Thinking of swithcing fro HOto N, I want to stay in the hobby but space is a HUGE concern. Could probably go 3’x8’. Any good ideas on getting started?? Definatley plan to go DCC. I have alot of HO stuff I want to get on ebay…so I can recoup some money. Any reccomendations on track or engines/cars, couplers, etc?
Thanks,PJ
PJ,
I understand the attraction of switching to N scale from HO. I’ve been in N scale from the beginning, but have been invovled with building HO project layouts for my local NMRA Division for the past three years. Building a layout in HO for a small space is difficult when trying to make it look good and run well. You can see what I mean by going to the Gateway Division website at www.gatewaynmra.org to see the pictures. I think the results were good, but we could have done better with N scale in the available space.
My layout is an “L” that measures 10’ X 14" with a 3’’ depth. I’m modelling the Union Pacific in northern Utah in the mid 60’s, I like turbines. The construction of the benchworks is open frame covered with expanded foam. The foam can be messy to shape, but it’s light and is easy to work with. I have hidden staging, separated by foam mountains that lift off for access.
Motive Power:
I have motive power from Kato, Atlas, LifeLIke, Con Cor and Overland Models.
The Overland brass turbine is my most detailed locomitive, but it took some work to get it coverted to DCC and running well. That was disappointing, when you consider the cost of brass.
As far as the best running and best appearing out of the box, Kato and Atlas are the best.
LifeLike locomotive run well, but their paint colors don’t match the prototype as well as they should(personal opinion).
The Atlas can be pruchased with decoders installed, but with few exceptions all manufasturers locomotives are DCC ready for drop in decoders.
Newer products from Kato have their version of automatic knukle couplers and Atlas is using Accumates on their new products. These work ok, but I prefer MicroTrains couples for the most consistent operation.
From the size you spe
PJ,
There was a thread almost identical to this a week or so ago. So, you are not alone and many of us N scale modelers switched from HO.
My recommendations for your consideration are as follows:
When looking at plans, N scale is roughly 55% the size of HO (.544). That means an 18" HO radius is roughly the same as 9.75" in N. However, if you find yourself looking at HO plans, I’d recommend that rather than settling on one that is 5.5 x 14.5 (roughly 3x8 when scaled down), look at smaller ones and use a larger conversion scale. For instance, a 5x12 plan scaled down to 60%, particularly if it was designed for 22" HO radius would give you a 13-13.25" minimum radius, which is pretty good in N. The result will be larger curves and either less track (more scenery) or more room for industries.
Track recommendations are based on a number of factors. I’m a flex track user. Many have built good layouts based on sectional track/roadbed. I have not personally used them, but many on this board have given Kato Unitrack positive revues. As for flex track, I can recommend both Micro Engineering and Atlas.
On the subject of track, code 80 (the traditional standard) or code 55? Code 55 looks better but may require some rolling stock wheels to be replaced. Code 55 is also a little more delicate to handle and more subject to problems if track is not well laid.
For locos, my highest recommendations are for Kato and Intermountain. I also give Atlas high marks, some models more than others. I’ve had decent luck with Life Like switchers (SW9’s in my case) and their FA/B1’s and 2’s. Since you mention DCC, Katos, IM and many Atlases are simple light-board replacement decoders.
My fleet of cars is mostly Intermountain and Micro Trains, with a fair number of Atlas mixed in. I also have some less common brands, such as Red Caboose, Deluxe Innov
I’d buy some track, and just play around with laying it out. Then buy a couple box cars, and a couple of micro-trains coupler kits and see if your eyes can handle it.
I’ve got some vision issues at 35, and space is at a premium where I am right now. So I’m looking for one of those big lighted magnifying glass things.
I too started with N scale from the beginning mainly because of space or (lack of it).
For engines, to avoid heartaches and frustrations stick to Kato, Atlas and InterMountain, they may cost a little more but are smooth running and well detailed.
There is a wider choice for rolling stock like, MicroTrain, Red Caboose, InterMountain, deluxe Innovations, Atlas. All my passenger cars are from Kato.
I use Peco flexi tracks, but you could look at Micro Engineering and Atlas too.
I am still using DC and cannot comment on DCC.
Happy modelling!
Cheers,