Ho trees..for N scale

[sarges]

G'day all,

Am considering making the switch to n scale,have been an Ho modeller for years,but out of the hobby for awhile,and am now just getting back into it,and am considering switching, due to space limitations. I am wondering if there are any others out there who have made the switch. I am thinking that the same radius curves as my old ho scale layout,but in n scale,would look much more realistic..not to mention scenery and trees. Does anybody use ho scale trees on their n scale layout? I know that n scale equipment is a lot more reliable and better detailed than it used to be..even has sound and dcc now. I guess its a new adventure i'm considering embarking on,and was wondering if anyone else has had as much success,joy,fun and pleasure as i hope i can. Thanks all.

[DSchmitt]

Trees can be considered multi-scale. Typically trees on HO layouts are on the small side, so many HO trees are useable in N scale.  If a tree representing a particular type is less than the maximum height it is probably OK.

Google "tree heights" and look at images.  Here are a couple images showing the heights of trees.   I would check out a number of them then decide what trees are suitable. 

A useful Youtube video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPfJAN-lhw8

 

[Track fiddler]

There's no such thing as a tree that's too big or too small. Look at the Sequoia California redwoods they are huge.  Seeing is believing.  Look at the Tall Timber Pines of the Canadian wilderness, Northern Minnesota, Washington Cascade Mountains, Oregon. Even Lake Tahoe California has Tall Timber Pines.  You're all good have some fun with it.  The picture at the top is 1/8 inch bamboo barbecue skewers drilled out every quarter inch at a 90 degree angles insert floral wire super glue with accelerator and trim.  Than slide on lichen from a $6 bag from Hobby Lobby.  And spray with matte medium to hold it all together.  The two inch foam rocks the trees are stuck into is a sample made at my bench I do everything off the layout before I finalize it on to the layout.                  

Thanks don't sweat the small stuff

[superbe]

For me when it comes to scenery if it looks right then it's OK. You should be able to tell just by looking at it. A tree might look good on one area of your layout and not another regardless of the scale.

Just my    Worth.

Bob

[tomikawaTT]

Let's look at a single tree, a hardwood rather than a conifer.  It starts with a trunk and branches, roughly six inches high and about four inches across.

• G scale - a saplng.  If it's next to a house the nursery truck just left.
• O scale - Nice young tree, old enough to flower but with lots of growth potential.
• S scale - Mature tree, but small for the breed.
• HO scale - reasonable size for an orchard or second growth.
• TT scale - a big old tree, or possibly part of a seed island left by forest managers.
• N scale - a forest giant that has survived its share of years, and then some.
• Z scale - the patriarch of the forest.  People who climb it get certificates.

This is a case where one size CAN fit all.

Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - with cedars)

[SeeYou190]

More than just HO trees can be used in N scale. HO industrial buildings with the doors ubscured can look good. I ignore scales when I find something I can use.

.

-Kevin

.

[sarges]

G'day mate..thankyou very much for the pictures,and the video link. These have been very helpful.

[sarges]

G'day mate..that looks great! I will have to try your method of making trees,i am impressed with result! And i guess you are right..if it looks good,then it is good.

[n2mopac]

As to your switch, I will say that I was and HO guy. I tried N scale as an experiment 20 years ago because I was moving a lot then and needed to build something small and portable. I fell in love with it. 2 years later I sold all of my HO stuff on ebay and never looked back. Good luck to you.