N scale vs HO Scale?

[Razorclaw]

What do ya'll have, and whhy do you think it is the best? Or do you have both and why? Thanks, Stephen

[Anonymous]

HO is the only way to go. You get more detail and more options. HO is more readily available, and is easier to model than N. The sound effects wiht HO are amazing, although I understand it is also available in N now.

Have fun,
Greg

[DSchmitt]

O scale 2-rail[:o)]

Seriously no scale is better than any other.

What scale is best for you? It depends on:

Your objectives in the hobby. What do you want to model? a "one horse line", class 1, or anything in between. standard gauge, narrow gauge, main line operation, switching operations, just let trains run, a mix.

Your space available. In any given space longer trains can be run in a smaller scale. Switching operation is generallly more reliable in larger scales but there are some fine layouts with reliable switching operations in N.

Availability of equipment and accessories. There is more available in HO than in N, but while there are many products in HO that are not available in N, there are also things available in N that you can't get in HO. DCC decoders have gotten smaller so it is possible to equipment most N scale locos. On board sound is probably a long way off (if ever in N scale, speaker size is the main problem.

Your skill level and desire and potential to improve your skills and develop new ones. Do you like to scratch build and/or kitba***o get what you want? It is generally that that scratch building is easier in larger scale, but that is not necessairly true.

The scale preferred by friends and by other modelers in your area.

The amount of money you can and are willing to spend. Costs. There is now not a great difference between good quality equipment in HO and N, but there may be a tendency to want more to fill a given space in N scale.

What looks good to you.

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These and other factors are inter-related and subject to change with time.

[Anonymous]

I model in HO and my wife models in N. Both scales are excellent and fun and I'm sure Z, S, O, G and all the variations are just as much fun for those that model them.

The best scale is the one that you like best.

[IRONROOSTER]

As others have noted above all scales have their pluses and minuses. I started in HO switched to O and then to S. Along the way I got my son an N scale train and built him a small layout in his bedroom. I also dabbled in G for a while.

At this point I find that S is the best compromise between size (for building) and space required (for the layout). I enjoy building the kits and can have a resonable layout in the 11x18 foot space I have.

All of these scales have more stuff than I can buy and they all have PRR stuff so that's not an issue for me.[8D][8D] As the late John Armstrong said at a clinic I attended "They all cost the same, all that you can afford".
Enjoy
Paul

[orsonroy]

I model in both scales, and neither is any "better" than the other, they both have their plusses and minuses.

HO scale (my home layout scale): plusses: largest variety of products; simple dcc and sound installation, more superdetailing opportunities, steam models in abundance, easier to handlay track. Minuses: tales up a lot of space relative to N, slightly more expensive than N, harder to model modern railroading or large, sweeping scenic vistas, scratchbuilding requires a LOT more material and detailing to look convincing.

N scale (my portable Ntrak layout): plusses: eats less space, runs as reliably as any other scale, especially good for modelling modern railroads, able to create more realistic large scenic areas, easier to scratchbuild structures. Minuses: almost impossible to add sound, VERY difficult to prototypically model the steam era, difficult to perform switching, relatively few products available, especially detail parts and vehicles.

[Jetrock]

One's decision of scale depends on a lot of factors--cost and availability are important, but there are others as well.

HO, my personal choice, is well-suited for the cheapskate, but it is also a nice size to represent older equipment (smaller diesels and early steam, 40-50' boxcars) in a reasonable space. As someone mentioned before, modern 80' equipment and full-sized engines are about the same length as old O gauge models of the "modern" equipment used in the 30's-50's!

N scale modern equipment, on the other hand, is about the same length as HO scale transition-era equipment. So in many ways, N is the new HO and HO is the new O!

N is much better for simulating L-O-N-G trains in a reasonable space, and for creating fairly dramatic scenic vistas without having to own an ampitheater in which to build a layout. Someone who likes long coal drags and making scenery that really dwarfs the trains would probably lean towards N. Similarly, a small N layout is REALLY small.

HO is better for lighter-weight railroading: way freights, passenger locals, and other moderate-sized prototypes. If you have the space and the means you can certainly go big in HO (especially modeling older prototypes) but HO's greater relative chunkiness makes things like switching and close-in operation easier, and the higher level of detail you can put into an HO layout can be better appreciated close-up.

Personally I prefer HO, since I like short trains, 40' cars and switching. But that doesn't mean EVERYONE has to like HO.

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Razorclaw

What do ya'll have, and whhy do you think it is the best? Or do you have both and why?

There is no "best".

I switched to N scale in 1969 and back to HO in 1982. The increased operational options to not outweigh the lack of detail. I was half way through converting to Kadee couplers and it was getting expensive. For a while I had every brass N-scale made, but then they got expensive too. Then the plastic started getting expensive too. Cheap well running models is another reason I switched to HO.

Other than the brass, all my remaining N-scale equipment has been converted to Christmas tree ornaments. I learned the hard way they work better if the weights are removed.