, small towns, end of the old west,etc.

I will do my research on the subject as I will strive for as authentic as possible.
(I'm not exactly certain I won't fudge a little.  )

Thanks for your post Scott. That was very helpful!

Jerry stay in touch!

Hey Bill yes I agree six towns would be terrific! But maybe I will be forced to cut back to 5!..........BOING!
Lots of FUN!

Thanks all, and Happy RR'ing!

Oscar

Yes Chuck N, I stand corrected. It was Accucraft. Thank you. Man they are priccceey! 
That's one reason I am re-thinking which scale I will commit to.

Bill the track radius will have to be larger, I think it stands to reason. There is probably radii and clearances between one train and another in  passing, too, that needs consideration. That is another reason I must re-think my original commitment of which scale to pursue. I have a backyard, but not acres of it! Because when one considers, off hand the size of track layout, the size of the buildings, tressels, tunnels, power needs, commanding the railroad, and all at 1:20.3 Scale. Boggles my feeble mind!.........................BOING!!
And I have a vision of at least six towns!  I think I may need an acre! 

I will keep my dream going, but I think I need a stiff drink, now, and ponder this. 

Thanks all!

Oscar

Hey guys I was just over at the website that Bill posted and was looking at the pictures.
WOW and WOw!! 

What a difference! I very certainly was not at all aware of the size difference. These pictures were eye opening. Thanks Bill.
There's a picture of what appears to be a LARGE Loco (Fn3) hauling two G Scale coaches. There is a large difference. To my eyes, anyway.

At this point I need to decide if I want to continue with Fn3 (no contest, I do) or switch to G. After all this will not be a cheap FUN hobby. That is to say if I want to continue with 1:20.3.
I did some price checking and Spectrum is pricey! Then there is Aristocraft, they are very pricey.
Unless I am mistaken these are my only real options to stck with 1:20.3. Besides Ebay, or Live Auctions, Craigslist, etc.
I think as long as I don't get Brass or Stainless Steele track, that will be cheap. The way I will power my trains is undecided as yet, but since no track is laid either, I have time. Lord willing.

Thank you all for the awesome posts that I have been reading eagerly!

I will continue with my quest, happy RRing!

Oscar

I joined yesterday hoping to find out if the engine I have is a true "G' scale or a On30. I can't find anything specific, so I thought I would ask. Here is what I have:

Bachmann Spectrum 36 Ton-2 Truck Shay. ( Item No. 81197, according to BM, it don't exist  )

But it does. I have the original packaging, and shipping boxes. The box with the picture calls it a "G" Scale.
Searching on the internet I have found similar 2 Truck Shays in the On30 listings, as well as this site.
However they are listed with 14 Ton, not 36 Ton. A bit confusing 

I bought it because I liked it and I had it on display. Now that I have time I want to add rolling stock. More track, maintain the scale, etc.  I want to do some Railroading! 

So which is it? Can an expert "train" minded person lend some advice?