I am interested in getting into model railroading, but I am having a difficult time in deciding which scale to use. I have purchased and read several books covering railroad modeling, searched various web sites and visited a couple of local hobby shops. After reading the books and searching web sites I was leaning towards going with a N-scale layout, but after visiting a couple of local hobby shops and comparing the two scales side by side, I am unsure on which scale to choose.
My eyes tell me that N-scale would be such a challenge that I may get frustrated working with such a small scale and that HO-scale would be much easier to work with.
My brain says HO-scale has more of a selection to choose from over N-scale, especially when it comes to working accessories, stock and DCC locos.
My heart says N-scale because it would allow me to build a much larger operating railroad over HO-scale in the same space.
My gut tells me that although I have space for an HO scale model layout, the period and area that I am interested in modeling would be better suited for an N-scale layout.
I am interested in building a portable modular type layout rather than a permanent layout so that the space that I will utilize for the railroad can still be used if needed for other uses, the area is approximately 35’x 25’. I have ordered the Ntrak manuals because I liked the concept of building modules that can be assembled and disassembled; I’m assuming that the same concept can be utilized for a HO scale model railroad as well. The portable modular design will also allow me to start small and but yet grow into a much larger layout as time passes, which is good for my budget!
In the large layout, I would like to have (1) yard with a roundhouse (2) three or four switching yards (3) two intermodals (4) a passenger station (5) dozen or so industrial spurs and a main & branch line that can accommodate running at least three trains. If I go with N-scale, I know that I can fit all this
There are plenty of HO modular groups out there, and if you aren’t planning on joining a group you can still use modular concepts to build a layout that is constructed of multiple parts that attach together–often this approach is called “sectional” layouts.
There was a 1/120 scale, known as TT. It has a tiny, tiny following but is almost unknown in the US–after N scale was introduced, the people who were in TT because they liked tiny stuff switched to N, and the people who felt TT was a little too small moved to HO.
35’x25’ is a monster amount of space for a layout, in either HO or N. Heck, it’s not a bad amount of space in O.
I am an N-scaler, If I had that much space I would stay with N-scale because I love the long trains- scenery ratio.
The detail in the new N scale products has never been better but the larger you get the easier it is to superdetail. The size of H.O. Scale is very attractive to most modelers that like lots of detail. And the availability of products is also greater in H.O. scale.
But if sound equiped engines were a priority, then H.O. scale is the way to go. It’s alot easier to equip H.O. scale for sound. There’s not much space inside N scale.
If “middle-age” vision is at all an issue, I would shy away from “N”. I thought about this too but I struggle with HO detail from time to time – black detail on black parts is like trying to thread a needle in the dark.
If your age, eyes and thumbs are not an issue, I say go with your heart.
Everything in this hobby is a trade off. N scale will allow you to build more impressive scenery, more distance between towns, and run prototype length trains but the trains themselves will seem less prominent in the scenery. I am an *** going back to the 1960s so I do have a bias but I think you have recognized one of the major pitfalls of N scale. Working with such tiny parts could be an excercise in frustration. My aging eyes and diminished manual skills make HO difficult enough. I can’t imagine working in N scale. If I were to change, I would go bigger and go with S scale. With the room you have, you can build a very impressive empire in HO scale. You also may find that with N scale, you are going to want to put more structures into the same space so cost is another factor to look at.
I’m in the same situation as you. I’m torn between HO and N. I’ve got much less space than you - if I had 35’x 25’, I think I’d really lean to HO. I really like the “presence” of HO, but know my 12’ x 11’ space is more suited to N. I also don’t like the look of the code 80 N track and have heard problems with code 55 track - might be nice for someone to confirm/dispel these things. I also heard switching is better in HO. Actually I might get a little bit of each to play around with - I’m not sure how well I’d be at working in N. I’m also leaning towards modular in that I could extend my layout beyond my dedicated space and put the other modules away most of the time. (I have a big basement, but am only allowed the one corner right now.)
With the space that you have, that takes the issue of N vs HO scale right off the decision table. You obviously have enough room to do either. What the deciding issue is now, is your eyesight and your ability to work with the smaller N scale. We are all getting older, so things are never going to get easier in this regard, only more difficult, so make your decision based upon " eyes and dexterity ". And enjoy a great hobby !!!
I am a little confused with the terminology you are using. What is the difference between a “yard with a roundhouse” and a “switching” yard. I usually consider a “yard” to be a classification yard where trains are made up and broken down. Our club layout only has three of these, each one requiring at least one operator.
If one assumes each yard is going to have at least one passing siding, then four or five yards would accomodate 4 or 5 trains on a single track main line connecting them. With the other things listed and assigning one person to each yard it seems there are assignments for seven people. Keeping them busy is another issue. I would say that with four or five yards, you are going to need a whole lot more industry to keep those yards from just sitting idle.
How many people will be in an operating session? Is your plan for one person just start three trains “running” simultaniously and stand back and watch them orbit? Is this going to be a star with one of the yards at each “end” point. Are you looking at double track main line? Does the branch have a “loop” also (hence the third orbiting train)?
Three trains in that much space is going to be “sparse” traffic in model railroad terms.
One of the main reasons to go with N-scale is the really long trains. If that is not an issue, then the only thing would be the other things. Our clubs main yard (with a roundhouse and a diesel facilit
Since you have a lot of space (I wish I had as much!) you might find HO more ‘user friendly’ than N. Eyes are not the only issue. Arthritic hands and microscopic details are rotten bedfellows.
One idea you might explore is to make several modules to standard (N-trak or its HO equivalent) and incorporate them into a layout that connects them in a more prototypical way. Another is to use the ‘domino’ construction method championed by Dave Barrow. Building an entire engine terminal or yard throat on a single base is a very good idea, no matter what that single base is called.
you can read about trains and different scales, and intellectualize all you want, but you really will not know what suits you until you get the trains in your hot little hands.
considering the outlay of cash and your valuable time involved, you might want to make the right choice the first time.
it seems prudent to buy an affordable "starter set " of each, and play with them until one makes sense over the other. invest in the scale your heart tells you to.
with h0 track, you can also venture into 0n30, which is some of the best 0 scale stuff available.
Consider S scale. It’s a delightful size to work with and is only 35% larger than HO. See this http://www.trainweb.org/crocon/sscale.html for what’s available in S.
Enjoy
Paul
You have enought room for either N or HO. For me ( I’m 44 and have good eyesight) N scale seemed a little hard to work with. HO was no problem.
There is a ton of stuff for HO, and more & more for N scale everyday.
You are correct, you can do a HO modular system.
It seems to me you researched your choices. I would say try going to a club that has HO & one that has N and just see which you like better. I’m sure this isn’t alot of help, but what your asking is do you want to buy a small car or midsize. It all depends on what you like! Good luck!
ironrooster
I like S as well but it has never been quite accepted by the masses like HO and N. (now don’t everyone smoke your keys, you know it’s true)
I remember in the fifties when we all had Lionel and one kid had American Flyer. It didn’t seem like he had a “real train” like we did. His had two rails and was much more realistic…but, i dono.
I think S on the quoted layout size would be a grand railroad.
I did not know that there was a TT scale, did not come across any information about the size in the books that I had purchased. But appearently it would not be such a wise choice.
I have considered visiting a HO and N scale club in my area to compare the differences and will now take the time to visit the clubs to look at their layouts before making a decision.
Either way Ho or N, I would still prefer to me modular. If anyone has information or web site that has HO modular plans equivalent to the Ntrak system, please pass along the information.
One of my reason for getting into the modeling railroad hobby was to be able to share the experiance with my grandsons. This is the reason for having a layout were I can run up to four trains at once, myself, my big kid and the two grandsons.
Thanks for all the input.
I am 46 and have been in N scale since the age of 12. The one advantage to N scale that I see is that you do not need to superdetail things because it is visually unnecessary to be convincing. If you want to superdetail everything go with any large scale. If you want to build an impressive layout go with N as you have enough space to make a very nice layout. Detail on freight cars is not necessary in N like it is in HO. On the other hand, get yourself a nice Photo loop( magnifying glass for photographer) and look at the factory detail in the Atlas and Micro trains car castings. You will see that it is there and abundent. It is just difficult to discern with the naked eye. If putting cars and locos on the track is your concern, condsider this, I can do it with my eyes closed. It is not like threading a needle at all. I see children struggle with it because of their lack of motor skills but adults master this very quickly. N scale has one large disadvantage and that is the availability of locos, and perhaps some rolling stock. But there are many very high quality products out there. If you are considering a modern era layout there is a tremendous amount of super stuff on the market.
See this site http://www.ttscale.com/ for info on TT. This scale has commercial support, but is currently most suited for those who like the building/problem solving part of the hobby.
Enjoy
Paul
Here is a web site for the HO Free-mo modular groups http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Free-mo/ - they use single or double track at most and focus on more realistic scenery and operations than do most modular groups. The free-mo modular system is more flexible than most; the standards focus on the joints between modules.
You should make your decision based on what scale you feel comfortable working with. I found out by trial and error that if things are too small or intricate for you to comfortably work with, you are going to turn your enjoyable hobby into a frustrating task. When your hobby becomes more like frustrating work rather than relaxing pleasure, it’s time to make serious changes. Although I like the looks and advantages of N and HO scale scenery and equipment, I find these sizes very frustrating for me to work with. I model On30 and am finding that frustrating for me to work with. I recently built a logging caboose and a flatcar in Large Scale that I originally built in On30. What a pleasure it is to work on Large Scale models - from the basic construction to the intricate details - compared to the frustrating and trying times I had in building the same models in smaller scales! Although I live in an overpriced cracker-box apartment in San Francisco, I’m seriously considering switching over to Large Scale because I really enjoy working with it and love the detail. Although the amount of space I have should logically steer me towards the direction of either N or HO scale, I chose a larger size because I enjoy working with it. I figure I could put a loop of track with some spurs around the perimeter of the room, build some very small structures, and concentrate on the strong points that Large Scale modeling offers, such as superdetailing, ease of scratchbuilding, and great running. I definitely can’t have the amount of railroad and trackage in Large Scale that I could have in the smaller scales but what I could have will provide the most enjoyment for me.
You should build some small diaoramas in HO and N or any other scale you’re interested in and “test the waters” before you commit yourself to a specific scale. You can then get experience working in different scales and opt for the one(s) that give you the most enjoyment before committing yourself to a permanent layout - and remember - a diaorama can al
Well, bbjohn, that is a lot of good advice. I have about the same space (24 x 44 feet) and model in HO gauge, having amassed 50 years worth of engines and rolling stock. You can do a really great HO layout in that space. You can have a minimum radius of at least 30 inches. I use 36 inches. The biggest advantage of HO gauge is the huge diversity of available motive power and rolling stock. Since HO is by far the most popular gauge the mfrs know that and offer product to where the market is. Some are starting to offer both HO and N items, because the molds are cheap in China and the engineering and design work can be amortized over both gauges. But N Gauge will never catch up in the diversity of product offered in my lifetime anyway.
I suggest you narrow down your problem by deciding what type of layout you want, what era, and all those questions and then research what is available to accomplish your goals. So many of the newbies on this forum have the tender before the engine in going about a layout design. If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll never know when you get there.