N Scale Model Railroads

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi Railfans,

I am posting this to get anyone’s opinion or insight into why you might prefer N scale model trains over

HO. I prefer HO but I have been curious about trying a N scale layout because I don’t have a lot of space

and I see some interesting model railroads that I would love to model in HO but I don’t have the space. I

know N scale is preferred for its space friendliness. Just interested in what you might think. I am

considering maybe purchasing a N scale diesel and some track just to see how I might enjoy it. I love the

detail of HO but I know N scale offers a lot of flexibility. What made you chose either/or?

I’m still a newby to the hobby but you can check out my progress at http://trainluver.shutterfly.com

2

I just recently switched from HO scale to N scale, and I am amazed of the wealth of details this little scale now offers.

Although HO scale still offers a lot more in terms of variety and selection, N scale is your choice when you are short of space!

This is N scale!

3

trainluver,

As you have correctly pointed out, N-scale is great if space limitations don’t allow you to adequately run larger scales. Since it’s about 1/2 the size of HO-scale, you can get nearly twice as much bang for your buck with N-scale. And, as Ulrich points out, you are more limited with variety of items available in N-scale, although that has been improving over the past 10 years or so.

If you are wanting to try N-scale - go for it! There should be plenty of diesels available to pick from. Steam, OTOH, is a whole different matter. If you are interested in steam, stick with HO because you are VERY limited with the amount of choices on the market.

FWIW, HO is a great fit for me. Even if I had an abundance of space to run larger scales like S or O, I’d probably stick with HO because:

  1. I could run/model more in the same amount of space
  2. I’m comfortable with the scale and the “smallness” of parts
  3. The amount of detailing is still terrific
  4. I model steam/early diesel and would loose a lot of my roster because of lack of available models

Lastly, if sound is a big thing to you, trainluver, anything below HO-scale offers diminishing returns because you can’t fight physics when it comes to speaker size.

My [2c]…

Tom

4

I ran HO for a number of years, I’m now building an N scale layout. I have a room approximately 10x13 in size. I wanted a roundhouse, a sizable yard, and a double track main line. These would be tough goals to meet in HO. I also wanted to have more scenery than I would if I went HO.

Although HO certainly offers a greater selection of rolling stock and motive power, I feel it just gives me an opportunity to scratch build more models. I’m also an “on again/off again” sail model ship builder, so the relative size of N scale was not a problem for me.

I’m very glad I went with N this time.

5

Today’s N scale looks great, runs great, and requires much less space than HO. 'Nuff said.

6

I like steam, details, and sound, so I model HO.

Its a personal choice no one else can make for you.

Nuff said.

7

I model in HOj (1:80 scale, 16.5mm gauge) because, at the time I started modeling Japanese prototype, it was that or scratchbuild. Since all the available plans were also 1:80 scale…

Today, I enjoy the best of all possible worlds. My HOj freight cars are about as long as US prototype freight cars in N scale, locomotives are small, a prototypically-long freight train might be 8 feet long, my 24 inch radius curves look generous…

At the same time, things are big enough that my age-impaired vision and arthritic hands have no problem with them.

I have seen beautiful work done in N scale, and there’s no reason why an N scale empire shouldn’t be just as satisfying as its larger-scale equivalent. It’s a personal choice, not truly subject to rational argument - and better not left to a committee!

Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - my way)

8

Here is a picture of my N scale layout…

9

For me it was a 1’x6’ HO switching layout or a 1x6’ N Scale layout and since I been dabbling in N I switch my primary scale from HO to N so I could have a nice ISL.

Of course I modeled in N Scale during the 80s and once again started dabbling in N in 95 and built a N Scale ISL in 2003 and I suppose that was the slow beginning of the end for HO.

I sold 70% of my HO to fund my N Scale…

Now I dabble in HO at the club…

Another plus for me is there is a lot of modeling that still needs to be done in N…

One of my favorite N scale kit bashes.Landstar Elevators is 15 1/2" long.