the smaller scale is not really a disadvantage, unless you gor for super-detailing of your locos and stock. You need to adjust the viewing height, i.e. bring that layout up to the level of your nose for the best viewing.
Todays´s N scale stuff is nicely detailed and as reliable as HO scale. Kato locos are among the best performers. Kato N scale is foolproof, offers a great variety of different radii and track sections, but no flex track. The plastic look can easily be improved, although you need a lot of patience for that.
MR has presented a number of fine N scale layouts, and the Salt Lake Route was certainly among the best.
I still have my mini-modular N scale layout built with Kato track and it is much more reliable compared to what I have built since.
The majority of folks I know who are modeling in N scale now modeled HO previously (as I did). N scale wasn’t practical when I started, but I moved to it in the late 1980s as better products appeared.
Posting your question on a forum with a higher percentage of N scale participants, such as The Railwire or Trainboard, might provide a more meaningful response. N scale comments here tend to be of the “damning with faint praise” variety.
For me, N scale is the choice because of limited space – and today’s N scale runs great.
This response fits into the “for-what-it-is-worth-from-a-relative-noobie” category.
I did not make the move from HO to N, but started in N with Kato engines and Unitrack. (I wanted to run long trains.) The trains are nearly bullet-proof. The track is nearly bullet-proof, however, you are limited to the curves and lengths that are available from Kato. While there are many options, it does tie your hands somewhat. I ended up give the Unitrack to my grandkids and building current layout with flex track. If I had to do it all over, I would go with the flex track without reservation.
I had a large HO scale layout at our previous house.
When I knew we were moving I made the decision to change to N scale because I knew I’d have a smaller layout.
I’ve been very happy with that decision.
I have Kato and Atlas locomotives.The Katos are best, but they all run well.
The rolling stock that’s available now is finely detailed and there’s a great deal to choose from.
I decided to go with Peco code 55 track. It’s more difficult to work with than Unitrack would be, but I like the look and the ability to put the track exactly where I want it to go.
To me, the single biggest advantage is being able to do so much in a space that wouldn’t allow for much in HO.
If you haven’t tried it already, you may want to do what I did.
I got a piece of plywood about 3 x 4 feet and put a simple loop of track with a siding on it. I got some equipment and ran it to see how I liked it.
Once I decided the move was right for me I began to acquire more equipment.
I switched to N from HO due to space limitations and use Kato Unitrack. Yes there may be some limitations to Unitrack compaired to using flex track, but if you look at the Salt Lake Route you can see they were able to put together a really impressive layout. I like using the whole Kato system with the power pack and accessories and really like it although I am still in the building / doing some more planning stage, I find it easy to set up and take down. Kato locomotives are the best and I have yet to find one that disappoints me, I can’t say that about any other brand and I have 29 of them. Just start small to give it a try and if you don’t like it you will still have some really nice track that can be easily set up and taken down anytime.
Good luck!
Ralph
P.S. Try googling Kato track on n scale fourms and you will find a lot of q&a about what you maybe seeking, hope this helps.
When I was young and stupid I made the change from American Flyer to HO. HO seemed to give me more options for trackage and looked less toy like. I can’t make a similar jump to N scale. No logical reason, it just looks too small for me.
One thing I’ve noticed from our senior members here is that we all get a little shaky as we age and we can’t see quite as well. Working on smaller stuff is harder.
Martin, thanks for those comments. Very informative. I took your suggestion and have been checking in on some N scale forums and watching some Youtube videos on N scale layouts.
One must look at what makes you happy in the hobby. If you like super detailed scenery and rolling stock, then HO is one place you might like because some things just can’t be scaled down much further, the more detailed you want, the higher up the ladder you must go. Next look at operations, the inverse is the way that one works as the less running space you get the larger the scale. HO is the most popular because it is kinda the tipping point in both directions. Now I am not saying you can’t have a fantastic layout in N scale but some things disappear at that scale, in fact if I was to move I have been toying with the idea to go to 0n30 because of the things that disappear in HO scale.
If I was planning to go into N scale I would go all Kato rolling stock - no question. If I was planning to use sectional track I would prefer Kato in either HO or N scale. Kato produces top-quality products - consistently top quality.
Of course, my Kato N scale would be 1:150 Nj scale, not 1:160 US prototype N scale. While the scale might change, my preference of prototype won’t.
So, why am I standing pat on HOj 1:80 scale? Because to duplicate what I already have in Nj would require me to re-mortgage my house!
Realistically, if I ever change scales it will be in the opposite direction. Age-weary eyes and arthritic fingers would be more comfortable with On762 than with N-anything.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - in twice-N 1:80 scale)
I think if you asked which is better, Kato Unitrack or flex track, you’d get a lot of posts with varying opinions that really wouldn’t end up telling you anything except there are arguments for both.
I spent quite a bit of time considering which to use before making the choice to go with flex track. I’m convinced that, for me, it was the right decision.
The Peco code 55 I chose is a little tedious to work with because there’s a rail embedded in the ties for strength. That makes it more difficult to do curves.
But, like any flex track, after a little while you learn what to do to get it to work and after that it’s no big deal.
The other option would be to use code 80. I haven’t worked with it myself, but I’m sure there are others on this forum who have and would be able to provide some feedback.
Perhaps you could get a bit of Unitrack and flex and try them out.
Obviously, the Unitrack is simpler to use than flex, but I wouldn’t jump into it for that reason alone.
In the long run, I’m sure you’ll probably be happier with the one you think looks the best.
You can use both Atlas and Kato track together its called conversion track KA-20045 instead of using one type of track. I have Atlas code 55 from various train sets and train shows to make my unitrack longer. The rails are (will my eyes they’re) look the same and same height, width.
The only freight cars they make are Maxi I/IV, Bethgon Coalporters, containers, Auto Rack, and a mixed freight. Passenger equipment is Amtrak Superliner I, Amfleet I/II and Baggage cars.
Kato track is easily to handle to put together and apart. I have 12" (from a Amtrak train set) 13 and 15 inch for a door size layout to run a Conrail theme or modern BNSF/UP era.
I can’t comment on switches because I don’t any. I just have straights and curves to have a long oval.