dstarr If you are a runner of trains, N will get you more track to run on than HO. If you are a model builder, HO can be very satisfying.
Another myth that needs busting..
The facts.
One needs to do a lot of model building in N Scale simply because a lot of structures isn't there like in HO. In fact considering what's available in HO there may be more model building in N.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Were I to start again in model railroading, I'd look pretty seriously at N scale, and I'm working in the beginning of my eighth decade. I'm also surprised at the number of folks here who haven't heard of eyeglasses...if you can't see N scale stuff, how much do you enjoy the details on your HO scale stuff?
My other choice would be Proto87, but both options are unlikely only because I'm so deeply invested into HO.My only other thought on this is that a 4'x8' cut into strips (widths to suit) can give options for a lot more interesting layout if you have the space to utilise them in that manner.
Wayne
doctorwayne I'm also surprised at the number of folks here who haven't heard of eyeglasses...
Wayne,I fully agree seeing how many gray and white beards that is in N.
As this topic has shown the biggest problem with N isn't its size but the unfounded myths and uniformed replies made by those that has never modeled in N and yes,you can tell.
And all to sadly MR is one of the leading causes of misinformation about N Scale. Don't believe me? Read Mr. Otte's reply on page one.
And guys,I bought my first N Scale in 1968 and that was when N was thought to be a novelty and a joke. I even switch cars when I used Rapido couplers. Also thirty-five of my sixty years in the hobby has been in N.
Looking back and knowing what I know now I should have sold my HO and kept my N and I'm 69 years old.
BRAKIE doctorwayne I'm also surprised at the number of folks here who haven't heard of eyeglasses... Wayne,I fully agree seeing how many gray and white beards that is in N. As this topic has shown the biggest problem with N isn't its size but the unfounded myths and uniformed replies made by those that has never modeled in N and yes,you can tell. And all to sadly MR is one of the leading causes of misinformation about N Scale. Don't believe me? Read Mr. Otte's reply on page one. And guys,I bought my first N Scale in 1968 and that was when N was thought to be a novelty and a joke. I even switch cars when I used Rapido couplers. Also thirty-five of my sixty years in the hobby has been in N. Looking back and knowing what I know now I should have sold my HO and kept my N and I'm 69 years old.
I agree with every one of your comments, and regarding Dr Wayne's comment . . . I am nearsighted, I take off my glasses to read. And regarding fat fingers and dexterity, I figure I was a watchmaker in a previous life.
Robert
LINK to SNSR Blog
While the guy is modeling the modern East Broad Top. It looks like a tourist line. Some of the pictures I saw railroad equipment can easily be made for HO.
N Scale doesn't have the materials to create it.
Although I model N, it depends on the equipment of the railroad you're modeling to search locomotives and cars that are available to do so.
Amtrak America, 1971-Present.
angelob6660N Scale doesn't have the materials to create it.
You ever hear of Nn3? No? Its true.There is 3' N Scale.
You can create EBT in N Scale and like HO it will require some modeling.
BRAKIE angelob6660 N Scale doesn't have the materials to create it. You ever hear of Nn3? No? Its true.There is 3' N Scale. You can create EBT in N Scale and like HO it will require some modeling.
angelob6660 N Scale doesn't have the materials to create it.
Within the last few years I did see some Nn3 freight cars at a hobby shop. You certainly don't hear of it too often.
I'm in N. I changed from HO to N about 25 years ago when I moved and space became an issue. Since then I've moved twice, both time allowing more space, but I stayed in N. When I first had room for a larger layout (the middle move) I switched from bifocals to trifocal glasses. Vision has never been a problem for me.
Jeff
jeffhergertWithin the last few years I did see some Nn3 freight cars at a hobby shop. You certainly don't hear of it too often.
From my information there is a small SIG that models Nn3 and MT made a very nice looking Colorado & Southern 2-6-0. I still attend the annual central Ohio N Scale weekend and read both N Scale magazines even though I'm in HO my heart is in N and always will be.
For those that may not know Nn3 runs on Z Scale track.
MicroTrains had a small line of Nn3 cars bases on models formerly produced by Nn3 pioneer Robert Sloan. Brakie is correct they did have a C&S loco too. Their Nn3 product list currently shows "no products" but some do show up on EBAY and some hobby shops still have stock. MTL's first Z freight cars were based on Sloans Nn3 but they have since been replaced by more modern true Z scale.
Republic Locomotive Works is the most complete source for Nn3
https://www.republiclocomotiveworks.com/
Unfortunatly a lot of what is listed is not currently available.
There are a few nice Nn3 items on Shapeways
https://www.shapeways.com/search?q=nn3&type=
There is an Nn3 Group on Yahoo.
Nn3.org lists some other sources
http://www.nn3.org/
NTRAK has a couple books on Nn3
http://ntrak.org/publications/default.html
Showcase Minatures Nn3
https://www.showcaseminiatures.net/nn3_scale/
Marklin Z scale locomotives have been the main source for powering Nn3 kit built and scratch built locomotives - particularly steamers.
https://www.maerklin.de/en/products/z-scale/locomotives/
I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.
I don't have a leg to stand on.
BRAKIEAnd guys,I bought my first N Scale in 1968 and that was when N was thought to be a novelty and a joke. I even switch cars when I used Rapido couplers. Also thirty-five of my sixty years in the hobby has been in N.
In 1967-68 I went from HO to HOn30 to N
Even played with Nn3 for a while in the 1980's. I'm 70 and never looked back.
Unfortunately due to my current circumstances I am a armchair model railroader, but hope to get started on a new N scale layout soon. Trying to decide on whether to go with a switching layout based on 1950's Western Pacific R Street line in Sacramento or the Sacramento Northern Woodland Branch 1950's at or near the end of electric operation. Woodland Branch would require both overhead wire and 3rd rail although I would probably make them cosmetic.