Basic question:HO or N?

[BRAKIE]

Don,Don't let the size of N scale fool you like it has some folks in HO.I am 55 years old wear glasses and I can work just as well on my N scale as as I do my HO.I do not wear my glasses while working on either scale..N scale engines can be detailed to the Nth(no pun intended)degree if one chooses that route...I am detailing my N scale locomotives to the C&O standards.So far I found it to be just as easy as HO.All I am adding is 5 chime horns,bell on the short hood,speed cable and sunshades just like my HO C&O units.That gives them that C&O look.

[Anonymous]

Mike, that's a good point. Maybe scratch building is declining because there are so many excellent models out there. I don't think kitbashing has diminished. Hopefully, for the hobby's sake that will inspire some true scratchbuilding. The materials are certainly available. Maybe MR could feature more scratchbuilding articles. The few they published certainly got a lot of positive responses and I don't think the skills have disappeared. Hopefully, with inspiration and encouragement, this trend will reverse itself.

As far as cost of living goes, it's a matter of priorities. I hope, for everyones sake, life hasn't become so difficult that we're forced to give up what we love. The "World's Greatest Hobby" program is a big step in the right direction. In a world of "extreme" everything model railroading is a relaxing breath of fresh
air. Sooner or later people will tire of "extreme". When that happens, we'll be ready.

[Anonymous]

For anybody's info.
I am 73 years old and run N scale. I have no trouble with seeing it,and if I ever do, I can use a magnifying glass. No problem. I was in HO years ago. N is just as good or better. There is junk in all scales. Buy good brand names such as Atlas, Kato, the newer Lifelike, etc., and use your money wisely, which is good advice for anyone. Green River