I am contemplating building a permanent layout of a size of 17’ X 18’. We own multiple scales and are confused as to which scale to put up permanently. We own some of each of the following scales:
N
HO
O
We like O size but I am wondering if this size pike might be too small for the scale. Any thoughts?
The detail of O scale is nice, but your layout would only be the size of a small bedroom HO scale layout. 17 x 18 would make a very nice N scale layout. I guess it depends upon what is important to you.
I would start by listing and ranking what is most important to you. Here is my prioritized list and why I model what I model.
Because of my list above, I am modeling the Pere Marquette in 1946 from Grand Rapids, MI to Holland, MI. This is just prior to rapid dieselization on the line after the C&O merger. This is the line I grew up next to, although steam was already looooong gone. Just west of downtown GR is the yard my grandfather worked at.
The choice of scale comes from making comprimises. I love the detail and weight of O scale, but I would have difficulty fitting in the yard and shops my grandfather worked in and have a good distance between towns. N scale would allow me to have a nearly uncompressed yard, shops, and other areas and some real distance between towns, but the level of detail just isn’t there for me. Thus HO strikes the right balance for me and there is a very good selection of rollingstock and locomotives.
What types of scenes (mountains, cities, industries, etc) would you like on your layout? Do you want to run long trains through valleys and mountains and have a fairly good amount of industry to switch? Do you just want to run small trains in circles?
Thanks guys. Some of your questions and perspective do help. I guess when you boil it down, for O scale you would cut all dimensions in half to compare it with HO. When I think about it that way, the O scale does not seem as appealing. With N it would be a very large railway. I guess with HO it would be considered a medium sized layout. Food for thought… I love all trains and scales but have to come to a conclusion at some point.!! Thanks for the input. Any other input would be helpful!!!
Also, with HO, you tend to have more trains than scenery, which can be nice if you prefer that. In N, you can have trains running through wide open spaces, with very large scenic areas…
You model the area I live in!!! Glad to see someone is modeling that awesome streach of mainline.[^]
Great area to model!!! I’ve spent very much time there. In fact, still watch the trains go by on the old PM line regularly.
In terms of modeling, you won’t need to build big mountains and such. However, do you want to have a long mainline, or are you interested in switching/moving cars between GR and Holland? If you want a long mainline, consider N scale. If you plan on doing more swtiching, then consider HO. In the space you have it would be difficult to do much in O.
Again, congrats on a GREAT choice to model.
With the space you have available I’d be very tempted to try O. I’m very happy with my present N scale pike, and it was really my only option given the limited space I have. But I sure loved the size of the equipment on the O layout I had as a kid. Actually, it was more my dad’s layout. My brother and I were just a convenient excuse for him to spend money on it. [;)]
I remember having a pretty decent layout in a space that was about 5’ x 20’. Of course that was Lionel 027 and you could get away with tighter curves than in straight O.
[:)]
I grew up in Jenison, MI 1/4 mile from the tracks and have family in Hudsonville and Holland (and elsewhere). My grandfather worked in the shops and the yard in Wyoming, MI from 1952 to 1984. Thus I spend a lot of time near the railroad, especially between Grand Rapids and Holland. I just moved to MN from MI last winter.
Why not try On30? On30 is O scale narrow gauge equipment that runs on HO track. You have the heft and detail of O scale with the convenience and economy of HO.
Something I have not yet seen posted in any of the replies pertains to cost. If you have some idea of what railroad, era, etc. you wio model, you should compare the costs of the scales you are considering. From what I’ve seen and read, O scale equipment is generally quite a bit more expensive than HO or N. Do a little comparison shopping to figure out what your costs will be, at least if that’s a consideration for you. Also, you will want to check availability for the equipment you wio run as some scales have more available equipment than others. Last, but certainly not least, have fun with whatever scale you choose!
-Joe
You have enough room for O gauge so go for it. Check this website out for layout ideas in small spaces: www.thortrains.com
I’ve tried the others but have found O gauge to be a lot more fun and relaxing. If you’re into rivet counting, then that’s another story. [:O]
I vote HO
Someone on one of these forums (I’ve joined so many lately, I’m not sure which one!) made an interesting point about the cost of O scale. He said that while it may seem more costly at first, the larger size means you need less of everything than in one of the smaller scales. For instance, one $50 structure kit in O would be cheaper in the long run if you’d need, say, 3 or 4 N scale structures at $20 a piece to fit the same space. Something to consider!
Peter
O gauge/scale is the only way to go. Most of the smaller scale guys I know would be in O if they didn’t have so much invested in their current scales and layouts. Some of them have sold off their HO and N stuff and made the switch already. Yes, O gauge/scale costs a little more but the quality and reliability far exceeds most anything you’ll find in HO or N.
Hello Ted. E. Bear
Hmmmmm…[8)]
Interesting thought. Some guys would if they could. My dad had me in O scale in my “young-un” days. BUT with all due respect to your opinion there is something you’re overlooking. There is an absolute INCREDIBLE WEALTH of locomotives, passenger cars, freight cars, scenery material, figures, and structures available in the HO and N scales that far exceed the availability of the same or similar items in O.
Just walk into a hobby shop, pick up a Walther’s HO catalog, an N scale catalog, and the O scale catalog and see which one is the thickest. Top it off, there’s a lot of stuff that’s not even listed in the catalogs. This is why, IMHO, many HO and N modelers today, if given the choice would likely stay in these scales[;)][;)][;)][;)][swg][tup]
Also, importantly there are two separate schools of thought here that we shouldn’t forget. Not all, but many of our freinds in O scale enjoy their trains “as is”. Nothing wrong with that. Many of us in N and HO are interested in “Prototype Style Modeling”. Nothing wrong with that either, but again two schools of thought that really can’t be compared to each other. This is sort of Apples and Oranges.
So for the HO operators that are not into prototype modeling, have the money and space O scale, might indeed, be the way to go.
i say HO cause i think it has the most realistic models, and is just the perfect size to model…not too small, not to big. i thing n-scale is just a bit too small to have fun with. i think O is too big because they dont look realistic. plus, the only track i hardly ever see for O is that 3-rail track which is very ugly and not realistic at all, but these are just my opinions… happy model railroading
O gauge wins hands down. As soon as I unload my HO stuff, I’ll be buying MTH O gauge, maybe some Lionel. I got sick and tired of all of the rivet counting in HO. This hobby is suppose to be fun and the action is in O.
Daniel P. Christopher,[8)]
Cool! [8D]
Well, to each his or her own! There is a good, common bond on this forum. Regardless of scale WE ALL enjoy trains here! Even the good guys with multiple identities!! [;)][:o)]
Daniel, since you’re “unloading” your HO stuff, if it’s quality equipment please consider putting it on Ebay. I check it all the time and get “HO stuff” from time to time.
So,…Enjoy the action [;)][;)][;)][;)]
I’ve said this before and not to slight anyones opinions, as everything said has merit! However, nobody on this forum should ever be making a recommendation like this! We can all put forth our likes about the scale we model and whatever we know about the others. But, to recommend one scale over the other is not our place. This is an issue the questioner needs to do due diligence on, so he can answer his own question.