Hello to all you N scalers, trying to decide between an N scale or HO scale layout. Mainly want to do operations. I have done operations on an HO scale layout, but with the smaller scale I was wondering if there were more problems coupling/uncoupling rolling stock or knocking cars over when coupling/uncoupling. What are the advantages/disadvantages of doing operations on an N scale layout. Thanks.
My friend Randy has a very operational N scale NORFOLK SOUTHERN layout.
While it is entirely possible to have an operating layout in N scale featuring lots of coupling and uncoupling, it is easier in HO scale.
I made the switch to HO from N scale 25+ years ago for this reason.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
In my experience, N scale is just too small and too finicky. When my son was 10, we tried building a layout in N scale, but gave up out of frustration. Years later, when my interest in model railroading picked up again, I went to HO scale. I wanted to go into S scale to use my old American Flyer stuff, but the availability of stuff in S scale was just too limited. Operations in N scale seem incredibly frsutrating in my personal view.
Rich
Alton Junction
I cannot answer the OPs question, but many people here (in the U.K) waxed lyrical that you could get more track in N laid than OO/HO in the same space.
One of the best layouts I saw the owner (in Australia) had the same track plan for OO/HO extended in N Gauge. The absolute beauty of it was long trains in open space. Simple and very effective.
David
To the world you are someone. To someone you are the world
I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought
I have operated on several N scale layouts and they have operated just as well as the HO layouts.
There are some caveats, the reporting marks are harder to read because the numbers are smaller. If you are heavy handed then yes, you can knock cars over. Details are finer so adding detail can be tougher from a visual, dexterity standpoint.
Search You Tube for "Jon Percy N Scale", lots of videos of switching operatios on a beautifly detailed N scale layout.
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
I operated on a large N scale layout a few years ago. I was expecting the experience to be so-so at best, given the size of N Scale trains and my general exposure to them - good for running long trains at road speed, but terrible for switching and slow speed operation.
I was very pleasantly surprised. Switching was just great! The equipment ran well, and I had no trouble adapting to couping and uncoupling the small cars.
What I learned - operations can be every bit as satisfying as it is in HO scale.
What I don't know is whether or not it's more difficult to build a layout in N scale that operates that well versus building one in HO or larger scales that operate well. But it is possible to build one.
Mark P.
Website: http://www.thecbandqinwyoming.comVideos: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabrunton
I built an HO layout in 2006/7 and then decided to build a door layout in N. The N layout is finished, fully sceniced. I had about 20 locos, all converted to DCC including hardwire of steam. Putting a decoder in the tender of a PK2 0-8-0 is not a challenge I would ever repeat. I have small hands and am very steady which was a big help working with N.
I have now sold off all the N locos except one RS18 and a bit of rolling stock. It is possible to switch cars but just not as satisfying as it is with HO.
I like steam, especially CNR which means HO and mostly brass. I love the high level of detail.
I went DCC with N as I liked it so much in HO with sound. For me sound with N just doesn't work. Also track needed to be cleaned constantly to run reliably. I think DC would have worked better for me. Perhaps it was the ME track I used that got dirty so fast.
Good luck
CN Charlie