Pros and Cons of N Scale

[Anonymous]

I am looking for input on the pros and cons of N Scale verses HO scale. I am currently in HO and have recently remodled a 12'x12' area specifically for a new layout. I was wondering if switching to N scale would be worth it. I know the costs of each are similar but is the actual modeling as nice as HO?

I am looking to run freight and passenger service at the same time. Kind of a dual mainline with off shoots. I figured I could get more on a N scale layout in the way of long trains and better curves. Any suggestions?

Thanks

Ross

Buffalo, NY

[Anonymous]

You're right in thinking that you will be able to fit more in in N scale, but I would say this depends on what you want to do. In my experience, N is good for mainlines and similar layouts, but not so good for switching. That's the main reason I started modelling HO. I also hear that the N-scale magnetic couplers are a bit trickier to get working than Kadees in HO. However, for a mainline layout N would be a good choice - the new Kato Superliners and Amtrak Genesis locos look very good, as do the Athearn bilevels, though the matching F59PHI is supposedly a little on the rapid side! Hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the guy from Wales that N-scale couplers are tricky. Even HO couplers are tricky and they are a lot bigger. Also, just keeping everything on-the-track and running is harder, just because of the smaller size. And if you are over 40, you may not be able to see well enough to model N (that's my problem).

But you sure can get a lot of railroad in a small space! My suggestion to you is to try a small N test layout, maybe a simpler version of the "Time Saver" switching layout; if none of my negative comments apply, then go ahead and build your empire in a closet!

[cacole]

The biggest drawback to N scale is that poor eyesight and fumble fingers make it too difficult to work on, in my opinion. I'm getting to the point that even HO is sometimes too small to work on without a magnifying glass.

[MAbruce]

N-scale allows bigger scenery to track ratio, longer trains, and larger yards. However, N-scale is small and can be difficult to work with for those with dexterity issues.

I've been part of N-scale operation sessions on large layouts and couplers/switching has never been a problem from my perspective. In fact, it’s more interesting because the trains are more realistic in the number of cars that can be run.

HO allows for more detailing, but there is still a lot that can be done in N.

With the dramatic increase in selection and quality in N-scale over the past few years, many have taken a second look and like what they see. You could build quite an “empire” in a 12x12 area!

[IRONROOSTER]

The smaller scales are good for emphasizing the setting, the larger ones emphasize the trains. The ones in the middle split the difference. N scale tends more to RTR than HO (although HO seems to be changing) if that makes a difference for you. The larger you go the fewer problems you have with tolerances, dirty track, etc. In the end its what appeals to you, each scale has its advantages and disadvantages - except S scale of course which only has advantages [:D]

In terms of cost you may find that N scale costs more because you can fit more tracks, cars, buildings, etc. in a given space. Of course if you're like me and buy more than you can fit on the layout anyway, this won't matter.

Personally, I have found S scale to be the happy medium for me between building and running trains. I also have an 11x18' train room which lets me run 15 car trains (longer if I ignore siding capacity).[:D]

I agree with the others that trying a small layout before committing to N scale is a good idea.

Good luck
Paul

[Roadtrp]

I recently chose to start modeling in 'N', and though my experience is limited I've been happy with my choice. I chose to go with 'N' so I could get more trains in less space. I had only 4' x 8' to work with. I know there are many plans out for HO layouts of that size, but they all seemed rather limited to me. The idea of longer trains in a smaller space really appealed to me.

I'm 51, and haven't found the size issue to be that much of a problem. I do admit though that at times my bifocals won't do the job, and I need to take my glasses off and hold the equipment close to my eyes to do the work I need to do.

The major drawback I see to 'N' is that the amount of equipment and accessories is quite limited compared to 'HO'. I find myself paging through the MR ads wishing that half the stuff being offered in 'HO' was also available in 'N'.

Overall though, I am happy with my decision and would not change it.

[orsonroy]

I model in both N and HO scales. In N, I'm a member of an Ntrak club, and I model in HO at home.

N pros:
realistic scenery-train ratio
able to fit in more in less space
able to model big scenes with less compression in big spaces
ability to model longer trains, especially in the modern era

N cons:
low availability of steam models
low availability of passenger car models
low availability of caboose models
almost impossible to add onboard sound
local switching difficult due to small size

I'm not sure where to put overall detail level. On one hand, it's nice to be able to ignore a lot of fine detail for the overall look of a layout, but on the other hand, many people like a lot of details. It's a judgement call.

As to which scale you should choose, it's a tossup. In N scale, you're better off if you want to run long trains. If you want to run some trains around, but are mostly interested in local switching or steam-era modeling, HO is your best bet. And in either case. having a 12x12 room will allow you to model successgully in either scale. I know a lot of modelers who would give an arm to have that much space!