N scale

[Anonymous]

I have been in HO most of my life, never giving N any serious thought. However my Grandson ( 7 years old) helps me quite a bit. I wanted to start him on his own setup, but space in his house is at a premium. I thought N would be a good alternative. However trying to find N equipment is not easy. One thing I run into is this. Some rolling stock comes with Rapido ? couplers and some does not say. I don't want to get in a situation as I did with HO of having to replace several types of couplers. What is the going standard for N couplers and which is the best? Thanks for your time.

[Roadtrp]

I just recently started modeling 'N', so I don't have a great deal of experience. But even my limited experience suggests to me that 'N' would not be ideal for a child that age. It takes a large amount of patience and effort to get your track laid smoothly enough that you don't have problems with derailing. And when a train does derail, the little locomotives are a real pain to get back on the track. Despite this, I have been very happy with 'N'. But I don't think it would be the best choice for a 7-year-old.

[:)]

[MAbruce]

I started out in N-scale at around that age, and took to it very well (my parents were astonished). But as Roadtrip said, it would not be my first choice to recommend for someone that age.

If you think his attention and dexterity is good, then you might consider trying him out on a good quality N-scale train set – like the one Kato produces. Kato’s unitrack product would certainly help a younger modeler out with getting things set up quickly to run. The quality of the set is also very high so he can use it later on if he gets serious about modeling in that scale.

N-scale is in a transition period away from the old Rapido coupler. More and more new releases are featuring the Micro-train (MT), Accumate, or Unimate knuckle couplers. They will all work with each other, but most agree that the MT is best. Accumates are not bad either (in my opinion).

I would not sweat the Rapidos with your grandson, as it will likely make it easier for him to deal with the scale. While the Rapidos are ugly, they are strong and reliable. Perfect for kids.

I hope you can get him interested, because N-scale is growing fast and he should have plenty of new offerings as he grows with it.

[bcammack]

I bought my five-year-old grandson a nice HO Life-Like trainset from Tuedsay Morning for $50 as a Christmas present this past year.. At his age I simply considered it a "disposable" introduction to model railroading. To my surprise, his father reports that they have had to put up a sheet of plywood in the garage so that the layout could become semi-permanent and that Jaime is building structures to complete the scene.

Before I went with a Kato set, I'd look for one of the nice Life-Like N Scale sets with an oval of their snap-together track (Power-Loc as I recall) and the GP-20 locomotive. That's an execellent quality locomotive for a fair price and the track, while limited in selection, is a lot cheaper than the Kato Unitrack. I'm thinking "disposable" here in case it turns out he's still a little young for it. If it turns out he's a natural, you can always upgrade him to the better Unitrack and you'll still have a fine locomotive to use on it. The Kato Unitrack K-1 trackset (oval) can be had for < $30 on-line.

[CNW-400]

With regard to your original question, I would agree with MAbruce that Radido's are on the way out, but if you are considering getting a less expensive set for his first layout you will probably find most of them have the Rapidos.

One solution I had used before during a "coupler transition" on my layout was to have a designated car that is Rapido on one end and MT on the other.
This way he could run a train with any cars that catch his fancy regardless of what couplers it came with, as long as he keeps this car in-between the two different coupler types.

My grandson is seven and I have no problem allowing him to run my N scale trains. He is gentle and respectful of them. Some kids his age would not be. If you feel he can handle N scale I say "Go For It!", he's gonna love 'em!

Mark

Mark

[Roadtrp]

Quote: "My grandson is seven and I have no problem allowing him to run my N scale trains."

I certainly could not argue with that. If the child will just be running trains, and not expected to lay track (even EZ-track) or get derailed trains back on track, etc. -- 'N' would be fine. My hesitation was that if the child were expected to take any substantial responsibility for the maintaining the layout, 'N' might not be the way to go.

From my childhood I remember (well, kind of) that a seven-year-old probably wouldn't have much trouble putting together 027 three-rail track or re-railing 'O' trains. Just depends on how much help the child will have with maintaining the layout.

[Anonymous]

Thank you all for your inputs. The grandson started out with an OLD Lionel I had boxed up in the basement. Now he helps lay track and run my HO. But space being a premium I think he would get more RR with N. Yes I'll help lay the track or better yet maybe get a N starter set with the Unitrack or the Life-like. Thank you again for your insight. Sounds like some have experience with 7 yr olds........and thats not all bad....lol

[Wdlgln005]

For a 7 year old, a better LifeLike or Bachmann set with their EZtrack would be a good way to start. Engines can be replaced later with new Atlas/Kato/Lifelike split-frame units. You may find $2.00 industrial lifelike cars that can be upgraded with MTL trucks/couplers. The Lifelike Gp-20 is a good split-frame diseasel unit to start with. Watch for the new Nscale steam coming from Atlas & MDC!

Some modelers have a transition car with MTL at one end & the Rapido at the other. I doubt if those Rapidos are going away any time soon, especially for the new modeler on a tight budget.

Many sets include a plastic "ramp" to help get the cars on the track & a section of rerailer track. A 7yr old may be able to do this, then give the highball signal when it's time to roll. Have fun Nscaling!