Hello, I’m new here. I’m almost 13 and I’ve had an interest in trains ever since I was 5, and always thought about making a model ralroad. Now I really want to, but space is the main factor, I don’t have enough for HO scale or above. So what are the ups and downs to N and Z scale, and which should I use? Which has a wider market? I’m leaning in the direction of N but I want to hear what you guys have to say.
I bet you a dollar you have more space than you think. I can put a G scale layout in a shoebox. How much space do you have? Give measurements please.
Alex,
Welcome to the forum. I can’t comment on Z scale, but if you’re pressed for space and can’t go HO, I would go N (I wouldn’t personally because my thumbs are too big and my eyes a bit too old). I wouldn’t think someone your age would have a problem with it. Seems to me there’s more and more N-scale stuff available, both kits and ready-to-run – not as much as HO, but still a lot out there.
There’s a whole lot more good advice on the forum – take some time and surf around for some good info on other related MRR topics. Good luck
I suggest N as well. There’s some great stuff in N these days. I converted from HO in 2002 and have been very happy with N. It runs just as well as HO if you buy good stuff and take good care of it. Plus, a layout in N takes up one quarter the size of the equivalent HO layout. An HO 4’x8’ layout could fit in 2’x4’ in N scale, and conversely, you can fit 4 times the N scale railroad in 4’x8’ if you have it.
HO has better detail and sound, but N scale is trying to catch up. Best of luck and welcome to the hobby!
Sorry, I have various spaces around my house, but all of them aren’t really big enough for HO. For the rest of you, a lady from church had an N scale layout in her basement. It was the previous owner’s and I don’t know if it’s still there, but I’ll see if I can come over and use some of it. It’s nothing fancy, four levels of loops and switches, and there’s no scenery. But the last time I saw it there was some good stuff lying around.[:D]
Hi Alex,
Thanks for joining the forum and welcome to this exciting hobby ! I have to agree with the others to either go with N or HO instead of Z. Z scale will usually CO$T more and the availability of Z scale accessories and buildings are very limited. While HO & especially N scale are growing and have more accessories to choose from[8D]
Good Luck and let us know how things progress. There are plenty of members here with tons of experience who can offer advice and who are more than willing to help[8D]
I find Z scale facinating. I am awed by the detail and quality of the Marklin product line. However, it is very costly, very fidely to deal with and requires superbly laid track. Furthermore there is very little choice compared to N scale. If you have the slightest interest in getting into the electonics and control side of the hobby (DCC for example) this would be virtually impossible in Z scale.
On a 13 year old’s budget, N scale is definitely the way to go. You can fit a pretty nice starter layout on a 2x4 foot sheet of Styrofoam that will slide under your bed or sit on top of a dresser or bookshelf, and expand it later. Z scale is far more expensive, far more limited in terms of products available, and isn’t all that much smaller–Z is a bit bigger than two-thirds the size of N.
Any brand suggestions? And how do you post without quoting? I can’t find a ‘post’ button. [%-)]
Use the “reply” button.
Stick with the major brands until you become more familiar with what’s available: Atlas, Kato, Athearn, Proto2000 (aka P2K), Micro Trains, Intermountain.
Hi Alex,
Also try the following websites.
www.firsthobby.com www.internethobbies.com www.internettrains.com
www.buynscale.com www.trainworld.com
Good Luck ![8D]
One of the things I suggest for beginners is to make a model of thier model. This develops skills they will use later as well.
On my site I show what I did for my layout.
Maybe that can help you out as well.
Have fun.
"Sorry, I have various spaces around my house, but all of them aren’t really big enough for HO. For the rest of you, a lady from church had an N scale layout in her basement. It was the previous owner’s and I don’t know if it’s still there, but I’ll see if I can come over and use some of it. It’s nothing fancy, four levels of loops and switches, and there’s no scenery. But the last time I saw it there was some good stuff lying around. "
Sorry dude. I bet you’re mistaken. Go look at this site: You musta miseed the shoebox quote. http://carendt.com/index.html
Hmmm… I never thought of doing it like that. Those are creative layouts. [:D]
I agree with the majority of the posters here: go with N scale. Also, look closely at a shelf plan. You can fit a lot of modeling on a 12 inch wide shelf.with N scale and it can be mounted on a wall above other furniture in a room.