Howdy everyone,
I am back after a triple by-pass,
It gave me time to get a real good look at my lay in my 20x 20 bonus room.
So far every thing on the layout is done in HO scale.
But once again, I am thinking of going to N scale (now that they are coming out with sound decoders for the N scale). Having twice the layout (per scale)would be realy nice too.
Once again, I am come to you guys for advice.
Have you switch to N scale form HO ? or any other scale?
What where some of the +'s and or -'s ?
Any pit falls to realy watchout for?
Thanks for any advice you give.
(heavy breathing) Luke,…come to the dark side! (heavy breathing)
You wouldn’t believe what you can do with N these days. And the scenery to trains ratio can’t be beat! If you have the room you mountains really can dwarf the trains. Or you can run through rolling hillsides that are really rolling hillsides, not just painted on a backdrop. And cityscapes, man, you can model a big city that looks just like, well, a big city. All of this can be done in a very modest space. In 20x20 you could realistically model all 5 bourghs of NYC!
I modeled HO when I was a kid, but after getting out on my own I thought I could get more layout in N-scale. Well, I have been an N scalelr since about 1987.
Good things;
yes, more of everything.
longer trains.
we now have sound.
much better quality of locos and rolling stock.
N track clubs. you can have your perminent home layout and have modules to connect with some huge club setups.
much improved proportions now.
I am sure there are more that others could add.
Drawbacks;
size, imagine attempting to repair a coupler. Pain in the rear.
trackwork is less forgiving.
layout highth should be higher for a more realistic appearance.
even though its smaller than HO the larger locos need a 17 or 18 inch radius to keep from climbing the rails in the turns. Some dont actully derail but its anouing to watch.
detail, not impossible but much more challenging.
the overall effect on you and visitors in my opinion is much more enjoyable in HO.
If it were realistic, and its not, I would start over in HO. I have way too much invested in N to start over. I keep telling the little woman that when I am done with this N-scale layout I plan to build an HO.
Im an x-N scaler that has gone to HO because of sound. I am glad I have made the switch.
Remember that with N scale, you will ALWAYS be limited by speaker size. There is NO getting around that (unless ofcourse Soundtraxx finally releases Surroundtraxx)
From the point of view of someone who has been forced to recognize that he hasn’t been getting younger:
N scale pro:
More railroad per square (insert unit of measurement here.)
Easier to keep potential problems within reaching range.
Wide variety of available commercial products.
Much easier to model long train, heavy duty railroading.
N scale con:
Requires greater manual dexterity for everything.
Reporting marks approach (or exceed) the invisibility threshhold.
Not grade-schooler friendly, if you have children (or grandchildren) who could be potential model railroaders.
Just a few numbers to crank into the choice equation.
I was one of the early adopters, switching from HO to N scale in 1969.
The more important point is that I switched back to HO in 1983, and finally totally ditched my N-scale layout in 2003. The reason is simply detail. There is no way to make an N-scale detailed enough to satisfy me.
As for sound, it is bad enough in HO because of the physics of tiny speakers. The smaller the size the more “greeting card like” the sound is going to be. Real trains rummble and roar they don’t squeek and peep.
While you can have between twice and four times the amount of layout in the same space also remember that means twice to four times the work to be done and the money that gets spent since unfortunately an item in “N” scale costs almost as much as the same item in “HO” scale.
Once again, you guys have given me some great advice.
I do have a lot of time and effort into my HO layout ( I have not been able to figure out how to post any picture here yet ),
I have posted a couple of videos (via youtube).
The advice about 4 times the cost of making the layout set me back in my chair.
The wife already thinks that I have spent our retirement fund.
So once again, the N scale layout will be put on hold (may until my next life).
You guys have saved me a lot of time, money and headaches.
4 times the cost what is this!! The track is about the same price if you figure everything together,roadbed is cheaper, you can get more trees (woodland scenics) for your buck!! Atlas Boxcars can be had for $8. Engines are about the same but can be less. Ho is better for people with decreasing eye site. The choice is yours. Happy Modeling. Tim
Tim,
How did you know my eyesight was going (along with everything else I might add).
I do like to watch the N scale layouts in action. They are soooo, cool.
I think that 4 times the cost to fill the room with scenery would send my wife bolistic.
Did I mention retirement fund?
Maybe I could fill it in with my alimony checks?
See im on the oppisite boat from you i am wishing i had chosen HO in the first place i really hope by next winter i will have an HO running but my n scale needs professional help lol