Hi i was reading some posts, today and have wondered what is the big deal versus, ho. i model both scales and see no diffrence. I actually like N scale deatail better! Now what are your opinions[?]
i think n scale detail is pretty good now, what i can see of it. when i’m working on it or operating i need my reading glasses. i model in n with my layout at 38" off the floor. would like it at 48" but it would be blocking several windows. fortunatly i’m not a rivet counter and don’t know anybody who is. i also have an ho module to use at my clubs shows and run my ho equipment at the clubhouse. the detail in ho has also gone up quite a bit. but there has been a corresponding increase in the prices.
I’m quite impressed with the amount of detail on N scale today. It is definately competion against HO scale. And it just gets better. The only problem I really see is that some of the parts are too small to hold up to much force or contact, so they break with one wrong move. HO parts are only slightly thicker, but can still with stand more in many cases.
GO N SCALE!
I’m an N scaler from way back, but have always admired the better detailing of HO. As I’ve said in another thread, my eyes aren’t what they use to be, so it’s getting harder and harder for me to see the tiny details of N scale whether they’ve been improved or not…
Tracklayer
Nit Picker’s Union Hall in N
N gauge model of Lionel O gauge layout in a barn
I’ve modeled in N since 1985. Back then, there was a dearth of equipment selection, but it was just beginning to boom. Atlas and Kato had just started making good diesels, Micro-Trains had a good stockpile of rolling stock. But passenger cars, steam locomotives, and especially structure kits were still hard to come by. Track was also poor compared to HO.
Fast-forward to today. I can use code 55 track, which has terrific proportions and rivet detail as good as any HO code 83. Lifelike, Kato, Model Power and Bachmann have all come out with good running steam that isn’t a fortune. And good rolling stock doesn’ t just come from Micro-Trains anymore. (THANK YOU BOWSER for getting into the N-Scale game!) Structure kits abound in laser-cut wood and etched brass from 10 or so really good companies.
And to be honest, unless you go for brass, I think the N-Scale is every bit as good on detail as HO now. They still don’t have the selection, but given the market-share, they probably never will. That’s okay. They still have a GOOD selection.