Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
One other consideration among the many good points raised in this thread is how long do you want it to take a train to make a full trip across your layout at scale speed? At 34mph (50 feet or 1 boxcar per second) an HO train is moving at 6.9 inch/sec; N is moving at 3.75 inch/sec; and Z is moving at 2.73 inch/sec. For 15 feet thats 26 seconds in HO, 48 seconds in N, and 66 seconds in Z. Scratchbuilding in smaller scales is not necessarily 'harder', but could be considered 'more challenging'. This is what it takes to develop some of the creative skills this hobby demands and teaches, and that's one reason why so many of us enjoy it no matter what the scale. For instance, a 2x4 (unplaned) in Z scale is approximated very nicely with .01" x .02" strip styrene, most human eyes cannot resolve the slight error at this small size, especially from 2 feet away. If someone does claim to have Superman's visual accuity (after discreetly hiding their calipers), just say the sawmill operator had a hangover that day. There is no one 'best' scale. If your 15'x15' has the room for what you want in HO or larger, go for it. If you want even more track and features, go N. If you like wide panoramas and even more trackage (future expansion), go Z. But mainly - have fun!
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag

Update Reply

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Model Railroader Newsletter See all

Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!

Subscriber & Member Login

Edit post

Post Body

Tags (Optional)

Subscriber & Member Login

Users Online

Search the Community