Scratching where it itches

[Virginian]

I keep thinking how neat it would be to have an O scale N&W Class A dragging a hundred hoppers and a J powered Powhattan Arrow J thundering around the back yard. And then I start thinking about keeping the yard up working around all that stuff, and keeping the track in A1 shape, and the urge eases significantly.

[roadrat]

If you like HO scale but still want to scratch the N scale itch then try adding a Narrow Gauge line to your layout , Logging ,Mining ,amusement park.

best of both worlds kinda.

bill

[Anonymous]

N Scale is way to tiny for me. I have always been into HO all of my life! HO has much more Detail than N Scale.
BNSFrailfan.

[Anonymous]

I so hear you about the itch. While in the planning stages for a new very small HO shelf layout, N scale is tapping me on the shoulder.

In N scale you could create a very small layout with continous running in a very small space.

Without a lot of experience (most of my MRR'ing was done as a kid) I'm guessing I'll need switching to keep me busy. I know it can be done in N scale, but HO feels more "me" to me. Can't really explain it other than that.

If 2 rail O scale was as popular and affordable as HO, then I'd really have some problems choosing a scale.

[MAbruce]

Every scale has its advantages and drawbacks.

I've found that once you start with a scale, you usually stay with it (especially if you have a lot invested in it). Nothing wrong with that as we have a rather expensive hobby.

While we like to tease each other scale wise, it’s really all the same hobby. It’s nice to have so many choices.

[dragenrider]

Well, you all make me feel much better. I guess that itch is transient. Every time I start considering my current investment in HO, my advancing age (don't laugh), and the learning curve...well, I guess I'll stick with what I have.

Thanks for your thoughts on matters, though. I like hearing what the other forum members have to say. [:P]

[AggroJones]

I actually acted on that idea and switched to N scale in 2000. But it proved much to hard to decal and convert couplers to knuckle standards. And the few steamers availble are weak and noisey runners.
You have the space to run a 40 car train, but you need 3 or 4 locos to move said train.

Plus I didn't feel the 'uhhhpppth' from items I paid $80 for. Like the Atlas SD-60. It seems like you'd get more locomotive for that money.

Thank goodness for the HO scale.

[Anonymous]

Two more considerations before switching from HO to N:

1) Sound is difficult, if not impossible, to install in N scale hood units;
2) GM just yanked their licensing of N scale vehicles (see Bill Cawthorn's thread)

[cwclark]

i've always been an HO kind'a guy...I've looked at N scale and it looks like it could really be a lot of railroad in a small space but....my big fat fingers just can't work with stuff that small...so...HO is where i'll be...i'll just have to build a bigger train room...chuck

[ndbprr]

The problem with N for me is eyesight. Ignore the effects of aging at your own discretion. After 40 years of running and collecting HO I feel I am locked in. I do not have the time, money or inclination to start over. It is terrible when you have the same problem looking at your railroad as you do taking a picture with depth of field. In about twenty years EBay will be inundated with N gauge stuff as many people reach the point of bifocals. Getting a headache to detail trains doesn't make it enjoyable.

[IRONROOSTER]

When I get a little frustrated with my current scale - S, the itch to be in a different scale raises its head. Go bigger for more heft on the rails, go smaller for more railroad and longer trains, or get into HO scale for the bigger selection.

But then I go down to the layout room and get out one my HO cars and one of my O cars put them on the track next to my S cars. Then I go oh yeah that's why I like S.

Enjoy
Paul

[fievel]

I switched from HO to N scale twenty years ago, and haven't regretted my choice.
But I was a newbie, and only had a small amount of an investment in HO. For
me, it is the abilty to run long trains over long bridges, and to be dwarfed by
mountains.
I would think long and hard before I switched scales, and would counsel others
to do the same. Unless you are not enjoying your own scale anymore, then you'd
probably be better off to stay with HO.
We are certainly blessed to have so many different scales to choose from.[:-^]

[orsonroy]

SCratchbuilding in N scale is easy. It takes up less material and you don't have to add the same level of fine detail to a project to reach the same sort of "finish" as with the larger scales. I've got something like 60 N scratched buildings, 10 wood gons, and two cabooses under my belt, as compared to only a few scratched HO buildings and one 36-foot boxcar.

As for the itch to change scales, N toys with me on occasion (almost everyone I know is an N scaler!), but the scale that REALLY messes with my mind is On30. If I wasn't such a diehard fan of superpower steam, my current layout would be an eastern (or midwestern) 1905-1915 era NG mosnter!

[pcarrell]

You could always try scratch building in N!

I find it quite rewarding.

Of course, some level of insanity helps here!

[Fergmiester]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Brunton

You could always go half way (more or less) and try TT scale......

[:o)]

Here lies the conundrum. I've toyed with the idea but...

I would like to switch because:
1. More space for staging
2. Longer Trains
3. Fine detail not as big an issue
4. better panoramic views and more room for scenery
5. Space restrictions not as much an issue
6. No tight turns
7. Less requirement for excessive grades
8. More room for yards and large industry
9. More room for trackage rights and scale miles!

I won't switch to N because:

1: Too much time and money invested in present layout
2. Very little return when selling off equipment
3. my eyes aren't as good as they use to be
4. Not as much variety avaiable (steam engines)
5. LHS's don't carry as much in the way of N stock
6. Overall, the N scale market does not off as much as HO
7. Price is the same or more for something smaller with less detail[%-)]
7. CFO would banish me!

Yes I've had the itch but can live with it.

Fergie

[Anonymous]

Switch to N scale no way. I lke my HO scale, yeah I can't run 100 car trains and all that jazz. I have seen the N scale module layouts at shows and though it was neat to see a long train running I would never switch over after watching a guy knock car after car off trying to put more cars on. I felt sorry for him how frustrating when it takes you all day just to put them on the track.

[Pruitt]

You could always go half way (more or less) and try TT scale......

[:o)]

[Anonymous]

i have a HO layout and little fat fingers have truoble with that i couldent think of changing

[SpaceMouse]

I wanted to make a N-scale switching layout in a bookcase I have to build, but a couple guys talked me down. I have 4 pieces of flex, four turnouts, a Geep and a Dash sitting in a drawer doing nothing.

N pull at me. Nope. Not me. I'm happy with my HO. There's probably not going to be any books on that shelf, and the Zephyr can handle it...but HO, yep that's my scale. It's my story and I'm sticking to it.

[Roadtrp]

smaller scale = greater challenge = greater rewards

[4:-)]

[dragenrider]

I'll admit that I do have a little envy of the N scale mileage.

Actually, that's a lie. [;)] I have a LOT of envy!

[simon1966]

You want more scale miles to run on? A sort of "mine's longer than yours N scale envy"?

[dragenrider]

I'm puzzled as to why I so frequently get the itch to switch to N scale. I've scratched that itch three times without success or satisfaction. (Sorry N scale readers) [xx(]

I'm sure I'm not the only one who gets that undeniable urge to start over with another scale, to sample something new, and to try their hand at a different size. So once those waters have been tested and found wanting, why do I still get that urge?? [banghead]

What's your thoughts?