Recently inherited n gauge trains some track turn outs 4 power packs built a 4x8 table 1/2 " ply . trying to decide to keep it n or go ho any thoughts would be helpfull. thanks,m244
[#welcome]
If it was my decision, a lot would have to do with the quality of the N scale models you inherited, also if it would be a road name and timeframe that you would be interested in modeling. By timeframe, I mean what era the equipment would have run. If you are interested in modern railroading, it probably would not make nuch sense to keep steam locomotives.
It would help to know the manufacturer of the locomotive and rolling stock; often visible on the bottom.
HO: Larger items are easier to work on, and to see. There is generally more equipment available. Sound is becoming very common.
N: You can put more trains in the same amount of space. Sound is still rare, because of the difficulty of fitting decoders and speakers into the engines.
There is a lot of very good modelling being done in both of these scales. If you can get to a train show and see some operating layouts, or visit some layouts (either home or club) in your area, you can get a feel for what each of the scales looks like.
That 4x8 table is pretty minimal in HO, while it’s a decent sized layout in N.
I havve to agree with everything MisterBeasley said. I cound have really run some long trains if I’d used N scale in the space I have now, but I have a hard enough time putting HO stuff on the track.
There are also more parts and raw materials available if you get into the model-building side of the hobby, and they can be handled with normal-size fingers and seen without a jeweler’s loupe.
You can also ‘loosen up’ the same layout as a very compact HO track plan in the same space, and the result will look a lot more like the real world.
The cost of filling x square (feet, meters, whatever) with N scale layout is higher, but N scale can be done convincingly in about 1/4 the number of square (units.) Basic layout design principles are the same for both; HO just needs more space to achieve the same result.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - in twice-N, 1:80 scale, aka HOj)
Walther’s N scale structures and rolling stock availability has increased tremendously. Personally, I prefer HO , for size and ease of handling, (on my 24’x24’ around the garage loft room), but you can squeeze in a lot more “model railroading” by using N scale, especially, if your available space is limited. Is this to be an island layout, a peninsula, or what do you propose ? As you will see, many use a central background divider, to give you double sided background space, and implication that trains appear to come from distant locations. I happen to have combined HO and N scale, for the purpose of “forced perspective. The N scale dogbone loop is along one wall, on a rough gray 2"x2”. I use the continuous panorama of SceniKing 11"x7" section around my entire layout. They would be ideal for a center panel background. I matched the sky blue, (of the tops of all the SceniKing sections) electronically, at the paint store. Bob Hahn 
Mr.B wrote:Sound is still rare, because of the difficulty of fitting decoders and speakers into the engines.
Actually that is dated information.A lot of the quality DCC ready N Scale locomotives is “plug and play” and there is a lot more N Scale sound these days…Even the decoders are smaller.
As far as working on N…I am 61 and still don’t need to use my glasses or a opti visor…
If you are into Steam you will find alot more available in HO.
Bob
4x8 may be the minimum size HO layout but it is terribly restrictive with those utra sharp curves. If you want more flexibility on what you can run, I suggest going with a 5x9’ layout which would get you 24-inch minimum curves.
Does the tooling still exist? Time for Athearn to step in once again, buy it and start making models based on old FR/E&C/LBF tooling, but maybe upgraded.
A subject of discussion between modeler since the beginning of time. Objectively, the smaller N scale allows more railroad (track , structures, and scenery) in the same space. The larger HO scale is easier to kit bash, scratch build, or modify rolling stock and structure models. If you are a model builder, HO will be rewarding. If you are an operator, into ready to run equipment, and you want long trains, N is rewarding. So much for objective.
Then there are subjective factors, namely which scale do you LIKE better. You will probably be happiest going with the subjective factors. It is a hobby after all.
I’ll start by asking, “what is it about the N-scale that would even put you into a decision mode?”. Is there something about it that you already don’t like, or something about HO that you really do like? There has to be something that made it not a “no brainer” to keep the N. If we knew that we could direct our comments to help based upon the issue causing the question to be ask.
Having modeled in both - at the same time, I can highly recommend NOT doing that. Definitely choose one or the other and stick to it. Other than that all I can do is repeat what the others have said.
N-scale
- Women find them cute and you will get a lot more support.
- much more layout/trains in same space.
- much less detail on individual pieces of equipment / structures. <-this is why I switched
- electronics and sound - as has been pointed out it is getting better but still not anywhere close to the options in larger scales. Plus on-board sound has to have that much smaller speakers - HO is bad enough - as size goes down eventually sound quality goes to that of a greeting card. The physics of sound and the biology of the human ear does not “scale down”.
HO scale
- Most wide range of equipment / structures / track avaliable both old and new. If we actually stopped and did a scientific survey. Since the 1970s there is probably more stuff avaliable in HO than all the other scales combined.
- 4 x 8’ is almost the minimum for a continuous run loop of track - needs much more space than N.
- Big enough one can get some fine detail (like scale 3/4" hand rails) on cars and locos.
I can only share my personal experience. I started into model railroading as a hobby in my mid 20’s after being a life-long rail fan. I started in HO, but my job required several moves 3-4 year apart for a while, so building a layout was difficult. Frustrated, I decided to buy some N scale equipment an build a portable layout that I could move with me (4’x4’). This was a great starter layout. The result was that I fell in love with N scale. Now I have a larger layout (17’x17’) but am still modeling in N scale. I sold all of my old HO stuff several years ago except a loop of track and a short train that I run around my Christmas tree. I scratchbuild and kitbash in N scale. I don’t find it as difficult as many seem to think it is. The truth is, in N scale you can often “suggest” detail on a model that you don’t have to actually build and end up with the same quality look. Long story short, I’ve been modeling in N scale for 15 years and have no intention of turning back. Ron
Actually, I have to agree with MrB. The issue is that there is only 1 player in the N scale plug and play sound market…MRC.
The problem with the sound in N scale locos is 3 fold…
1. MRC decoders have a horrible reliability or life rating. They tend to do what they want or die at a moment’s notice.
2. MRC sound decoders have horrible sound quality. They also lack in the world of adjustment, having three sound levels of loud, louder and white-noise.
3. Putting a quality sound decoder into an N scale loco (Soundtraxx Tsunami 750 or LokSound Micro) involves removing a lot of the weight from the loco, hence making them poor electrical pickup performers…which is essential in sound-equipped locos.
If you are looking to have sound in your locos, absolutely go with HO or larger scales.
David B
Thank’s to all . I’ve decided to go with the " n " . There’s plenty of track, switces, turnouts , engines , rolling stock etc. thanks again for the suggestions. and oh yea MERRY CHRISTMAS
Mac
I think that a lot of folks are missing the really critical point with their advice. The governing factor in the choice is really the hobbyist himself, rather than the space and available equipment.
Aspects I see as critical here are those like is the hobbyist young or old; does he still have good eye-hand coordination; is his eyesight really good, or has he already reached the stage where glasses are a constant necessity to accomplish everyday tasks? Likewise, just what are the aspects of the hobby he thinks he might wish to persue? Is it just watching trains run, or does he want them to “do” something instead. Does he like the challenge of building things, or is he a store-bought-only kind of guy; has he perhaps an interest in electronics/computers? And in particular, what sort of cash does he have readily available to spend on a hobby?
All these questions weigh heavily on any decision and should be addressed ahead of scale and equipment considerations. Most definitely, in our hobby the individual is the deciding factor, not the choice of scales.
CNJ831
Use what you have to get started. But be open to change. Over the years I have worked in all the scales except Z. They all have advantages and disadvantages. But it really is what you like to do. Personally I find S to be the right size - big enough to be easy to work on, trains have a nice presence on the layout, yet small enough to have a nice layout in an average basement.
Enjoy
Paul
David,There are other ways to enjoy sound in N Scale.Try adding sound to a dummy locomotive,tender or a trailing boxcar/baggage car…In the wee scale one needs to think outside the box.
About the MRC sound…I have notice the HO sound decoders works quite well in the analog mode but,isn’t worth a hoot in the DCC mode…
I think what I’d like about S is that if I decided to do a huge farm layout (I like tractors and such) then S would be easier because tractors tend to come 1/64 a whole lot easier than they do 1/87th.
I agree that HO has more products available, but N scale has enough for anyone and more coming out all the time. My new N scale layout which I am in the process of building will have an operating hump yard, intermodal yard, docks and a fully integrated steel mill. You can not fit all that in a space 36 X 12 1/2 feet in HO. The mountain division will rise from 43 inches to 62 inches with a maximum grade of 2.42 percent. For me the layout potential of N scale out weigh any advantages HO might have.