I am going to be building a 11’ x 14’ layout and I am trying to decide whether to go with HO ro N scale. I have had an HO scale layout in the past. However, as I have started designing a new HO scale layout, I am now starting to consider if I should convert to N scale, thus giving me a larger layout.
I would like to hear from anyone that has gone through this same process and which scale you decided to go with.
From my perspective, it seems like I would be able to get more realistic operating sessions if I were go to with an N scale layout, however I would lose out on the detail and prototypical realism associated with HO scale.
1st you might make up a checklist of what you want your railroad to do or be. If you like long trains with majestic vistas than N might be your bet. If you like more switching than HO is better. Also price and selection of rolling stock & buildings is better in HO…11’ x 14’ can make a nice point to point HO layout and with all the types of staging one can use it can make that space even bigger. If you like large yards and engine facilities, multiple railroads, large bridges, vast out west scenery, long passenger trains or long freights with double stacks and auto racks, you can’t beat N scale. So I would make a checklist of all the pros and cons of each scale and see what fits your needs the most…good luck!
Hi Ray. We model in a space that’s 11x14. In this space, I’ve always been torn on what to do. In HO it’s cramped. As for N scale, I just can’t get used to the tiny trains. This is about the trains ya know. [:D] I’ll say go for a cramped HO scale RR.
I think the most important factor is what size you are comfortable with. Just remember that if things are too small or intricate for you to handle comfortably, you are going to turn an enjoyable hobby into a frustrating quagmire.
I would stick with HO. I think HO offers more versatility than N and all those smaller parts is going to cause headaches later. If you worked with HO before I would stick with.
Having switched from HO to N about a dozen years ago I personally would reccomend going with N.
From the statement above I can’t help but believe that you haven’t looked at N very closely ,at least not lately.N scale detail and realizm takes a backseat to no scale anymore.
What you really need to do is set down and decide exactly what you want to do in that 11’X14’ .If your liking is big mainline railroading go with the N scale ,if shortlining is your flavor then concider HO.
Which ever scale you choose make sure it is your decision and not one that someone else (me or anybody else) has talked you into.
Having working in both scales, I prefer HO, as it’s a little more forgiving. My eye sight and fine motor skills aren’t what they used to be. I managed to fit a decent looking mainline into a 10x12 space.
You’ll make the best decision FOR YOU, in my opinion, if you get your hands on both scales, and figure out which scale “speaks” to you the best. Which makes you go, “oh yeahh…”
For me, that’s probably O scale. (but the costs are psycho, so I’m doing HO again).
It’s not too unlike choosing a car, a guitar, or a girlfriend or boyfriend. Whichever you like the best is the one you like the best!
Check out layouts with both. I was out of MRR’ing for many years. During those years, I’d occasionally pick up MR magazine and think about the “future”. I was heavily considering N scale. Afterall, with the quality of the equipment these days, in the Magazines, it looks nearly (and sometimes just as) good as HO.
Then I saw an N scale layout for the first time in like 10 or 15 years, and was like, “wow, that stuff is small”. It’s still very cool, but smaller than I recalled from when I was a kid. (I’m only 31 now, but still…)
So, get your hands on both. Heck, buy a little of each. Go with whichever speaks to you. There’s no telling which that is!
I would say HO would be your best selection becuase we had an N scale layout and the coalcars kept derailing of the track but HO does not make cars derail as much as N scale does.
Myself, I’d say N. But then, I could build my dream layout along two walls of your available space, complete with staging on both ends, and probably still have space left over. Of course, my dream layout isn’t that big. Enough for me, but could still keep a couple of other people busy, as well.
Then, there was something wrong with your cars, or your track. The scale had nothing to do with it.
Here’s my [2c]. Being a HO modeler all my life, I’d have to say go with HO. I’ve always found N scale a little hard to work with. But, it’s your choice after all. No matter what scale you model, it’s still a fun hobby. [:)]
Thank you everyone who has responded. You have given me some good insight. Age and its relationship to eyesight and nimbleness of fingers is another factor. I am curious if anyone out there has regretted selecting N Scale due to the smaller pieces that must be maintained vs HO scale, or is this a non issue?
It’s all a trade off. Larger pieces are easier to see and work with. Smaller sizes get more railroad in. 11x14 is big enough for any scale. If you’re already concerned with with eyesight, etc then I would go with a larger scale. You might want to consider On30 or S scale. Personally I find S to be a delightful size to work with, yet small enough yo have a nice layout.
Enjoy
Paul
If I were to go with an HO Scale layout, is it better to have a single level layout with a staging yard underneath, or a dual level, with or without a hidden staging yard. If I were to opt for a two level layout, how wide could the top level be keeping in mind that the layout would fit inside an 11’ x 14’ room.
One option is “visible staging”. Like where you have a huge yard that looks like a yard, but serves as staging. This could make for a nice place for cool photography, etc., but not necessarily be prototypical or fitting with the rest of your layout theme.
It could also be uncomfortable low, so that the “main level” is at an ideal height.
minimum aisle width is 30 inches. I will tolerate a 24 inch lift up entrance “bridge”, but only at the bridge. Full operation of the layout must be able to be accomplished without raising or lowering the bridge.
removable sections (such as in front of windows) must have a place to conveniently store them.
An interesting idea (Iain Rice) I have seen for staging for shorter trains is a 3ft cassette that mounts on the door and attaches to the layout along the back when the door is closed. The cassette stores on a lower shelf when not in use. Requires a way to lock the door when in use!
What LongIslandTom said is VERY true: “If things are too small or intricate for you to handle comfortably, you are going to turn an enjoyable hobby into a frustrating quagmire.” 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 them 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 On30 ones! 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. I figure I could put a loop of track with some spurs around the perimeter of the room and build some very small structures.
You should build 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 always be integrated into your permanent layout. If you happen to like more that one scale or gauge, why not model in both of them. Two small layouts that give you enjoyment is better that one large one that proves frustrating to work on.