HO ----N

[NZRMac]

Hi

I'm frustrated with space on my HO layout so I thought I'd trade in and buy N instead

I've had N before and like the fact of long trains and track radius space etc

Tell me what you think Pros Cons etc

Thanks Ken

[Roadtrp]

Pro: Lots of trains in little space. [:)]
Con: Losing coupler springs. [banghead]

[vsmith]

Pros: big vistas and long trains

Cons: dog swallowing your train

[trainfan1221]

The good part is that there is a lot of quality stuff available in N scale now, but still more in HO. I have n, think its great, but I do occasionally miss HO. However its great for longer trains in a small space, although you still need a good amount of room to make it look good. I would say don't make the switch without taking some time to give it a good long thought, would be hard to go back if you didn't like it.

[TrainFreak409]

I am too making the switch from HO to N. I do like the smaller size, and considerable amount of detail. But, I don't like the prices. HO is the cheapest, N can get a bit pricey. A single diesel locomotive can reach over $100, when you could find the same model in HO for under $60. Now, I can exactly compare the quality and such, due to their size differences. But, a lot of the time they are of almost equal quality. Size is convinent, if you can afford it.

~[8]~ TrainFreak409 ~[8]~

[NZRMac]

QUOTE: Originally posted by NZRMac

Hi

I'm frustrated with space on my HO layout so I thought I'd trade in and buy N instead

I've had N before and like the fact of long trains and track radius space etc

Tell me what you think Pros Cons etc

Thanks Ken

Just been down to my LHS, how on earth do you get dcc decoders in N scale diesel loco's?? They are basically motors with a plastic cover!!

Ken.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by NZRMac

QUOTE: Originally posted by NZRMac

Hi

I'm frustrated with space on my HO layout so I thought I'd trade in and buy N instead

I've had N before and like the fact of long trains and track radius space etc

Tell me what you think Pros Cons etc

Thanks Ken

Just been down to my LHS, how on earth do you get dcc decoders in N scale diesel loco's?? They are basically motors with a plastic cover!!

Ken.

Usually, you take out the light board, and the decoder is an identical-looking replacement [;)]

[Texas Zepher]

I switched to N in 1969 and then back to HO in 1983.

I switched because I decided I wanted a highly detailed model. As I began to do the scale conversions for a 3/4" hand rail in N, things got too small too quick. The 80 gauge wire is almost too small in HO.

N - more track/equipment in small space.
- sound? Ha! Have to put it in a box car behind the loco or something.
HO - easier to work with & detail.
- more electronic options.

Have you ever considered joining a club or modular group rather than having your own layout.? There are some really nice module designs out there now. I don't have fixed layout. My modules form a 12" x 6" L-shape that is 2 feet wide. Fits in many places. As soon as one gets out of the "loop" mentality many things are possible.

[NZRMac]

Thanks Guys

I might just talk to the boss in the family and make some size changes to the layout and stick with HO. I'm getting older (is 36 old??) and eyesight is not so flash!!

Ken

[Anonymous]

My eyesight isn't too great either, but that never stopped me from going N! With a few exceptions, the whole "you need excellent vision for N" misconception is wrong IMO. I love having the freedom of N- where I'd have a cramped tight bwol-of-spaghetti layout in HO I have a nice wide area of N...

[:D]

[NZRMac]

my layout size is 16' x 8' in an m shape so I should have the space, I'm just trying to put too much on it!!!

Ken