Combining HO and N gauge

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I have recently been given a 3x6’ N gauge layout and would like to integrate it with a new 7x12’ HO layout that I am building. Are there any references or recommendations that would help me in planning the outcome? I plan on dismantling the N layout. My HO layout is multi elevational and will have both small passenger pickup plus freight yards and stops.

2

As I see it, you have two options:

  1. Use the N-gauge equipment as narrow-gauge HO equipment. I believe N gauge is like HOn3 (3 foot narrow gauge in HO scale).

  2. Use the N-scale stuff as normal, but put it in the ‘distance’ on your HO layout to make it seem like a distant road.

What did you imagine when you thought of integrating the stuff?

3

Scroll down a page and a half and you’ll see a discussion from a week or two ago on this very topic. I mentioned the alternative – not yet implemented but thought about – of covering HO staging yards that represent key cities or areas and using N scale to model a signature scene from that area or city, to a degree that would not be practical in HO. So I think there are more than two options.
Dave Nelson

4

If you decided to go with G scale you could use the N scale as a model railroad. Hmm?
[:)]

5

Thanks Jacob and Dave. My thought for now is to use the N gauge as a narrow gauge lumber operation at an upper elevation. Any comment?

6

This is called HOn30.It would be a 30" narrow gauge track.Type HOn30 or HOn21/2 into the Google or Yahoo browser and look at the results. Joe G.

7

Well, eschel, regular N scale equipment is not the same as narrow gauge equipment, and the track has tie sizes and spacing that is not typical for narrow gauge. But with some effort (such as nearly burying the ties in “mud” and debris) it could be made to look pretty reasonable. Just remember that an HO scale person has to look plausible next to what ever equipment you run.
For example, an N scale locomotive either steam or diesel would need a larger cab for an HO person to get into.
Dave Nelson

8

I like the question/answer given by Cmdr.WedgeAntilles, [:)]. Would that consitute as #1 guage[?] “I SEE says the Blind Man as he picked up his hammer and SAW.”