Hi, I would like to ask for some clarification on converting a HO track plan to N scale. As maths aren’t my strongest subject I am trying to think back 20 years to high school. As HO is 1:87 scale and N is 1:160 I divide 160 into 87 and get 0.543 and multiply by 100 which gives me 54.3% reduction, almost half for rough planing. All I have to do now is allow for aisle width ?which doesn’t get reduced, is my theory correct?
Shaun
I think (and my math is subject at best) that the conversion you calculated means that N scale is 54.3% of HO scale. Therefore, your reduction is 45.7%. I would agree, you don’t want to shrink the aisles, or you won’t fit through them…I hope this helps.
Don Z.
Don many thanks for that, I told you maths weren’t my strongest subject.
Shaun
For rough planning 1/2 isn’t bad, and now you have the actual number. But the “all I have to do is allow for aisle width” is a big deal. The good thing is that you can balance that against the benchwork size, since the reaches will now be less. In my opinion, there are two ways to go about adapting an HO plan to N. One is to take the general layout, scale it down and adapt it, which is what the approach you are taking is to me. The other is to change very little, leave the basic dimensions alone, and take advantage of the fact that now you have very broad curves and room for long trains. You can add to yards as appropriate, since you now have a lot more space.
Hi, Jeff that was my rough idea it wasn’t to copy 1 for 1 but take an idea and see if it works.
Shaun
If you’re trying to be exact, you should use 87.1 for HO. This will give a ratio of 0.544, multiply this times your HO dimension to get your N dimension.
Truth is: half is close enough and easier to work with (that .044 is only about 1/2 inch per foot, i.e your 4x8 layout becomes 2’2"x4’4" vice 2’x4’). Because each scale has its own unique advantages and disadvantages you should make modifications to a trackplan you convert from another scale: aisles, access hatches, benchwork width, etc.
Personally, I regard every published plan as a source of ideas to be modified to meet my desires.
Enjoy
Paul
Don’t forget, you’ll also need to adjust track centers for parallel tracks such as passing sidings and yards.
Although it is the correct ratio, a 50-55% reduction will make a crowded HO plan look even more crowded in N scale. If you have the space don’t go any smaller than 75% of the HO plan. Even better is no reduction, just adjust track spacing. You may may find you can add an extra track or two in yard areas and a few addidional industries without overcrowding. Also because you don’t need as much change in elevation, any grades do not need to be as steep.