Hi All, My favorite gauge is 5". I started in 3.5" but found it too small for ground level operation. I think 5" is ideal. Big enough to have a good hauling capacity, does not need watch making skills, a reasonable size to handle in the workshop, storage is not too much of a problem and getting it onto the track can be managed on your own or with a little help. Whilst 7 1/4" is nice, moving the locos at home and in the Workshop must be a problem owing to the sheer weight and size of the things. Regards Clif MODEL ENGINEERING DISCUSSION LIST. To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, send a blank email to, modeleng-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject line.