‘Hi guys, I’m clearing out a room, (large closet) that measures 11’ x 7’.
I don’t think I can fit a good size HO layout in it, and a work bench.
So I’m thinking…N scale. The only thing I know about it, it’s that it’s small.
I’m just starting to do some research on N’s, but like HO, there’s so many places, a guy can go bonkers!
Can anybody out there tell me what one or two sites I might go to, or maybe a beginners book I may read on how to get started?
Thanks Guys.
Well, not surprisingly, Kalmbach has a book: http://www.kalmbachstore.com/12428.html
I don’t have it, I have a predecessor once or twice removed that was decent for it’s time.
N scale has come a long way in the past 15 years or so. Detail, reliability, and availability are way up. It will likely never catch HO in many respects, but it has advantages of its own, as well.
Most things that are true in HO are also true for N. The techniques largely translate, or course on a smaller scale!
A couple of things to think about N.
Your eyesight (now and expected)
Coordination, to handle the small pieces.
Do you want to go R-T-R or kit build most things? There are many good items for both in HO and N, but the pieces are 1/2 the size of the HO pieces.
Also, there is no reason for you to worry about having a workbench and layout. Many layouts these days are at “ideal” viewing height, somewhere around chest height. A bench can be built underneath the layout. I suggest you look at an around the walls shelf, possibly with a penninsula, to get you the most layout in a given space.
Good luck,
It depends upon what you are looking for in a layout. I am building an HO scale layout, but have built N scale modules for N TRAK. I like the level of detail that HO scale allows me. Especially, since building super detailed structures is my favorite activity. I have built several Fine Scale Miniature kits and scratchbuilt many of the structures now on my layout. N scale will allow a more realistic track to scenery ratio and more scale miles on the layout. I build scenery to about 6 inches short of touching the ceiling so that ratio problem is not really a problem for me. You can build a nice switching layout in HO scale or a short point to point layout. You need to write down a list of pros and cons of each scale with respect to the things you wish to have on your layout.
Well, N scale is certainly a good choice.
But as for whether you can fit a “good sized” H0 scale layout in 11 x 7 feet - that kind of depends on your definition of “good sized layout”.
This is what I am fitted into 6.5 x 11.5 foot room in my home:
7x11 foot is certainly not a lot of space. But it is not so small that it is impossible to fit in a a somewhat reasonably sized H0 scale layout in that space (which really is too small for a 4 x 8 foot table layout), and still have room for storage and a workbench too -
N scale has come a long way in recent years in terms of detail and performance. It gives you a lot of model railroading per sq.ft. and is a valid option. However, the choice of scale (and gauge) should be made on what type of operation you envision to have. If you dig running longer trains and like to see them snaking through some nice scenery, N scale should be your choice. If you are more into switching operation, the space you have will also accomodate an interesting switching layout in HO scale. If you are seeking a compromise between those two options, HOn3, i.e. narrow gauge, fits the bill, as it has a little less space requirement than HO, yet the detail and performance of that scale. But a word of warning, this is not a cheap way to go, supply is limited and the era fixed to no later than the 1940´s or 50´s, unless you plan to run a tourist line.
And HOn3 is contagious!
Be creative. What exactly you can do is going to depend on the configuration of this room in respect to they doorway but you might consider building an N-Scale layout on a 36" X whatever-length-fits-your-bill platform and cantilevering it over a roll-out-of-the-way 30" wide workbench.
Over the past two years my designated-layout room has endured – Remodeling via a healthy dose of “HGTV-addiction”; becoming a dual-purpose library/layout room, and; now a free-standing layout benchwork instead of attached to around-the-walls.
The usable remaining outer benchwork dimensions are 5’x8’x5’ in a U-shaped cockpit, and still with space for multi-level and a helix. Only N Scale has made this much in operations doable – Plus a traction layout allows for tighter radius curves.
Quite frankly, your assessment of N Scale for “greater operations potential” is on target for your given space of 11’x7’. Note how you can incorporate a pullout work area “stored under” your layout benchwork to double-up on the room’s limited real estate without reducing trackage and/or cantilevered as suggested above.
Perhaps the 2 most helpful layout planning books I’ve found are Kalmbach’s 102 Realistic Track Plans (includes articles such as converting HO Scale to N Scale), and; Carsten’s classic Track Design (includes space-saving tips & track design reality-checks “forgotten in more current” books).
Don’t overlook portions of many different appealing trackplans – To be combined into your final layout designed with your specific operational goals. For example, the CR&T is inspired by Kalmbach’s “Chippewa Central” but it is only about 20% of the CR&T layout space.
I have an N scale layout in an 8’ x 13’ room. Building it in 3 stages.
Your room will accommodate a nice HO setup as well, but it really depends on what you want to do. I decided on N for a variety of reasons.
I like scenery and structures as much as the rolling stock. N scale allows for scenery to play a greater role in the layout, as well as a few more structures.
I wanted to include a narrow gauge logging site (Nn3) Very tight radius possible.
I wanted a double track mainline, roundhouse/turntable, and a small waterfront shipping point.
I wasn’t sure I could get that done in HO.
That being said, HO certainly has it’s advantages. Much better detail possibilities, probably a bit better running, easier to work with if your vision is aging, greater availability of trains/structures/track. I had a small HO setup for many years, but wanted to go a different route with the new layout (started a year ago).
I managed to install a roll out workbench that fits under the layout for building that works very well.
The book mentioned above is good, but to be honest N is just “half size” HO. You can just go through the track plan section and scale down some of the larger HO layouts using a copier to see how they’ll fit in your room. I actually started with two HO layouts at 54% and adapted them to my room.
Terry
Welcome to N scale!
A good site to visit is www.nscale.org. I chose N because I wanted to have a good mixture of mainline running with some switching sprinkled in. It is frustrating sometimes when I see manufacturer come out with a kit that I would like in HO and not N. If I like it enough, I may attempt to scratch build it. Yes, some of the parts are tiny, but it has forced me to learn new skills. Now only if Walthers or Kato would make a name train in N scale (CNW’s 400), I would be in hog heaven.
Hi!
When I started over two years ago, I had always been in HO, but wanted to explore other scales. N was for me (I’m 66) too small, and O was too big for the space available. However, On3 (or On30) was a very doable option. Of course narrow gauge is a whole new ball game, and typically its mountain railroading, so that may be a plus or a minus - depending on your point of view.
All that being said I went on with HO…