I know that no one can decide this for me, but I am having a heck of a time.
I only have a small space (approx 7.5x3) and would prefer a shelf type layout. Given the small space, N would seem the natural choice, but I love the detail possible in HO, from the track on up. I would like to have some "thru" trains and maybe just one scene (small town with industries), and it might be possible to have some type of staging in N, but in HO that doesn't seem possible, given the space. I want sound after hearing some locos at the LHS.
Maybe some thoughts about what you like about your chosen scale?
p.s. I have been reading about model railroading for years and years, and have finally decided to get my feet wet, just can't decide if I want to go in a lake or river. :(
Li'l,
With that small of a layout space, N-scale would be the logical choice - especially if you are wanting "through trains." Even if you used 18" HO radius curves, it would take the track right to the edge. (Actually, right ON the edge.)
If you really want HO, the only way is to settle on a farily short point-to-point or switching layout design. Obviously, your locomotives and rolling stock will also have to be short. Sound is also beginning to become more and more available in N-scale. It won't be as easy to install as it would in the large scales.
Even though I only have a slightly larger layout than your, Li'l (4 x 8 - my first), I'm glad that I went with HO. I really like the detailing over N-scale. And I can still enjoy a reasonable and fairly plausible layout configuration. Around the wall is my next iteration for Layout #2.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Li lJugs wrote:I only have a small space (approx 7.5x3) and would prefer a shelf type layout. Given the small space, N would seem the natural choice
I love the detail possible in HO, from the track on up.
I want sound after hearing some locos at the LHS.
If your eyesight and motor skills are still good, then go with N. You don't have enough room for HO.
The topic of cost between the scales comes up often. Most people say they are about the same. The price shopping I've done leads me to think that N is much cheaper if you shop smart.
Reality...an interesting concept with no successful applications, that should always be accompanied by a "Do not try this at home" warning.
Hundreds of years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove...But the world may be different because I did something so bafflingly crazy that my ruins become a tourist attraction.
"Oooh...ahhhh...that's how this all starts...but then there's running...and screaming..."
Is narrow gauge HO an option?
Just an off the wall thought.
Karl
The mind is like a parachute. It works better when it's open. www.stremy.net
I totally agree with Loathar (again). I did a stint in N when I was in my early '50s. I found the track difficult to work with and the trains too small to handle with ease and somewhat toylike. I finally sold all the equipment and got back into HO. Having said that, today's N scale locos and cars are (to me) of a higher quality and more reliable than what I had back then.
With your small space you could come up with a nice N scale first layout to cut your teeth on. Using HO, you could have a small - but what could be a highly detailed - switching layout. In either case, you probably won't end up with much "stuff" so that if you start with N and find it is not for you, you can sell on Ebay and begin again in HO (or vice-versa).
Either way, ENJOY !!!!!!
Mobilman44
ENJOY !
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
larak wrote:Is narrow gauge HO an option?Just an off the wall thought. Karl
Being someone who models Narrow Gauge HO, I'll give some input here...
To be honest, It would be about the same as with standard gauge HO. The NMRA RP (Standard?) for HOn3 track spacing is still 2", most engines (Excluding things like Grandt Line Box Cabs) still take an 18" minimum radius. You still don't want to go below a #6 turnout (NMRA HOn3 #5 turnout - 16" diverging route radius. NMRA HOn3 #4 turnout - NINE INCH DIVERGING ROUTE RADIUS--Boxcab only territory...)
Really, If I were you, I'd go with N until a suitible space for HO is found. 16"-18" is a pretty decent radius in N scale. (Though 19-20" is like supreme or something...) And you can just fit more in that kinda space.
Just my opinion
I was 56 when I started my N scale layout and I'm 62 now. I don't find the locomotives or rolling stock toy like or lacking in detail.
My layout is bigger than you propose, but I built it using three 7' X 3' sections bolted together to form a 10' X 14' layout.
I incorporated a 1' bumpout at the ends to allow broader turns for the return, behind the scenery. You could do a small bumpout and each end of your alotted space for the same purpose. Or, if you intend to operate with four axle locomotives, 15" radius curves would look fine within your 3' depth.
Below is a broad shot of my layout. At the center, it's only 3' from the front facia to the wall. There are two mainline tracks and some switching. Behind the scenery, there are two mainline tracks and six staging tracks.
Maybe it's just me, but I don't find this "toy like".
N Scale or HO Scale with your layout dimensions is all a matter of perspective.
Check out Dave Vollmer's, Pennsy Middle Division, on a door in N Scale, and then imagine how much fun it would be to cut back those operations by 50% just by going to HO Scale.
http://kc.pennsyrr.com/layouts/dvollmer/
Conemaugh Road & Traction circa 1956
I'd go with HO. Limit your cars to 40' or less and use small locomotives. A docksider or MDC boxcab (if you can find one) would be great. Some short Americans might work as well. Another option would be to go HOn30 - HO on N track.
Personally, I went with S because HO is too small, but you'll have trouble fitting S into that space.
Enjoy
Paul
I appreciate all the responses, they have given me much food for thought. I guess N is probably a better choice for me right now, given the space limitations and all.
Now to find a track plan. I like the Carolina Central as shown in MRR, redone with Kato Unitrak although I will have to look at Atlas code 55 (heck, my original thoughts were to handlay all track but that is probably a case of having bigger eyes than stomach, at least for now.)
I'll wander down to the LHS sometime this week, and see what is available. I live very close to Scale Model Supply in St Paul MN and have browsed there (although not very seriously) a couple of times, it seems like a very good hobby shop to me.
Not sure on the period I want to model (well, the early 50's is what I want) but I do know I would like to model the Soo Line, preferably in the pre "Red and White" era.
Whatever I decide, it should be fun, right?
Again, thanks for all the well thought out responses.
To MLS 1631,
May I clarify my statement about my N scale experiences .....
I didn't have much to spend back then, and the cars were Model Power and they were toylike (esp. the couplers). I sure did want KD rolling stock, but couldn't afford it. Likewise on the locos...... I had Model Power and Bachmann and while the Bachmann didn't look too bad, the mechanisms were not as good as I would like. But the real kicker was they were just too small for ME to be comfortable with, and I did not get the same enjoyment that I did from HO.
Please do not infer that I think or said all N scale is toylike. I have seen a whole lot of N scale layouts that are works of art, and I may appreciate them even more than HO layouts because to ME, N is more difficult to work with.
Please do not infer that I said that all N scale was/is toylike.
That is about the same size table I have, and I got a nice layout on it. Can't remember which plan I modified for it. Give Kato track a look, I believe it is code 80. Kind of expensive but how much is skipping road bed and bassasting worth. Their turnouts have twin coil machines installed. My tightest curves are 12 3/8 radius and I can run 80 ft passenger cars, looks funny but they go around the curve.
Gary
LilJugs wrote:I'll wander down to the LHS sometime this week, and see what is available. I live very close to Scale Model Supply in St Paul MN and have browsed there (although not very seriously) a couple of times, it seems like a very good hobby shop to me.
You might want to look at Hub Hobby in Little Canada. They have a pretty good selection of train stuff, both HO and N scales.
FT
When we were looking at moving last year, I thought about possibly switching to N, looked at the Walthers catalogue etc. and was very impressed with what was available. As it turned out, the new house has a pretty large basement and it's easier to start over using 20-years of accumulated HO stuff than to start over in N, but had my space been more limited I would have gone to N. I was particularly impressed with the wide array of Kato N track, I wish they made as many items in HO!!
BTW I work in DT St.Paul so I hit Scale Model Supply once or twice a month (spouse permitting) so maybe I'll run into you there!!