but for the most part narrow gauge HO is more advanced. Not recommended for the beginner.
As I mentioned earlier, N scale track is 8" too wide for 2 foot gauge in HO. Z scale track is actually closer at only 3" too narrow. N scale track and mechanisms, used to represent 2foot, is hardly advanced. In reality On30, is really On31-3/4, and even Nn3, using Z scale track isn't "perfect". In the end, the scale/gauge recommended for a beginner, is the scale/gauge the "beginner" is comfortable modeling.
I still have to work up the courage to model my 3' gauge outside frame 2-4-4-2 in Nn3, and I'm comfortable working in 1/700 scale!

I am currently building a couple of refrigerator cars in z scale. My sight, and hand-eye coordination require me to work
slowly?, and I wouldn't make this scale my preference?, but I can work in this scale. Detail, isn't as specificly important, so much, can only be hinted at. As opposed to O scale where almost every detail needs to be replicated.(truss rods should be threaded at the ends in G scale) :mrgreen:
Track laying.....gets increasingly more
nit picky as the scale gets smaller. Hon3, and N scale standard gauge, share many of the same
problems. On the other hand, I have seen some horrible track laying in O scale. Modeler's skill in the scale, not "the scale", is and should be the basis for recommendation, including the choice of standard or narrow gauge. I will go so far as to say that most narrow gauge, requires a greater ability to scratch build, as there are fewer kits, and even less RTR, than standard gauge.
Pete