The Z scale fascinates me, but the price/availablilty isn’t the best. G Scale also fascinates me, but again not the most economical. I should just go with HO and be done with it.
If you were giving a beginner modeler advice, what scale would you recommend?
Well two questions come to mind.
How much space do you have and how is your eyesight and coordination?
Also what era will you model?
My layout will most likely be on a sheet of good plywood that can be moved as needed. I don’t want to go above 4’ x 6’. I also have children of various ages that enjoy railroads, if that helps. Era wise, most likely modern freight although I have a soft spot for the Budd DRC’s.
If money is the biggest concern then HO has the most low priced prooducts.
If space is the biggest concern then go with N.
If you like to build models most go with O.
If you want a balance between building models and building a layout then go with S.
If you like to run trains fast then go with 3 rail O gauge.
If you want to build outdoors then go with G.
If you like novelty go with Z.
Peronally, I started with HO and it was toooooooo small. Then I tried O and it was tooooooooo BIG. Then I tried S and it was just Right ahhhhhhhh.
As I have taken the long way to say - there is no perfect scale, they all involve trade offs.
One approach is to build a model in each scale. Another is to set up a train table about 5x12 or so and try a loop of track of several scales.
Good luck
Paul
Paul got is all right.
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You can do anything on a 4 by 8. Empire in Z or a single industry in G. Anything in bewteen is possible.
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We could all give our oppinnions, but only you know what will suit you best.
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Many of us have switched scales. I started in N and went to HO over 20 years ago.
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My next move, if it ever should happen, will be O or G.
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-Kevin
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Since all your conditions cannot be met make the kids happy. Thomas the tank wooden trains - it’s all you have room for and the kids will love it.
Paul
The curves on a 4x6 will limit the size of locomotives and cars you use in HO… Your best bet for a 4x6 in HO would be 4 axle engines and no car longer then 50’ due to the sharp curves.
However.
That same 4x6 in N Scale will give you large sweeping curves and with large curves you can run 4-8-8-4s to SD90s and 89’ cars.
Your choice.
My personal thoughts.
As for Z and IMHO that’s to small… I’m not sure G would fit a 4x6.
But…
Lionel would fit that 4x6 if you want a large scale.
I think HO is the best size for a starter. I started out in true model railroading in HO at 13 years old 68 years ago and everything has gone very well. My father bought me my first train (Lionel) for my 8th Christmas present and that lasted until I changed to HO scale in 1951.
My first layout was around the wall in a 10’ x 14’ room behind the family garage and progressed to my first 4’ x 8’ plywood layout 10 years later, two years after I married.
I stayed with the plywood sheet sized layouts (2) until 1988 when I started my current and last layout of 10’ x 14’ stand alone on casters layout in our two car garage.
You won’t have much room for HO track on a 4’ x 6’ layout but it can be done.
Age makes a huge difference. The ability to work on smaller items can limit your fun and fun is extremely important in modeling anything.
In my case my layout design has worked out very good for me at 82. I really didn’t design it for old age, I just lucked out. I built it at 33’ off the floor
Lots of great info. I also wondered how tight a modern loco would take a 4’ curve in HO. How I envision this, I want to start with a set, most likely as a family Christmas gift. Then add track and a side rail or two and slowly add loco’s and cars. I want a consist with two NS loco’s, bunch of tankers and freight cars. Later I want to add a second tier with a Budd or passenger consist.
Wow, just did a quick search and N scale really opened up some options. And it appears less expensive as well.
Z scale was introduced in 1972, which is, if my math is correct, 47 years ago, making Z scale not exactly a novelty any more.
I have seen some serious layouts done in that scale. If you like watching trains snake through breathtaking scenery and are hard-pressed for space, Z scale is sure an option, albeit an expensive one. If you like switching operation, you shoul stay away from Z scale.
The OP states he likes to build a 4 by 6ft layout. In that case, N scale appears to be the best suggestion, even for a starter. Kato Unitrack is a good choice for track for a beginner.
Yea, I would suggest N-scale given the 4 x 6’ restriction and modern era interest. However, I would also suggest skipping the “set” and buying individial pieces because sets - more often than not - offer fairly mediocre product.
Better to purchase a good-quality locomotive, a few pieces of rolling stock, track (e.g. Kato Unitrack that Ulrich suggested), and a power supply than an all-comprehensive set. Mediocre product (i.e. spotty performance, parts breaking) will lead to frustration faster than anything and that’s what you want to avoid when starting out. You’ll also need to decide if you want to go DC or DCC.
Tom
Mel,You do realize there are senior age modelers in N Scale correct? That old age barrier is a myth as old as N Scale…
Kato has some nice sets, which come with their track, one of their locos, and some rolling stock. They have a modern freight as well as an Amtrak passenger train. And also includes a power pack. And unlike some brands, Kato doesn’t make a ‘premium’ level locomotive and a ‘train set’ level locomotive. They were advertised on the back page of the latest MR, actually.
–Randy
Yep. If you are limited to a 4x6 layout and want a pretty good selection of rolling stock, N scale is a no brainer. You’ll be able to fit broader curves in N than HO in that space an more operational possibilities.
Must be some new technology in N scale that prevents deterioration of eyesight, hand steadiness, and coordination. Incredible.
Seriously though, Mel’s point is very individual. Some people have more of these issues as they age, some don’t. Difference is you tend not to have a choice on which health problems you have. You have a choice on scale. Not saying HO is superior as you can fit more in a given space in N. Just consider all the pros and cons and make the decision that is best for you. Given your parameters, that sounds like N scale. That doesn’t prevent you from changing scales in the future should your needs or situation change.
This pretty much makes the choice for you in favor of N.
If you could be happy with 40’ freight pulled by GP’s or docksiders you could have a fantastic HO layout on a 4x6 (and it’s just about the cheapest railroading that can be had) but if you’re leaning towards modern freight and locos I’d definitely go with N.
Best of luck whatever you decide.
Agreed, Randy. And that’s why I used the term “more often than not”. Kato is one of the few exceptions to the rule with their individual components when it comes to train set quality.
Tom
N scale handles as well as HO scale, as long as you don´t intend to scratchbuild engines, rolling stock or even buildings. It´s one of those never dying myths that N scale is for younger folks only, just like Nnscale is not very well suited for switching operation. There are quite a few older folks in here able to bust these myths.
I went with to N scale from HO a few years ago and haven’t regretted it! I fit so much more in the same space. I actually find it to be equal or less in cost compared to HO. The only sacrifice is a slightly lower amount of detail, just a bit more of a prevalent of molded on parts, but on newer models that is less of the case and you can hardly see those things in N scale.
If you are getting into N scale I highly recommend looking to get some older Micro Trains cars. They can be found for less than $10/piece, and have satisfactory detail. They are kind of like the Athearn Blue Box of N scale but with better detail!
Good luck and have fun, which ever way you go!