I have a 4 by 8 layout, I am not deeply involved in the hobby yet, just have a simple loop, but soon I will start changing the track plan, maybe add a small swich yard. HO I think is way to big for my layout and for what I want to do with it. I think I will switch to N scale, a lot smaller, and can have a lot more track space for what I want to do. I just need an estimate of how much it will cost to switch to N scale, just to get the trains up and running… Then I will build from there. Help is greatly appreciated![:D]
Unfortunately, TC, the price of N scale equipment isn’t any cheaper than HO. If you switch scales, you can plan on spending just as much and probably MORE! (Because N scale is so much smaller, you’ll want to HAVE more on your layout!)
This can be an expensive hobby, but it doesn’t HAVE to be! Spend some time surfing the train shops on the internet to get an idea of what N scale items cost. You can often find good deals and bargain prices on e-Bay, but there is always a risk that what you buy is someone else’s junk. Be forewarned! Having a good hobby shop close by is a great asset. Asking questions on this forum is just plain smart.
N scale is a great scale for having more scenery than trains. Makes the trains look more realistic when the scenery is in proportion to the trains. Small hills in HO turn into BIG mountains in N scale and the trains really look good.
Eventually, your 4x8 layout will become too small, even in N scale. It’s a side effect of modeling trains! Spend lots of time looking at what other people have done and don’t be shy about asking questions on the forum.
Above all, HOVE FUN!!
Darrell, quiet…for now
TC,
First off, [#welcome] to the forum! Good to have you aboard! [:)]
Darrell is correct on both counts. N-scale is about the same as HO as far as pricing is concerned. And neither one has to be expensive. Both scales have their pros and cons.
Here’s a couple of discount web sites for finding some bargains on locomotives:
Trainworld
http://www.trainworld.com
M. B. Klein
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com
Hope that’s a help…
Tom
Welcome aboard TC! Although I’m not new at this hobby, I am to this site! From what I’ve seen, it’s a great site for info and meeting good people. I am into HO scale, I too thought about making the switch to N scale years ago, but have way too much invested. HO gives you great realism and with my eyes not getting any younger…it’s just easier to see as well!
Enjoy and have fun searching!
I’ve found that N scale is a little bit less expensive than HO. For example the Walthers Cornerstone new river mining co in HO is $36.98 while in N scale it is $34.98. There is more of a difference when it comes to locos. An HO Kato SD70Mac is $150 and an N Kato scale SD70Mac is $105. This is probably because there are more details and features on HO locomotives. Track is also a little less per section. It may seem like you will save a lot of money but in the long run you will end up buying twice as much stuff to fill a 4x8. You will have more operation possibilities though.
My [2c]
Been there, done that. I only had about $500 invested in HO, and things like my powerpack and scenery stuff can be used in both. I sold off my Kato HO engines on e-bay and did OK and I just bought a nice Kato N engine on e-bay for less than I sold my HO for. However, I have gone the expensive route and opted for Unitrack because its easier for my kids (and me) to work with and really easy to pull up and completely change the track plan with, even when you’ve fastened it down (just be careful how you fasten it). I’m really enjoying N scale’s possibilities in a smaller space. But it definitely can be more difficult to work with the smaller pieces. Good luck!