I have a large Oscale layout but if I had to have something smaller I would make a small switching layout. Having a continuous running loop is nice but having a switching operation is absolutely necessary to me.
Check out the Deming Sub by clicking on the pics:
I've had S, HO, and N scale stuff all in the past, and the only one I've really liked and stuck with is HO, mainly because as dale said in his earlier post, I can pretty well handle all the detail pieces without feeling as if I'm going to harm them or something. S is fun, but I don't have the room for the layout, so its currently sitting in a box (besides, it didn't run that great when I first got it. I've had an N scale setup for a while and while yes, you can get a TON of stuff in a small space, I can't really do much it it (big hands, used to modelling 1:48th scale aircraft and 1:24/25 scale cars and trucks) so it proved to be too small for me to easily detail and get it "how I like it". I started in HO and its been the easiest for me since I can still get a whole lot into a relatively small space, AND detail it out the ying without difficulty.
Midnight RailroaderIRONROOSTER I started in HO and found it too small. So I switched to O and found it too big. Then I tried S and found it just right. All scales are a compromise. But one thing you can do is have both. Build a 4x8 O gauge layout and then on a slightly lower table build an N scale layout on wheels that slides under the O gauge. Enjoy Paul I'm a big fan of two-rail O scale, but just don't have the space for it, so I compromised and went with On30--everything's "O scale" except the trains themselves. I've built large layouts in N and HO scales, and they were great and a lot of fun, but I am really enjoying On30.
IRONROOSTER I started in HO and found it too small. So I switched to O and found it too big. Then I tried S and found it just right. All scales are a compromise. But one thing you can do is have both. Build a 4x8 O gauge layout and then on a slightly lower table build an N scale layout on wheels that slides under the O gauge. Enjoy Paul
I started in HO and found it too small. So I switched to O and found it too big. Then I tried S and found it just right.
All scales are a compromise. But one thing you can do is have both. Build a 4x8 O gauge layout and then on a slightly lower table build an N scale layout on wheels that slides under the O gauge.
Enjoy
Paul
I'm a big fan of two-rail O scale, but just don't have the space for it, so I compromised and went with On30--everything's "O scale" except the trains themselves.
I've built large layouts in N and HO scales, and they were great and a lot of fun, but I am really enjoying On30.
On30 is very close to S. If Bachmann had started sooner I might have gone that way. In fact I have bought some On30 to try on my S layout. The size is close enough that I can just change the trucks and maybe the ladders/grab irons. It's a quick way to get some older rolling stock in S.
I'm a HO modeler myself and wouldn't consider anything else. Here's my thoughts and observations on the other scales, respectively.
Large scale/G just seem too big for me and tend to look too much like toys, no matter how detailed a model is.
My father is an O gauge (Lionel) collector and they seem like they are too large for my taste. He's had a "train table" (not an actual layout- just rails everywhere going in circles to run trains and nothing else) for years and I never really sensed any huge modeling opportunities with the trains. Perhaps this is due to the toyishness of the Lionels as compared to other O guage models, I don't know.
I've seen N (as well as Z) layouts and trains- I give a lot of props to those who can pull off a realistic scene/layout with these scales. They've always seem very small to me (albiet it they aren't that much smaller than HO) and very frustrating when something goes wrong that warrants a repair.
I enjoy HO because it seems to fit well for my particular criteria. I can detail a scene very finite and yet still be able to comfortably handle the smallest of parts. When something is amiss with my rolling stock/locos, I can repair it without a large amount of frustration. I can model a somewhat large scene in not too much of an area. For a lack of explaining too much in depth, HO is the easiest and most comfortable for me to use and probably always will be.
Modeling the N&W freelanced at the height of their steam era in HO.
Daniel G.
I would go N scale due to the huge size layout that you would end up with. I plan on building an N scale layout also, about 4 x 8. I also have O scale and will continue to set up floor layouts in another room with it and enjoy it also. Best of luck in your decision.
Jeff
TimK1I'm not sure about a shelf layout.. is that the kind of train that's along the walls going all the way around the room?
Not necessarily. I think a lot of people on this forum see layouts as either a "table" or a "shelf," and that's not the clearest way to define designs.
For example, my layout is 10' by 10' and it is a "doughnut" with an open center; the benchwork is 2' wide. Now, that might be called a "shelf" layout by some here, but it isn't against the walls, so I don't see it as being a shelf at all.
By the way, I'd recommend this kind of shape for your layout, too, since (A) it allows wider curves, and (B) is well-suited to being made moveable and re-assemblable.
Besides, the "table vs. shelf' designations don't allow for many other shapes and designs. for example, calling John Allen's layout or the Reid Brothers' N-scale layout (to name two examples that come to mind quickly) "shelf" designs stretches the definition of the word "shelf" well beyond its breaking point.
TimK1I'm not sure about a shelf layout.. is that the kind of train that's along the walls going all the way around the room? I think I would rather have it confined to 1 table. And then let it grow from there as space and money permits.
Tim,
I have a 4 x 8 layout myself so I am quite familiar with its confinements. With a 4 x 8, you have to consider "accessibility". Will your layout be in a corner? If so, keep in mind that comfortable reaches are 30" or less. So you'll need a minimum of 3 open sides for accessing trains and working on scenery.
You also lose a lot of space because of needed aisle dimensions. 2' is a minimum for aisles. With that being the case, your 4 x 8 layout will then need a minimum of a 8 x 12 space to comfortably move around the layout. (8 x 10, if one of your short sides is up against a wall.)
Tim, it's your layout but I would strongly encourage you to reconsider a shelf layout. Whether you go N-, HO-, or O-scale: You'll get a LOT more layout for your time, effort and expenses, with the ability to detail (i.e. trees, structures, terrain, etc.) to your heart's content. You also will be able to enjoy much wider and more realistic curves than you would with a 4 x 8 setup.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
If you should go with n-scale I would recommend putting it on a door rather than a 4x8. You will need to be able to reach into the layout without damaging scenery and equipment. Next I would track down any post by Spacemouse. Click on the avatar. Read all his thoughts on layout design and what you should consider for your "givens and druthers." I would make sure to go with the 2 inch foam regardless of what scale you end up with.
Bob
Modeling in N scale: Rock Island freight and passenger, with a touch of the following; Wabash Cannon Ball, CB&Q passenger, and ATSF freight and passenger. I played in Peoria (Heights).
don't let the price get to be too big of an issue. remember a 40' box car is 12 inches long in O scale-6 inches long in HO and only a little over 3 inches long in N. track centers are around 4" for O-2" for HO and just a little over 1" in N scale although most N scale layouts seem to have them spaced a little wide for operating convenience. the point being that because of the relative sizes, each smaller scale will hold about 4 times as much equipment in the same space so the cost works out about the same. exception being N scale which is very expensive for it's size.
grizlump
I'll give you another alternative. O scale narrow guage. On30. It runs on HO track, due to it being narrow guage ( standard guage is 4' 8 1/2" between the railheads, narrow is less than that, HO track is 30" in O scale) allows tight turnouts and curves if you use the smaller steam equipment. the most popular and prolific manufacturer is Bachmann. Narrow guage equipment is smaller in proportion to standard guage because the equipment must be stable on the narrow track.
I think what was mentioned above - but I was an HO Modeler for a number of years. I now model O Gauge (3 Rail) because of all the operating accessories. I have a 10x11 layout with 054 max curves. HO and N are good if space is a real consideration, but all your doing is operating trains. You can put O gauge on a door size area with 031 and have alot of fun. As well you can expand to the floor if you live by yourself. If you want scale and prototype model HO or N, O Scale if you have the space, but for fun O gauge.
tstageTim,It looks like you are in a predicament. The price for N and HO will be comparable so there won't be any savings there.Suggestion: If space is a premium, you could have a shelf layout in whatever room you plan on using. The shelf could be 16" wide; enough space to add detailing to your layout but NOT take up a lot of space in the room. You would need a duck under or lift out so that you could access any doors in and out of the room.With the above, you could model N-, HO- or O-scale. 2" thick extruded foam insulation - either Owen-Corning (pink) or Dow (blue) - would be lightweight, sturdy, and ideal for this application.Definitely something to seriously consider.Tom
It looks like you are in a predicament. The price for N and HO will be comparable so there won't be any savings there.
Suggestion: If space is a premium, you could have a shelf layout in whatever room you plan on using. The shelf could be 16" wide; enough space to add detailing to your layout but NOT take up a lot of space in the room. You would need a duck under or lift out so that you could access any doors in and out of the room.
With the above, you could model N-, HO- or O-scale. 2" thick extruded foam insulation - either Owen-Corning (pink) or Dow (blue) - would be lightweight, sturdy, and ideal for this application.
Definitely something to seriously consider.
Ditto.
If space is a real premium though, I'd seriously consider N, as I use that for the very same reason you would want it. you can get a veritable mini-empire into a smaller space for less than any other scale (except maybe Z, but it's not as cheap as N scale)
Sawyer Berry
Clemson University c/o 2018
Building a protolanced industrial park layout
TimK1Well I don't have the train yet, my nephews and cousins do. So when I move I expect to just have a 4x8 table I can devote to a train layout
I'll bet you can do better than a 4x8 rectangle, which will really strangle any attempt to work in O scale.
Take a look at this: http://www.layoutvision.com/id28.html
Well, it looks to me like you will have some serious compromises to make. On the one hand you have good reasons to use Lionel and on the other a space problem as well as whether O gage is for you long term. It really comes down to what YOU want to get from building a RR. You mentioned your have a real interest in modeling and painting. HO or N will give you plenty to do in that regard. Also you could build a small module that could be added on to after you move. I think most will agree that model railroading is about a lot more than just running trains. It is the actual construction and changing of the layout including all types of scenery, buildings, etc. Most will tell you that their layouts are never done. Each modler is of course different with abilities and wanted results. For some it's the operation and on the other it's the building and then there are the rest of us.. It is often said on this forum, it's your railroad so you do what pleases you. My thought is and it is only mine is that you may get tired of a simple 0 scale layout where as an HO or N will keep you busy building it in totality for a long time and will give you a lot of self satisfaction.
Read the forums and particularly the ones with pics like WPF to help you decide. There are plenty of articles available and you can learn a lot from all of the MR forums
My HO layout is in progress and I don't have the skills you mentioned but I'm taking pleasure in what I'm doing.
Lot's of luck
.
Don't Ever Give Up
If I were moving soon and already had 3 rail track and equipment I'd make do with that in some manner until you actually see the size of the "game" room. I had Lionel stuff stored away and went with HO thinking that I could have a rr empire compared with O gage. Well, I was wrong. I only had the minimum space for a run around HO in the same space.that my Lionel took up. Admittedly, with the smaller turn outs I have more track with HO and the scenicing of the layout is more realistic so I'm not sorry that I went with HO. I just couldn't do what I had planned.
As for the N gage, if it's sound you like that can be a problem as it is difficult to get speakers in N equipment. Sound availability is more limited.
Just my 2cts. worth.
Given the space you have and the desire to do a "really cool layout", I would look at N as a possibility.
On the other hand, you seem to have a wide variety of interests outside of trains, so "the really cool layout" might become an afterthought.
My suggestion would be to stick with the big scale trains for now, maybe building a shelf around the room so you can run those big sparky rattletraps around while you're working on your wargames, slot cars and macrame... or whatever else you're interested in.
While you're enjoying that, take some time to read up on the advantages of the popular scales, and maybe experiment with a bit of model building. If you really like details, then N might not be your cup of tea. But if you really want those sweeping vistas and long trains, then N could be just the thing.
Take your time, wade in up to your ankles, and see how you like the water... Whatever you choose, just have fun with it!
Lee
Route of the Alpha Jets www.wmrywesternlines.net