If you’ve seen my past post you know that I have limited space so I’ve decided to look at n-scale trains. What are the advantages and disadvantages to modeling in this scale? How many of you guys model in n-scale? Do you have any web sites that I could look at?
Thanks all
When I think N Scale, I see a lot of scenery.
N scale has some advantages over larger scales, and some disadvantages.
You can have a bit more trackage in a given area, though I find it prefferable to have a bit more scenery in that area as it conveys the scene better if you ask me. Also, what is an impossibly tight curve in a large scale is doable on N, maybe even moderate to broad. Also, you only need to raise a track two inches to cross another track. This keeps grades more manageable.
The disadvantages are that there isn’t as mush stuff available off the shelves as say HO scale. Also, decoder installation can be more “creative”, and sound is just becomming a good possibility with larger loco’s. Also, you lose some of the “heft” that the larger scales have, so multiple units become more the norm with stiff grades and long trains. But isn’t that the way the prototype works?
There’s a bit more to it then this, but this is the basics.
I model N, but at the present there isn’t much to show as I just moved.
I’ve been modeling HO for about 25 years, now I’m moving on to N scale. I got fed up with running longer EMD and GE locos, Superliners and Auto Racks on 18" radius curves, enough to dampen my enthusiasm for the hobby so FORGET YOU, HO SCALE!!! (Phew, got that off my chest…). I’m now making the benchwork for my first N scale layout (4x8, and 18" radius does just fine in N).
You say you got limited space, then N is for you. In Japan, N scale is the most popular modeling scale because most people’s houses or apartments are very small and compact. But even in the USA, N is getting more popular nowadays. I’d been contemplating the HO to N move for over a decade, but chickened out because there were all these cool models coming out in HO and none in N. Not so anymore. Athearn now does N, and the price ratio between HO and N is close to equal now. And with more people going N scale, that’s a larger market for the manufacturers to produce more models and accessories in that scale.
If you do want HO, the only option for you is to make a module and/or join a club. If you got limited space, forget it, unless you’re into doing a little HOn3 mining operation.
I too Switched from HO to N scale due to space constraints. In HO 15" curve in Minimum, in N scale, 15" curve is pretty good size. I still can’t run 30+ cars but the effect of long trains is done alot better. I only Regret about switching to N scale(besides not enough money) Is spend a 100 bucks and you walk out with a matchbox.
When I think of N scale, I think of failing eyesight when I get older, than I stop thinking about N scale.
It breaks down to this for N Guage 1. 2nd most popular scale modeled, so it doesn’t have quite as much as HO, but sufficient selection for 90% of the people who want to model “N” 2. Size: You can do a lot more in a smaller space, and use smaller radius curves and have things look right. 3. Handling: Make no bones about it, big hands and fingers, and gradually fading eyesight, can raise havoc with working on trucks, couplers, installing those tiny decoders, and soldering those tiny wires. Holding tiny screws??? You will soon find out how steady you are. If you can meet those challenges… Go for it, otherwise, go HO.
and failing health.if i were in good health though i would change to n scale.even in a 4by8 space a nice size rr can be built.enjoy it and have fun.terry…
The only reason that would drive me away from N-scale is the lack of products out there. I want to be able to go to my local hobby shop and see rows and rows of N-scale products like I do with HO. I also read somewhere that because of the lack of products that many n-scale guys have to make everything on their own.
I’m really debating if I should just go with n-scale, but I’m going to Boston’s biggest hobby shop tomorrow so I’ll make my decision then.
I would just stay on HO Scale, it has every thing need…
if you dont have alot of room just make a shelf lay out, as for me am living in a rented house and dont want make a BIG lay out so I am going to do a 10 inch by 8 foot bord lay out with 2 or 3 tracks on. maybe two 8 foot bord makes 16 foot? 2 curves on ends about 22 inch…
I am getting started doing a 8 inch by 8 foot lay out with some tracks on… will take pic when it’s there.
JZ198 - Do what you feel is best for you. I model N scale ( Southern Railway ) and I’ve found there is plenty of N scale products on the market, just about anything I need. If my eyesight starts going bad…well I still have my O scale trains.
LOL![:)] its so true [V]
I just switched to N scale and my only regret is not making the switch sooner. I was trying to run SD70s on an 18" radius and I got very frustrated. Now an 18" radius is considered broad in N scale. You could buy a section of flex track in N and HO scale along with an inexpensive boxcar in both scales and see which size you like best. Just my [2c]
When shopping for a new house, I did some research in what was available in N since it was possible I wouldn’t have as much room as I had in the old house for my HO layout. I was pretty impressed compared to say 20 years ago. One thing that I liked was the extensive line of Kato Unitrack in N, much more is available than in HO. They also have some nice buildings with interiors built in. As a fan of iron ore railroading, the idea of being able to run very very long ore trains seemed kinda neat.
It turned out I had more room than I had before, so I decided to stay with my HO stuff. I’ve been in HO since 1988, switched from O scale. BTW one nice thing about going down in size is you tend to be surprised at what fits - I still picture a building as being bigger than it turns out to be since I was in O for so long, so it turns out I have more room than I expected for a parking lot etc. around it.
After 15 years in HO, I just made the switch to n scale YESTERDAY!! I wish I had done it sooner!! You can have more modern and longer trains in the same amount of space. The only way I could fit a ho layout would be joining a club. I say go with N. Use kato track. Go with – kato, inermountain, atlas – micro trains couplers
I officially made the switch TODAY! I bought these:
Athearn N-scale UP and CSX boxcars, a piece of Atlas flex-track and a piece of cork roadbed, in front of their HO scale equivalents, which I already own. I also bought these off of eBay today:
Intermountain SP SD40T-2
Athearn Metrolink F59PHI & 3 Bombardier commuter coaches
I saved $110 from the eBay bids! Woo-hoo! They’ll be my first N scale locos and I’ll be picking them up tomorrow!
If you are thinking about going N, DO IT! The more people modeling N scale, the more selection you’ll see from our manufacturers!
I’m planning to go with Micro Engineering and Atlas track. I’m not into the Kato Unitrack thing. But that’s the good thing about N scale today - you got more choices!
I have been modelling in N scale for more than 25years amd space was the main reason for me choosing this scale. Every scale has its advantages and disadvantages and for those modelling in S or O all other scales including HO looks small! N scale allows me to do great scenics in a smaller space and I can run long trains without tail chasing. Cheers,
I’ve been in HO since the late 50’s. In the late 60’s I tried N, but it was pretty much Rapido & Atlas for rolling stock, and European style structures, but the worst part was it was pure luck to get around an oval without a loco stalling or derailing - and that was with good track! After 2 years I was back in HO. Now, at 64, I’m looking at G scale!! Eyes & hands aint what they used to be!!
N scale!!! I switched 4 years ago and am very happy with it. The scenery-to-trains ratio is ideal. I have a double-track mainline on a standard 36"-wide door! In fact, SilverSpike (Ryan boudreaux) took this picture of me with my train layout at this weekend’s train show in Raleigh, NC. That’s right; N scale allows you to bring your home layout to a train show! With just one piece, it took a friend and I maybe 15 minutes to set up.
N scale has come light years from there. Those were indeed the “dark ages” of N scale. I do understand the hands and eyes thing though.
BTW, nice lookin’ layout there Dave!