is it wrong to do two scales at once?

[Anonymous]

I currently model HO and would also like a small N layout for my room. mabie just a kato track set on a 2x4 table is all. But my dad thinks I wont pay attention to my HO layout. is it me or would doing this be a waste of time and money

[Anonymous]

Never a waste. You may find that you enjoy N Scale more in which case, it's a learning experience.

Depending on the layout configuration, you may be able to incorporate N scale into your HO layout. I'm picturing the N scale trains running off in the distance at the rear of your layout, perhaps separated by a forest of progressivly smaller trees. Think "forced perspective."

Wayne

[BRAKIE]

As that old song goes "If its wrong then I don't wanna be right". I have a HO industrial switching layout and I am building a N scale industrial switching layout...[:D] I also have a Bachmann On30 train set my kids got me for Christmas 2 years ago.Of course its a display piece-so far.[:0]
There are some modelers that have HO and G scale so,no there nothing wrong with modeling in 2 or more scales.

[Big_Boy_4005]

It isn't wrong, but in this hobby, it's very easy to get caught up in a lot of different things. I was trying to do 3 scales at one time. I woke up one morning and said enough. I quit doing HO and N, 20 years ago.

The problem is that most people don't have enough time and money to fully enjoy more than one scale of train. I know that it is difficult to choose, but making a decision and sticking to it can really make all the difference in quality of your layout, and ultimately your enjoyment of the hobby.

[DSchmitt]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005

It isn't wrong, but in this hobby, it's very easy to get caught up in a lot of different things. I was trying to do 3 scales at one time. I woke up one morning and said enough. I quit doing HO and N, 20 years ago.

The problem is that most people don't have enough time and money to fully enjoy more than one scale of train. I know that it is difficult to choose, but making a decision and sticking to it can really make all the difference in quality of your layout, and ultimately your enjoyment of the hobby.

Excellent advice

I have over 1000 N scale cars and 200 locos, am about to start laying track on my 2' x 10' On30 switchback layout , my O 2-rail and G are spread all over the house. I never get anything done.

[Anonymous]

Multiple scales has been encouraged in my area for a long time.

My dad wants to build a layout by where you stand in one area, as a G scale train passes by you on a botton level, It goes into a tunnel and a few minuts later an O scale train exits one level above. the cycle repeats with trains entering and exiting tunnels as the scale works down to S, HO and finally N where the train crests the grade and works down the mountain and the sequence occurs in reverse. A nice concept, but not one for me I think. But mixing and matching two scales is not wrong. If done the right way, it can be really cool.

James

[vsmith]

I you have the room and the time and the money... Go for it!

I dont have the room or the time or the money. If I did I would have G, On30, American Fryer S guage, and resurrect the dead corpse of my HOn30 Furnace Creek, Ketchum and Union Pacific RR, or the FCK UP RR ( you didnt read that, you just thought you did...)

so I'll stick to G gauge for now, and just tinker with the remnents of my old HOn30 stuff.



BTW it really was an appropriate description of my old layout....

[AltonFan]

Considered by itself, there is nothing wrong with modeling in two scales at once.

However, elias, your father may have a point if resources for a model railroad are very limited. It might be better to do one thing well than two things badly.

You might also need to consider household politics. If you have a layout in your room, other members of your family may feel that you don't need the layout elsewhere in the house. How hard, and with whom, did you have to negotiate for your HO layout?

Having said that, a small limited project layout might be a pleasnt diversion from you regular modelling. A switching layout on a 1x12 plank, an Ntrak module, or a diorama, especially if these are very different from your usual subject might be the way to go.

I think Wayne's idea of using N scale to "expand" your HO layout may have considerable merit.

[BRAKIE]

Guys,By keeping things simple and to the point it doesn't cost that much nor does it take all that much time.The key words is "Keep it simple"..
One needs to have the discipline not to buy every locomotive and car you don't need and can't use..Buy only what you need to build and operate your layouts..
When I first started to gather what I needed for my N scale I was ask if I was going to sell my HO..The answer was no.I belong to a HO club and have a HO industrial switching layout at home..Now the thought did cross my mind to tear out the HO layout so I could have more room for a N scale layout I decided not to as I have lots of $$ invested in HO more then I will ever invest in N.

[Anonymous]

is it wrong to do two scales at once?
Breifly...............NO!
From where I sit right now, I can see N, HO, O27, O and G trains in my basement. Not all of them have tracks to run on, but each can get to local rails for occasional running. Also many of them have taught or inspired me to do things in HO I may not have done otherwise. Expand your horizons within the hobby. It will make you a better modeler in the long run![:D]

[Anonymous]

Not at all. I f you have the where-with-all to have two different gages, use them to your advantage. In real Modeling there is such a thing called 'Forced Prespective'. By using two different gages efectively you can give the illusion of long distances in a small space.

Go for the different gages if you can.

[Anonymous]

Run as many scales as you want, I have three myself, with HO getting 90 percent of my attention, N scale is hard for me to work with now, with failing eyesight, it is difficult for me to see when the equipment is on the rail, I traded two of my older N scale locomotives today to the owner of the LHS that I frequent, for a new HO scale Atlas dash 8-40-C locomotive, and considered it a good swap, my G scale equipment resides in my trainroom unused for quite a long time, so to answer your question, nothing wrong with doing multiple scales, but as time goes by, I think you will do like me, and focus on one scale, or the other, remember, it"s all about having fun, just keep your priorities in order, and you will find the best scale, or scales, that fit your needs. cheers.....

Mac

[coal drag]

Being in N scale and HO gives you twice the possibility if you should find a club to join. I'm mostly HO, but when my modular club sets up N, I'm ready to join in the fun also. I'm also ready for when we set up O 3- rail or G !!

[leighant]

I enjoy modeling in N on my own layout. Have a "main" layout and a tiny portable layout that is "lighter than air." But I also enjoy other scales by building models for a club, and models as gifts for friends.
I occasionally build two copies of a scratchbuilt model at once, one for my own layout and one for a friend.
And I enjoy surprising people with Christmas presents of models that have some special meaning.
A G gauge depot for a friend that is building a garden railroad-- the depot is a copy of one I built in N scale.
An HO garage with junkily-detailed interior and open doors for a guy who goes to my wife's church who was starting a railroad. I figured it was small enough I wouldn't be imposing on his space.
A 1"=1' (1/12th actual size) dollhouse of the house where my cousin lives which was also her grandmother's house-- sort of a keepsake for her and her daughter.
A S-gauge model of my town's only 3-story house for a friend who built an Sn3 layout.

[darth9x9]

Do whatever floats your boat! I am seriously into HO but I dabble in G scale at Christmas time and put the G scale track around the living room.