I started in HO at 9...that's when I was independent of parental assistance. That was 44 years ago. I tinkered with high rail O for awhile and went back to HO. In the 70's and early 80's I dabbled in N...went back to HO after a very large HO deal with a coworker. Worked with a MR club that modeled 2 rail O and 15" gauge outdoor...have stayed with HO. Worked on the real thing for 6 years with Conrail...still work in HO.
I can't speak for anyone else but I like the wide assortment of stuff out there in HO. And beside which...I am horribly nearsighted...I would have to model N scale on the tip of my nose. Not really...but, it's just too small.
Mark H
Modeling in HO...Reading and Conrail together in an alternate history.
Hi all,
I modeled in HO for years and never really gave serious thought to switching to N until my daughter moved home after collage and wanted to turn our downstairs into a temporary apartment. The layout was dismantled and I was moved to her old bedroom. To get the most use of my downsized space, I chose N scale. Its worked out really well for me as I am able to run the latest locomotives and large freight and passenger cars in a small amount of space. And there is a lot of really nice stuff coming out in N lately. I have not regretted the move at all, although I have kept a lot of my HO for the day when my eyes may force me into a larger scale, but at 56 its still good. Ralph
I'm an in the midst of selling off all of my NS Lionel equipment, Lionel Fastrack, Legacy control system, buildings...etc. after only 5 years.I am now collecting HO equipment to model the Elkhart IN to Burns Harbor NS trackage on 2 decks. I plan this to be my largest and last endeavor in the hobby, but the funny thing is that I couldn't resist building a 4x8 N scale layout along the way. ;0)
Enjoy the journey!
Dan
I recall from several years ago that there was a scale changing thing going on. Then it was modelers selling up their HO stuff to be part of the new glamor scale, narrow guage O. I was lucky eniugh to buy some good HO models & kits being dumped by guys who wanted to change to the bigger scale. I kinda like what I have (HO ) and what I do with it.
There are all kind of reasons why people change scales, or do anything at all.
Maybe as sometimes happens when you feel a bit stale with what you got then a scale change might look like the answer to get the lost thrill back again. Speaking only for me I see no need for a scale change. Maybe it was the time I was raised but I think that is easier & less of a burden to be content with what you've got. By the way, I still drive an '86 Olds sedan, I don't need to change that either.
Dusty.
Now that I'm in my late 40's, eyesite has become an issue. I use reading glasses to work on my HO scale trains. I recently helped liquidate an estate of N scale stuff and I just couldn't see well enough to even attempt what were probably minor repairs. I can't imagine overhauling an N scale locomotive and do the electrical on it. At least in HO I can use the glasses to help see fine details.
The prices of HO scale stuff has shocked me. I stored all my trains in the early 90's and got them out about a year ago. In that year, I've bought tons of stuff on ebay, but still haven't bought 1 new Athearn car or locomotive because the prices are so high. Plus, I liked buying kits and putting them together.
I have a couple predictions about the future of HO scale though: I bought a Cricut Explore and have made almost a thousand detail parts now with it for next to nothing.
Additionally, I'm going to be buying a 3d printer to start making more complex pieces. I predict that there a some very talented modelers who will do the same and you'll see these 3d kits start popping up on ebay for very reasonable prices. There are already a horde of details availble from small time 3d printers out there now.
In the next year I think you'll see the first generation of locomotive kits, possible with camera motors (which cost next to nothing) and printed gears, sideframes. Essentially the model railroad versions of "barebones computers"
I'm looking forward to that...
I am modeling in N scale since Arnold Rapido offer it on the market and never changed the scale and if I will redo it again I still stay whith N scale.
There is numerous topics on this forum about what scale to use, anyway it's your choice, the scale where you are feeling the best, use it; I don't beleive there is better scale than another, they all offer different opportunities.
There is just one rule in any scale if you want a good running layout, check your track again and again and again, you can make mistake in scenery, electricity, but not in track laying, because a poor running train can ruin all your efforts and your hopes.
The only factor you have to live whith is space and money,
Space is the sister of your train, You can do small or big layout in any space by choosing the scale, but you don't need to build an empire to have fun and have a fine layout.
Trains cost nearly the same in any scale today, an Nsale steam cost an around 300$ like is counterpart in HO, may be O is a little more expensive but again is only your choice.
Today we have the chance to have perfect quality models offered on the market in any scale.
Nearly all existing car and locomotive are offerded in the different scales, like all the companies.
Dcc is offered in any scale from Z to O.
So again I repeat and I am sure after 40 years of heavy train modeling there is no better scale than an other, just feel the scale you prefer and use it.
The idea of switching scales is so alien to me that when I read the title of this thread I thought it was going to be about switching cars onto the scale track.
I have the right to remain silent. By posting here I have given up that right and accept that anything I say can and will be used as evidence to critique me.
After 14 years in G gauge I am back in HO for a while to build a micro-layout and I am remembering WHY I switched in the first place, yikes its all so small!!! How did I get the five thumbs on each of my hands to work on this stuff???
Have fun with your trains