Hello,
I see quite a few track plans in N scale that I would love to build in HO, is there a way to convert the measurements? For example, How big would a 4 x 12 foot n scale have to be in HO?
It’s roughly double so a 4x12 becomes a 8x24. (It’s 160/87 times each dimension for exactness). But the real problem is that you can’t reach into an 8 ft wide table to the center (At least not without climbing on the table or otherwise damaging the track/scenery along the edges). You’ll have to add access hatches or interior aisles both of which may require a larger layout to accommodate them and still maintain the track plan. Depending on the plan a 4x12 in N may need to be 10x24 in HO so you can add an aisle in the middle.
Enjoy
Paul
Yes, build it in N scale, but in a smaller house[:P]
Lee
The direct, “Double the dimensions,” approach is mathematically correct. It’s not likely to be ergonomically correct - especially if there are aisleways or control pits in the footprint of the layout. That 24" aisleway in the N scale plan just mushroomed to four feet - fine for a club, but something of an overkill for a home layout. OTOH, that easy reach to a turnout 18" from the fascia suddenly grows to a wholly impractical three foot stretch. (Murphy’s Law says that the turnout that’s hardest to reach will cause the most problems.)
An, “Around the bedroom,” N scale shelf railroad could be expanded into a basement (or attic) circling HO layout. Any other configuration will probably require significant redesigning to make it possible to build, operate and, especially, maintain.
My approach would be to use the published plan as a soure of ideas, but draw up a design that makes most efficient use of YOUR space, with curve radii specifically tailored to the rolling stock YOU plan to run. Unless the plan was drawn for your space by a master designer, no published plan is likely to be better.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - on a 1:80 scale layout like no other)