I'm turning N

[Anonymous]

Last year I completed my HO layout (two loops on 5'x6' with mainline on 1 1/2'x10' on the end), ran my one loco a few times, put together a few buildings, ballasted part of the track, created some "mountainous terrain" (with a waterfall but no tunnels), ran my loco a few more times, then let it sit for a year. Something wasn't right. Now I think that it's not enough trackage so I'm looking into switching to N scale. I bought an N-scale Kato trainset with Unitrack and the K-2 addition to test with. I like the ease of Unitrack, but I look at the Atlas C55 track at the LHS and think it looks nicer (and I'm getting all new stuff so don't have to worry about the flange thingy). So I've been reading several forums to see which track type is favored.

Will you people make up MY mind already! [;)]

It looks to me like it's fairly even with each track type, including this Peco track that I didn't see in the store, having advantages and disadvantages. But I really really like the look of Atlas C55. Does it black-wash well to give it that oily look? As for the more likely derailments, that's what the emergency vehicles are for: to ru***o the aid of a train wreck. [:o)]

On a side note: I guess my idea of a Z-scale "kiddy train ride" amidst my HO town won't happen. So much for grandiose plans.

Glen

P.S. I really think so [:D]
P.P.S. My first post here, so be gentle. [:I]

[Anonymous]

Last year I completed my HO layout (two loops on 5'x6' with mainline on 1 1/2'x10' on the end), ran my one loco a few times, put together a few buildings, ballasted part of the track, created some "mountainous terrain" (with a waterfall but no tunnels), ran my loco a few more times, then let it sit for a year. Something wasn't right. Now I think that it's not enough trackage so I'm looking into switching to N scale. I bought an N-scale Kato trainset with Unitrack and the K-2 addition to test with. I like the ease of Unitrack, but I look at the Atlas C55 track at the LHS and think it looks nicer (and I'm getting all new stuff so don't have to worry about the flange thingy). So I've been reading several forums to see which track type is favored.

Will you people make up MY mind already! [;)]

It looks to me like it's fairly even with each track type, including this Peco track that I didn't see in the store, having advantages and disadvantages. But I really really like the look of Atlas C55. Does it black-wash well to give it that oily look? As for the more likely derailments, that's what the emergency vehicles are for: to ru***o the aid of a train wreck. [:o)]

On a side note: I guess my idea of a Z-scale "kiddy train ride" amidst my HO town won't happen. So much for grandiose plans.

Glen

P.S. I really think so [:D]
P.P.S. My first post here, so be gentle. [:I]

[therailnut]

Glen, You sound about like me. I have been collecting HO stuff for 4 or 5 years now and then I had an N scale scale train set gave to me. For then on I am strongly considering on making the switch to N myself. as i have setup some track and run the train around the loop. then i got some grand ideas for an N scale layout. to late i think that is where I am headed and that is N scale. Now if we could get an AC4400CW in N scale and the Auto-max autoracks the transfermation will be complete. I think i will stay in the N scale.

[therailnut]

Glen, You sound about like me. I have been collecting HO stuff for 4 or 5 years now and then I had an N scale scale train set gave to me. For then on I am strongly considering on making the switch to N myself. as i have setup some track and run the train around the loop. then i got some grand ideas for an N scale layout. to late i think that is where I am headed and that is N scale. Now if we could get an AC4400CW in N scale and the Auto-max autoracks the transfermation will be complete. I think i will stay in the N scale.

[Puckdropper]

I'm going from HO to N at college, mainly because of space. I can fit a decent layout in 2.5' by 5' in N, where the 18" radius loop wouldn't even complete in HO.

[Puckdropper]

I'm going from HO to N at college, mainly because of space. I can fit a decent layout in 2.5' by 5' in N, where the 18" radius loop wouldn't even complete in HO.

[MAbruce]

Be careful! Once you dabble in N-scale, there is no turning back... [:D][;)]

I've been an N-scale modeler all along, and I use Atlas code 80. The main reason is that I already had a good deal of it on hand from a previous layout attempt. There is also a greater variety of turnout/track options available. While the code 55 line looks nicer, I really don't think there is enough variety of turnouts yet available. Maybe Atlas will remedy this over the next year?

Whichever track you use, I think that you will find a more satisfying experience with N-scale. You can fit much more into the same space you where operating in HO. The trains will be longer, and the scenery larger. Overall selection and availability has exploded over the past five years, and much more is on the horizon.

So welcome to a whole new world! [^]

[MAbruce]

Be careful! Once you dabble in N-scale, there is no turning back... [:D][;)]

I've been an N-scale modeler all along, and I use Atlas code 80. The main reason is that I already had a good deal of it on hand from a previous layout attempt. There is also a greater variety of turnout/track options available. While the code 55 line looks nicer, I really don't think there is enough variety of turnouts yet available. Maybe Atlas will remedy this over the next year?

Whichever track you use, I think that you will find a more satisfying experience with N-scale. You can fit much more into the same space you where operating in HO. The trains will be longer, and the scenery larger. Overall selection and availability has exploded over the past five years, and much more is on the horizon.

So welcome to a whole new world! [^]

[Anonymous]

I agree! N scale is the scale to be in and the way to go. I encouage HO scalers to change to N every chance I get. Oh, if you want to be rid of you old over sized HO crap email me and I'll maybe take it off your hands, but with everyone switching to N scale it isn't worth much. FRED

[Anonymous]

I agree! N scale is the scale to be in and the way to go. I encouage HO scalers to change to N every chance I get. Oh, if you want to be rid of you old over sized HO crap email me and I'll maybe take it off your hands, but with everyone switching to N scale it isn't worth much. FRED

[Wdlgln005]

Welcome to Nscale! You have made a good choice by starting with a unitrak set.
Kato makes great locomotives and the track is good. You would have to add in the cost of cork or other trackbed to the Atlas track to get a comparable price.

I'd try to use the Unitrak as one RR then connect & shim Atlas c80 as another, especially if you plan to use flextrak.

Also, check out Ntrak and the new T-trak modular system. They use Unitrack in a 12x12 in connedted modular system. The track clips hold the modules together & transmit the power thru the rails.

Have fun Nscaling!

[Wdlgln005]

Welcome to Nscale! You have made a good choice by starting with a unitrak set.
Kato makes great locomotives and the track is good. You would have to add in the cost of cork or other trackbed to the Atlas track to get a comparable price.

I'd try to use the Unitrak as one RR then connect & shim Atlas c80 as another, especially if you plan to use flextrak.

Also, check out Ntrak and the new T-trak modular system. They use Unitrack in a 12x12 in connedted modular system. The track clips hold the modules together & transmit the power thru the rails.

Have fun Nscaling!

[n2mopac]

Like you and so many others, I started in HO because "everyone runs HO" and switched to N originally for space considerations alone. Now I have space and am building a new 17' X 16' layout, but would never think of using anything but N scale. I still have my HO stuff in a dresser in my basement. I pull out a locl and a few cars to run around the tree ath Christmas time, but otherwise it just sits. I have thought about e-bay, but I have nothing fancy or rare so I know I wouldn't get enough out of it there to warrant the trouble of listing it. Stated simply, I love N scale and have been modeling in it for nearly 10 years. I know you will too.
Ron

[n2mopac]

Like you and so many others, I started in HO because "everyone runs HO" and switched to N originally for space considerations alone. Now I have space and am building a new 17' X 16' layout, but would never think of using anything but N scale. I still have my HO stuff in a dresser in my basement. I pull out a locl and a few cars to run around the tree ath Christmas time, but otherwise it just sits. I have thought about e-bay, but I have nothing fancy or rare so I know I wouldn't get enough out of it there to warrant the trouble of listing it. Stated simply, I love N scale and have been modeling in it for nearly 10 years. I know you will too.
Ron

[Anonymous]

Hello my name is Larry
and i have been doin N scale for bout twelve yrs or so and as with most people i started with atlas track then somebody gave me some of that wonderful Kato unitrack
and then thats where the trouble started once you have tried unitrack their is no goin back cuz everything else is just track!! i started with 2x6 loop of the stuff it was free what the heck right? well now twleve yrs later guess what BIG trouble 2x6 loop x 12 yrs = 15 x 24ft layout doubletracked mainline 8 track double ended yard 8 feet long a dozen online industrys and a loco service terminal to serve all 25+kato locomotives and more a comin and then there is also the car shop for all 150+ cars

so you see what happens when you get into n scale and have unitrack to start with

regards

larry

[Anonymous]

Hello my name is Larry
and i have been doin N scale for bout twelve yrs or so and as with most people i started with atlas track then somebody gave me some of that wonderful Kato unitrack
and then thats where the trouble started once you have tried unitrack their is no goin back cuz everything else is just track!! i started with 2x6 loop of the stuff it was free what the heck right? well now twleve yrs later guess what BIG trouble 2x6 loop x 12 yrs = 15 x 24ft layout doubletracked mainline 8 track double ended yard 8 feet long a dozen online industrys and a loco service terminal to serve all 25+kato locomotives and more a comin and then there is also the car shop for all 150+ cars

so you see what happens when you get into n scale and have unitrack to start with

regards

larry

[Anonymous]

N-SCALE RULES!!!!!!!!!

I am just starting a 4x8 N-scale layout. I am using all PECO Code 55 flex-track and #4 Peco Turnouts. Everything will be power routed( i like the challenge).

KEEP THOSE LOCO'S ROLLING
GJMRR

[Anonymous]

N-SCALE RULES!!!!!!!!!

I am just starting a 4x8 N-scale layout. I am using all PECO Code 55 flex-track and #4 Peco Turnouts. Everything will be power routed( i like the challenge).

KEEP THOSE LOCO'S ROLLING
GJMRR

[Anonymous]

Though I am an N-scaler myself, I cannot abide the "sis-boom-bah" cheerleading that seems to be going on here, in favor of N over HO. Every modeling scale has its benefits, and it just depends on your modeling intentions as to which is the best. I know that I am often in awe of the O-scale and larger models that I see, because they have a physical presence that my N-scale locos can never achieve, not even my high-nose SD-45's or mallet steam locomotives. And I am frequently jealous of the wide variety of road-specific equipment and detail parts available to HO modelers.

I happen to enjoy kitbashing rolling stock and engines to more closely match my Norfolk & Western prototype, but I get the feeling every time I am doing so that it would be so much easier to do in a larger scale. I also like scenery, and N-scale permits much more realistic scenery in terms of proportion.

If I wanted to have onboard sound in my engines, I would be in a larger scale. If I modeled a short line or narrow guage line, I might be in a much larger scale. If I didn't mind using equipment just straight off-the-shelf, I might go to Z-scale for even more sweeping panoramas.

I think HO scale remains the most popular because it is the best compromise of all these varied interests, not merely because it has the most products available. N-scale is gaining in terms of the quality and variety of products available, but I don't think it will ever match HO's versatility. I can certainly recommend N-scale to anyone who perceives its pros and cons, and who has modeling goals that are compatible with its limitations (you're never going to have to-scale grab irons and stirrups on all your rolling stock, for example), but I cannot across-the-board declare that N is "better" than any other scale.

[Anonymous]

Though I am an N-scaler myself, I cannot abide the "sis-boom-bah" cheerleading that seems to be going on here, in favor of N over HO. Every modeling scale has its benefits, and it just depends on your modeling intentions as to which is the best. I know that I am often in awe of the O-scale and larger models that I see, because they have a physical presence that my N-scale locos can never achieve, not even my high-nose SD-45's or mallet steam locomotives. And I am frequently jealous of the wide variety of road-specific equipment and detail parts available to HO modelers.

I happen to enjoy kitbashing rolling stock and engines to more closely match my Norfolk & Western prototype, but I get the feeling every time I am doing so that it would be so much easier to do in a larger scale. I also like scenery, and N-scale permits much more realistic scenery in terms of proportion.

If I wanted to have onboard sound in my engines, I would be in a larger scale. If I modeled a short line or narrow guage line, I might be in a much larger scale. If I didn't mind using equipment just straight off-the-shelf, I might go to Z-scale for even more sweeping panoramas.

I think HO scale remains the most popular because it is the best compromise of all these varied interests, not merely because it has the most products available. N-scale is gaining in terms of the quality and variety of products available, but I don't think it will ever match HO's versatility. I can certainly recommend N-scale to anyone who perceives its pros and cons, and who has modeling goals that are compatible with its limitations (you're never going to have to-scale grab irons and stirrups on all your rolling stock, for example), but I cannot across-the-board declare that N is "better" than any other scale.

[Anonymous]

Avendale,
I almost agree with you, until we start talking about today's prototypical equipment. For the average guy with the average space, N scale is the best scale size. For the transition era, I'd vote HO and for narrow gauge, I'd vote S.

Contemporary equipment is long; an SD90 is long, centre beam cars and auto Max's, and other goodies out there are long. In HO, those large layouts are shrunken if you want to run one SD90 with 25 longer equipment cars.

The "presence" you talk about, I would agree with for much in HO. However again with the longer equipment, that "presence" difference in the HO/N scale visual impact is disappearing. For example, I was looking at the West Coast F59PHI engine hooked up to the Bombardier West Coast cars in N and you know what, they had "impact." Or get an SD90 and buy those auto max cars for a long unit train, and it has "presence."

If you go by all the statitics of RR hobbyiest, I should be modelling Jasper Alberta in the spring of 1957. But to be honest with you, I love today's engines and cars and I enjoy modelling them. If I were modelling Jasper Alberta in 1957, I would model in HO; but for today's goodies, N is a better choice (for the average guy).

[Anonymous]

Avendale,
I almost agree with you, until we start talking about today's prototypical equipment. For the average guy with the average space, N scale is the best scale size. For the transition era, I'd vote HO and for narrow gauge, I'd vote S.

Contemporary equipment is long; an SD90 is long, centre beam cars and auto Max's, and other goodies out there are long. In HO, those large layouts are shrunken if you want to run one SD90 with 25 longer equipment cars.

The "presence" you talk about, I would agree with for much in HO. However again with the longer equipment, that "presence" difference in the HO/N scale visual impact is disappearing. For example, I was looking at the West Coast F59PHI engine hooked up to the Bombardier West Coast cars in N and you know what, they had "impact." Or get an SD90 and buy those auto max cars for a long unit train, and it has "presence."

If you go by all the statitics of RR hobbyiest, I should be modelling Jasper Alberta in the spring of 1957. But to be honest with you, I love today's engines and cars and I enjoy modelling them. If I were modelling Jasper Alberta in 1957, I would model in HO; but for today's goodies, N is a better choice (for the average guy).

[Javern]

I've got too much money invested in HO to make the switch

[Javern]

I've got too much money invested in HO to make the switch