Hi folks, please feel free to drop any advice in the comments. I would welcome the input of experienced model railroaders.
After a long spell of indecision, I am leaning heavily toward N scale. My layouts will be set up on the floor, using either Kato Unitrack or Bachmann EZ Track (leaning toward Kato at this time) and will be taken apart and re-assembled in different configurations when I get tired of the previous layout.
N scale's smaller size will allow larger layouts than HO.
I'm looking at N scale starter sets (again, leaning toward Kato, but they are pricey). I have little interest in building a permanent layout, primarily because I don't have the space for it or the money it would require.
As time goes on, I'll probably buy more locomotives and rolling stock.
Through my research, Kato is the superior product, but you pay for that.
There are some Bachmann sets that have caught my eye. In most cases for $100 less.
Thanks for reading and I'm looking forward to your valuable input.
Mark
Hi! Im glad you chose on a scale. Its one of those tough decisions that every modeler has the make in the beginning. Personally N scale feels too small. Accuracy of an engine is very important to me, and details which are often out of proportion in N scale just bother me too much.
Another thing that I have issue with is the ability to modify the internals. HO locos often have enough space where you can put a variety of decoders in. N scale locos often have very limited space, to which only decoders specially designed for each manufacturer and loco will fit. Often times, factory installed sound will be difficult to replace unless you find a board with the same exact dimensions. Sometimes milling the frame isnt even enough. While the inability to modify factory installed internals also applies to HO, it applies much more to N scale.
HO (the scale I chose mostly due to space constraints and product variety) even has its faults. One of the great things I love about real trains is its momentum...the feeling of hundreds of tons of steel going at 50mph past you is an unstoppable force...something that HO doesnt properly recreate. No, in order to create anything close to that, you must go to O scale, where engines weigh 10lbs. A derailment in N/HO is a joke...a derailment in O scale could be costly. When you run a train in O scale, you can feel the layout shake, you can feel the power the engines have, pulling cars that actually have weight to them.
Sound is also bassier in O scale, and smoke (if youre into that) also looks more realistic.
Dont get me wrong, N scale absolutely has its perks. Its small, compact, easy to transport, and relatively robust. I find it much easier to damage an HO model than an N scale model.
Anyways, Im not telling you what scale you should model but that's the reason I chose my scale...and why I might transition to O scale one day.
CharlesPS, as far as N scale goes, I would avoid the Bachmann stuff. Nearly all the tool is decades old, and the quality isnt the best. Kato should absolutely be your go to.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modeling the PRR & NYC in HO
Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/@trainman440
Instagram (where I share projects!): https://www.instagram.com/trainman440
Mark, I'm glad you're posting your comments here and asking for advice.
I also have N Scale, but mine is an actual layout in a guest bedroom.
If you have the money, then Kato N Scale is the best (in my opinion). I also have some Atlas locomotives that work just as well as Kato. I have three Kato locomotives that are the best.
I will qualify that -- I don't have any steam locomotives. I use only diesel. I can't comment on how good any brand of steam locomotive is.
We are always interested in new modelers and how things go, so I hope you will keep us posted on your progress.
York1 John
I have modeled in HO for over 40 years and never regretted the decision. I actually think S would be the ideal scale but space requirements and availability of products tip the scale to HO for me. If I had unlimited funds and space, I might even consider O scale, but neither of those is a reality. I'll be in HO for as long as I am around.
Hi Mark
Sounds great you're getting ready to start into the hobby.
For me I only buy Kato or Atlas locomotives with exception of Bachmann-(Spectrum). And only Micro Trains rolling stock.
Remember the old saying that is so true. "You get what you pay for". Paying a bit more for quality once, is always less expensive than buying something twice.
Your plan of setting up on the floor made me cringe a little bit. Even when I was young and I put in new floors for people I came home with a sore back and knees.
Since you're doing N scale, maybe think about picking up a 36" hollow core door blank and a set of inexpensive collapsible horses. I think you will be a lot more comfortable and enjoy the hobby a lot more that way.
Keep us in the loop and remember the main thing is just to have fun Mark
TF
And then there's the part where you get up in the middle of the night and walk on your floor-based layout. Owie, owie!
The hollow core and saw horses sound pretty good. My sawhorses are good quality fold-up plastic:
They fold up nicely. And the hollow core door can be stored behind a, yes: DOOR!
All that said, if you're in the mood, go with on-the-floor. If it works for you, great.
Ed
How much space will the layout take up on the floor?
Which room do you plan to use for the layout?
Rich
Alton Junction
If you like small steam, Model Power offers nice 4-4-0s and 2-6-0s.
I also support the idea of a more permanent board...
Simon
richhotrain How much space will the layout take up on the floor? Which room do you plan to use for the layout? Rich
Well, it will be set up in a spare bedroom. As for the size of the layout, it will be the oval that comes with a Kato starter set and I plan to buy additional straight sections to make it longer. I'm guessing the layout will be 3 to 4 feet wide and 8 to 10 feet long.
I'm thinking now about using one or two of those lightweight folding tables to put it on because I'm beginning to see the problem of crawling around the floor on 63 year old knees.
Mark Kuhnbecause I'm beginning to see the problem of crawling around the floor on 63 year old knees.
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Mark Kuhn richhotrain How much space will the layout take up on the floor? Which room do you plan to use for the layout? Rich richhotrain How much space will the layout take up on the floor? Which room do you plan to use for the layout? Rich Well, it will be set up in a spare bedroom. As for the size of the layout, it will be the oval that comes with a Kato starter set and I plan to buy additional straight sections to make it longer. I'm guessing the layout will be 3 to 4 feet wide and 8 to 10 feet long. I'm thinking now about using one or two of those lightweight folding tables to put it on because I'm beginning to see the problem of crawling around the floor on 63 year old knees.
Common hollow core door sizes are 30" x 80" and 36" x 80".
They come in two common thicknesses 1 3/8" and 1 3/4". I strongly recommend choosing the thicker, for it's strength.
I have a slightly cut down 36" x 80" x 1 3/4" that I use for a temporary work bench, on top of those sawhorses I showed. For me, it's pretty easy to swing that thing around. And I'm a good bit beyond the magic age of 63.
What's nice about these is that they're stay quite flat-ish. Putting two fold-up tables together to make a track platform isn't going to be nearly as nice, or easy.
I assure you, the hollow core door sits quite nicely on top of sawhorses by itself. I've been doing this for decades, and the top has never come close to getting knocked off.
Now if you have friends over for some line dancing,.......
Also, the 1 3/4" thick top is plenty strong. I regularly put a 60 pound chop saw on top. Because span strength is proportional to the square of the height, the 1 3/4" door is 50% stronger than the 1 3/8". That extra 3/8" is well worth it.
7j43k I assure you, the hollow core door sits quite nicely on top of sawhorses by itself.
I assure you, the hollow core door sits quite nicely on top of sawhorses by itself.
Bachmann's Broadway Limited set (N scale) has caught my attention. And I never thought I'd be interested in steam locomotives. Really gorgeous looking set.