[%-)] I am in the process of building a 14x36x10 building for my layout. I have found a n scale layout I would like to use and I need to convert it to my H,O, scale . How do you do the math? Or am I reading more into this then I should Thanks Larry
I thought at first that you could just multiply by the scale proprtions (1.84, or 160/87.1) to get the version in HO. Well, that’s sort of a first approximation (and maybe overly specific)
To be more accurate (and you’ll have to be eventually), you’re going to have to re-draw the layout in HO. If you’re using sectional track, it comes in only certain standard sizes, and they aren’t the same in both scales. There are similar problems with switches. Also, when there are two or more tracks in parallel, the spacing might have to be adjusted. The same goes for vertical clearances.
But first just scale the n scale layout up. If it turns out to be WAY OFF, you can save the time of re-drawing the layout. Or perhaps you’ll see ways you could modify the plan and still use it. Probably the simplest way to do the scaling is with a copier with a zoom feature. Mine will go up to 200%, so I’d just punch in 184% and make a copy. Then I’d double check that I’d done it right–no need to go off on a “mistake tangent”.
Ed
N-Scale dimensions to .075" = 1 ft; HO-Scale dimensions to 3.5mm (.137795") = 1 ft. Dividing .137795"–HO-Scale–by .075–N-Scale renders a factor of 1.837 for N-Scale to HO-Scale conversion. In other words an 18" radius curve in N-Scale equates to a 33" radius curve in HO-Scale. On the flip side dividing .075"–N-Scale–by .137795"–HO-Scale renders a factor or .544 for HO-Scale to N-Scale conversion; an 18" radius curve in HO-Scale equates to approximately a 9.75" radius curve in N-Scale.
Remember, certain problems arise in conversions from one scale to another when dealing with layout dimensions. Your size doesn’t increase by a 83.7% factor so, in essence, you shrink when you go from N-Scale to HO-Scale. I scale my layouts for a reach factor of 27"–if I convert that from N-Scale to HO-Scale that would require a reach of 49.5". I am not Yao Ming and that is an impossible reach for me. My 54" platform width–two 27" reaches–requires a width of 99" for the same real estate value in HO-Scale. Were I trying a conversion of an N-Scale layout to one being designed for HO-Scale I would have to provide some sort of access for the farthest reachs of my platform. An access hatch effectively cuts down on the square footage of my layout effectively rendering a smaller layout. On the other hand if I increase the dimension of the layout by the addition of a, say, 36" access hatch creating a 135" platform I maintain the same real estate value but I consequently take up more space in my layout room.
As was said in The King and I, “Tis a puzzlement!”
The quick simple and dirty method…
Double all the dimensions, except crossing degrees and turnout numbers.
Nick
hi Larry,
Do you mean you have found a drawing of a building in or with measurements in N-scale?
Just multiply by 2 or by a little bit less (1.8) and you’ll do fine.
Paul
Every plan I have seen has a grid superimposed and the size. So if it is ten feet long and the grid is ten squares long each grid line will be one foot apart. Just make a copy and draw pencil lines across the middle of each grid in both directions and you will now have an HO version wth one foot grid lines for approximating location of curves and turnouts. Then draw a one foot grid on the layout and place things according to the plan location for a trial fit. Be warned though that even if you tried to replicate a plan in the scale it was drawn there might be a slight variation due to differences in different manufacturers trackwork so the plan is just a guide in either event. A good rule of thumb is that you can fairly easily make any layout bigger but you are asking for serious problems if you try to make it smaller
HO scale to N scale…Multiply the HO dimension by .545 to get N scale. for example…if you have a building that is 3" long, multiply the 3" by .545 (3 x .545 =1.635) to get the answer. This will be the lentth in N scale.
On consideration, my suggestion to enlarge the plan by using a copier appears to me to just give you a bigger n scale plan–fine for seeing, but…
However, I think if you sort through the previous (and upcoming) comments, you’ll get your solution. Congrats on have the new room!!
Ed
thank you all so much for the info. My wife was the one who suggested putting up the building I am like a kid in a candy store. Going to realize a dream for my HO scale equipment Larry
[:-^]
And to boot, Larry, you lucky guy, you live close to the Kate Shelley Bridge. I hope you put that into your model as well.
Good Luck, keep us posted on your progress.
Johnboy out…