My dad started me on model railroading back in the 50"s first O gauge then HO. I haven’t had a layout since 1978 but now Im retired and want to build one. My problem is space. My room is 910 with a 9 inch shelf on 2 walls. Problem is I want an HO layout as I have a lot of HO equipt. from 1978 stored yet I want something I can switch and also run a continuous train on . I need to decide if N gauge might be better yet Ive never worked with it and winder if ,it’s too small in size to really enjoy because Im afraid I wont be able to see all the details in both running stock and scenery as in HO. I have checked the layout library here and find the N scale White River would fit nicely with a staging yard but I don’t want to be disappointed in the size of the trains. Does anyone have any ideas as to how to design an HO scale that would not take up more than half the room on a 4x8 were I can turn trains to keep them going. My problem I think is going to be space needed for radius’s and I might be stuck with a shelf type if I go HO. Has anyone gone from HO to N and been disappointed in the scale. Thanks. Im getting up there in age lol , I remember Lynn Westcott and still have a few magazines from the 50’s and Im getting back into this. wish I had more space. [D]
Kingman - Welcome to trains.com! [C):-)]
A monolithic 4X8 is a pretty poor use of space in a small room, unfortunately. (Assuming that by “910” you mean 9’X10’)
Of course, N scale will fit better in that space, which is why many of us moved to N scale from HO. But I find most folks who post a question like yours are really hoping to stay with HO – which is fine.
Here’s an N scale layout on two walls in 7" to 12" of shelf depth
Obviously, this sort of thing could be carried around all the walls for continuous running with a lift-out or duck-under.
Best of luck in your return to the hobby.
Wecome to the forums and back to model railroading.
The choice of HO or N will untimately be yours. Many folks have switched in both directions and enjoyed the switch, others have returned to where they were. Reasons for going to N is more in the same space. There are certainly is much more available than there used to be in N, both ready to roll and kits. Some that have been in N and, as you and I have, have gotten a little older, have gone back to HO due to eyesight and fine motor abilities. If you think your motor skills are getting a little shakey and like to build kits, probably staying with the HO stuff you have would be a good choice. I have both scales, but have done no kits in N yet, I find HO can be challenging enough, though are some N kits I may try.
As for keeping your old stuff, the scenic items will be fine. The rolling stock will fit, though it may not be as detailed as newer offerings. Your locos will need a good servicing to see if they still have it in them. Many folks still have old favorites that run fine for them.
A little better description of your space would help. Show doors, windows and any fixed items that have to be considered. If I understand your space it is a 9x10 room with a 9" shelf. Is the shelf where you want to put the trains or is it used for other things?
Have you considered an around the room shelf (above or below the other, if necessary), having a lift out, duck under or swing gate of some sort to get into the room? If you can do that, continuous running would be easily accomplished. If you cannot use the whole parimeter of the room, you will need a “blob” at each end to turn your trains. If you will be satisfied with 4 axle diesels or short steam locos you can use 18" radius track (HO) and would need a 40" square to make a loop (22" radius curves on a 4’ square would be a little better). In N, a 2’ square would be ample to allow you
thanks , have you heard if pa #16 is being restored . Saw pictures of what was left being transported on train orders.com .Wonder if they are going to make it operational in D&H livery . Would be nice to see it running again. Well back to my layout woes.
Kingman,
I would say that if you require reading glasses to read your keyboard while typing that N scale will be too small for you to enjoy. I model in HO and I still get frustrated by the need to grab my reading glasses anytime I need to read a waybill or the number on the side of a car. Working with small parts is a challenge too. An Optivisor helps but they’re not exactly comfortable to wear and they take a bit of getting used to.
Gidday Kingman, NOT woes but NEW OPPORTUNITIES !!! especially starting again with a clean slate. [:)]
As has been said before what scale will be your choice but if your eye sight is any thing like mine, and as you’ve already got the gear, I’d suggest sticking with HO.
I would also go as far as suggesting that " Shelf Layouts for Model Railroads" by Iain Rice, and while I haven’t seen the book, going by his articles in the Model Railroader it would be well worth a look. Our hosts have it in stock.
And while perhaps getting a little ahead of ourselves when you do put a plan to paper there are some very talented people on this forum who will give you constructive criticism if required.
Most Importantly, Remember Have FUN.
Cheers, the Bear.
If your space is limited, and you have HO stuff to sell to finance your next adventure, I strongly recommend you consider N scale.
I’ve been working in N since I was in my teens, I’m now pushing 50, and have never had as much fun with N as I’m having now. There’s a vast array of products to choose from, DCC can be had installed from the factory, and there’s virtually no limit to what you can do with it, even in a small space.
If you’re a subscriber, check out the library of mid size N Scale layout plans elsewhere on this site, and also check out N Scale Magazine and N Scale Model Railroading magazine. Both offer a font of information about getting started all the way through to masterful scratchbuilding and operations articles.
If you’re gun shy about buying your first N scale stuff, find an N scale club near you, and talk to some people to help guide you. Let’s face it, there was a lot of crappy stuff made for a long time in N, but it’s considerably better now, and it will help you to hook up with someone who knows the difference before you start pouring money into it.
There are also a number of N scale specific internet forums out there, which I’ll just suggest you google out of respect to our hosts. N scalers tend to be a little younger and a little more internet savvy, so you’ll find a lot of really good information on line that you might not find anywhere else.
While it’s true that with N you can cram in more stuff and run tight curves, but if you have enough room for a snug 18" curve in HO, you have room to run a full blown passenger train with 85 foot coaches and a four coupled steamer comfortably!
Consider all your options, and if the reading glasses are an issue (they sure are at my house!) then get a pair to keep on your work bench. No big deal!!
Lee
Thanks Bear
Ok Lee thats a thought , Im going to find an N scale club around here and check out some ideas. Thanks for the suggestion. Last time I saw an N scale was about 1985 so Im woefully behind on new stuff.
Why not both? [swg] I have a smallish N-scale roundy-round on a hollow core door and an HO shelf switcher (soon to be an around the walls once I get my basement partially finished).
Side Topic:
The plan for #16 was to get her back into shape for a “Static Display” piece in her original AT&SF and be sent to the “National Museum of American History” but so far things have not moved toward that.
When I last saw here in person she had just left Mexico. That was March 2000
I’ve built up a collection of N scale kits, cars, track,and locos over about a 15 year period, enough to set up a moderate sized layout. However, about 6 years ago, while recovering from a health issue, I started converting the Rapido style couplers over to Kadee. It was definitely a challenge. Now, at 68, I recently tried working with one of the kits, and while I had no trouble with the major components, adding the fine details is stretching my capabilities. I have also been collecting HO since the early 50’s, and for me, find HO much easier to work with. That’s my findings and opinion as someone who likes to kit build, kitbash, and scratchbuild. Probably, if I just wanted to buy everything RTR and just put it on the track and run it, N would be very acceptable to me, and my HO would get sold. But, I will be most likely to eventually sell off my N.
It’s all about personal choice.