Well, here are my thoughts on this. For a layout that is the same size, N will probably cost more. But, as always, it depends. If you put proportionally more track into the space, you'll spend more on track and turnouts into the N layout. On the other hand, if you take advantage of the smaller size of N scale to allow for more scenery and space, and use a similar amount of track, the difference will be much smaller. So, it is really up to you there. The thing that could get you is this. In N scale the size of the trains i nthe same space is going to lead you to want more, and larger trains. If you succumb to that temptation, then obviously N scale is going to cost more. On a piece by piece basis, there isn't a lot of difference.
So, the answer is, it depends. I think N has the potential to cost more, but it doesn't necessarily have to.
Jeff But it's a dry heat!
For an equal area of layout surface (in your case, 32 square feet) N scale will be more expensive than HO - because you would need much more space (about 7 x 14, or 98 square feet) to exactly duplicate the N scale layout in HO.
OTOH, if you were to build both the N scale 4 x 8 and the HO scale 7 x 14, you would find that the N scale version would be slightly less expensive if both track plans and your rolling stock rosters were identical.
One thing to remember, in both HO and N scale, is that you don't have to spend all your money up front. Design a layout that can be built simple - say, just a loop of track and a passing siding. If you've already designed the final version (with a yard, engine terminal and so on) and build the beginning right, when you can afford to buy the next two switches, all you'll have to do is slide a couple of rail joiners, lift a short section of ordinary track and drop the switch into place.
Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither was anything but a loop around the Christmas tree model railroad. Don't think about how cheap you want to go, just build what you can afford at any given time. (I've been working on my present layout for well over a year now, and I've yet to erect a major part of my benchwork!)
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
I agree with the previous two. It depends on what you want. You can put more N track in the square footage then HO. The biggest thing is what you want to do. Also if possible you may want to think about maybe a 3x12 or something else using the same material/sq footage.
I have spent almost 4 years laying track because of cost. I did my yard last. As I built I was able to run trains after I layed track.
Craig
Just a thought here from someone who has built a layout or two and learned some things the hard way...
There is always a temptation to cram as much track as possible into a layout, regardless of how much space is available or whether it is N scale or HO or whatever. In any given community in the real world the amount of space that railroads take up is relatively small. May I suggest that the finished layout will be more realistic and will operate much better if you limit how much track you put down on it? It's one of those situations where sometimes less is more.
John Timm
railroaderSTL wrote:what do you think is cheaper in the long run with a a large layout either ho or n 4x8
If you SHOP the sales and the internet, use EBAY but watch out. YOu can build a MONSTER in either scale at a good price. If you buy only form the LHS then your cost will be a lot higher.
As far as scale, has no real bearing on the final cost since the above method will keep the cost in check in both scales.
The key part is "LONG RUN" HO will be cheaper since they are not as fragile as "N" scale. If you go DCC then HO is MUCH cheaper since the decoders are easier to get into them.
Buildings, engines and rolling stock are almost a wash in cost. Track is a wash BUT the turnouts in HO are stronger since their size is bigger and more robust.
claycts wrote: The key part is "LONG RUN" HO will be cheaper since they are not as fragile as "N" scale. I think not too relevant, with reasonable care N scale is study enough to last a good long time.If you go DCC then HO is MUCH cheaper since the decoders are easier to get into them. Most newer N scale locomotives have drop in decoders, and are not difficult to install. Even hardwire installation is not expensive if you learn to do it yourself. Not at all sure what the capital MUCH is referring to, here.Track is a wash BUT the turnouts in HO are stronger since their size is bigger and more robust. Again, N scale turnouts and track are plenty strong enough to last 'forever'. Unless you plan to dance on it.
The key part is "LONG RUN" HO will be cheaper since they are not as fragile as "N" scale. I think not too relevant, with reasonable care N scale is study enough to last a good long time.
If you go DCC then HO is MUCH cheaper since the decoders are easier to get into them. Most newer N scale locomotives have drop in decoders, and are not difficult to install. Even hardwire installation is not expensive if you learn to do it yourself. Not at all sure what the capital MUCH is referring to, here.
Track is a wash BUT the turnouts in HO are stronger since their size is bigger and more robust. Again, N scale turnouts and track are plenty strong enough to last 'forever'. Unless you plan to dance on it.
In my opinion, the cost is pretty much comparable, except that in the same amount of space you are likely to want to operate more and longer trains.