The Z scale fascinates me, but the price/availablilty isn't the best. G Scale also fascinates me, but again not the most economical. I should just go with HO and be done with it.
If you were giving a beginner modeler advice, what scale would you recommend?
Regards - Steve
Well two questions come to mind.
How much space do you have and how is your eyesight and coordination?
Also what era will you model?
Joe Staten Island West
If money is the biggest concern then HO has the most low priced prooducts.
If space is the biggest concern then go with N.
If you like to build models most go with O.
If you want a balance between building models and building a layout then go with S.
If you like to run trains fast then go with 3 rail O gauge.
If you want to build outdoors then go with G.
If you like novelty go with Z.
Peronally, I started with HO and it was toooooooo small. Then I tried O and it was tooooooooo BIG. Then I tried S and it was just Right ahhhhhhhh.
As I have taken the long way to say - there is no perfect scale, they all involve trade offs.
One approach is to build a model in each scale. Another is to set up a train table about 5x12 or so and try a loop of track of several scales.
Good luck
Paul
Paul got is all right.
.
You can do anything on a 4 by 8. Empire in Z or a single industry in G. Anything in bewteen is possible.
We could all give our oppinnions, but only you know what will suit you best.
Many of us have switched scales. I started in N and went to HO over 20 years ago.
My next move, if it ever should happen, will be O or G.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
steve-in-kvilleMy layout will most likely be on a sheet of good plywood that can be moved as needed. I don't want to go above 4' x 6'. I also have children of various ages that enjoy railroads, if that helps. Era wise, most likely modern freight although I have a soft spot for the Budd DRC's.
Since all your conditions cannot be met make the kids happy. Thomas the tank wooden trains - it's all you have room for and the kids will love it.
steve-in-kvilleI don't want to go above 4' x 6'.
The curves on a 4x6 will limit the size of locomotives and cars you use in HO.. Your best bet for a 4x6 in HO would be 4 axle engines and no car longer then 50' due to the sharp curves.
However.
That same 4x6 in N Scale will give you large sweeping curves and with large curves you can run 4-8-8-4s to SD90s and 89' cars.
Your choice.
My personal thoughts.
As for Z and IMHO that's to small.. I'm not sure G would fit a 4x6.
But..
Lionel would fit that 4x6 if you want a large scale.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
IRONROOSTERIf you like novelty go with Z.
Z scale was introduced in 1972, which is, if my math is correct, 47 years ago, making Z scale not exactly a novelty any more.
I have seen some serious layouts done in that scale. If you like watching trains snake through breathtaking scenery and are hard-pressed for space, Z scale is sure an option, albeit an expensive one. If you like switching operation, you shoul stay away from Z scale.
The OP states he likes to build a 4 by 6ft layout. In that case, N scale appears to be the best suggestion, even for a starter. Kato Unitrack is a good choice for track for a beginner.
Happy times!
Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)
"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"
Yea, I would suggest N-scale given the 4 x 6' restriction and modern era interest. However, I would also suggest skipping the "set" and buying individial pieces because sets - more often than not - offer fairly mediocre product.
Better to purchase a good-quality locomotive, a few pieces of rolling stock, track (e.g. Kato Unitrack that Ulrich suggested), and a power supply than an all-comprehensive set. Mediocre product (i.e. spotty performance, parts breaking) will lead to frustration faster than anything and that's what you want to avoid when starting out. You'll also need to decide if you want to go DC or DCC.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
RR_MelAge makes a huge difference. The ability to work on smaller items can limit your fun and fun is extremely important in modeling anything.
Mel,You do realize there are senior age modelers in N Scale correct? That old age barrier is a myth as old as N Scale..
tstage Yea, I would suggest N-scale given the 4 x 6' restriction and modern era interest. However, I would also suggest skipping the "set" and buying individial pieces because sets - more often than not - offer fairly mediocre product. Better to purchase a good-quality locomotive, a few pieces of rolling stock, track (e.g. Kato Unitrack that Ulrich suggested), and a power supply than an all-comprehensive set. Mediocre product (i.e. spotty performance, parts breaking) will lead to frustration faster than anything and that's what you want to avoid when starting out. You'll also need to decide if you want to go DC or DCC. Tom
Kato has some nice sets, which come with their track, one of their locos, and some rolling stock. They have a modern freight as well as an Amtrak passenger train. And also includes a power pack. And unlike some brands, Kato doesn't make a 'premium' level locomotive and a 'train set' level locomotive. They were advertised on the back page of the latest MR, actually.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
steve-in-kvilleWow, just did a quick search and N scale really opened up some options. And it appears less expensive as well.
Yep. If you are limited to a 4x6 layout and want a pretty good selection of rolling stock, N scale is a no brainer. You'll be able to fit broader curves in N than HO in that space an more operational possibilities.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
BRAKIE RR_Mel Age makes a huge difference. The ability to work on smaller items can limit your fun and fun is extremely important in modeling anything. Mel,You do realize there are senior age modelers in N Scale correct? That old age barrier is a myth as old as N Scale..
RR_Mel Age makes a huge difference. The ability to work on smaller items can limit your fun and fun is extremely important in modeling anything.
Seriously though, Mel's point is very individual. Some people have more of these issues as they age, some don't. Difference is you tend not to have a choice on which health problems you have. You have a choice on scale. Not saying HO is superior as you can fit more in a given space in N. Just consider all the pros and cons and make the decision that is best for you. Given your parameters, that sounds like N scale. That doesn't prevent you from changing scales in the future should your needs or situation change.
Mike
This pretty much makes the choice for you in favor of N.
If you could be happy with 40' freight pulled by GP's or docksiders you could have a fantastic HO layout on a 4x6 (and it's just about the cheapest railroading that can be had) but if you're leaning towards modern freight and locos I'd definitely go with N.
Best of luck whatever you decide.
Visit the Chicago Valley Railroad for Chicago Trainspotting and Budget Model Railroading.
rrinker --Randy
Agreed, Randy. And that's why I used the term "more often than not". Kato is one of the few exceptions to the rule with their individual components when it comes to train set quality.
Water Level RouteMust be some new technology in N scale that prevents deterioration of eyesight, hand steadiness, and coordination. Incredible.
N scale handles as well as HO scale, as long as you don´t intend to scratchbuild engines, rolling stock or even buildings. It´s one of those never dying myths that N scale is for younger folks only, just like Nnscale is not very well suited for switching operation. There are quite a few older folks in here able to bust these myths.
I went with to N scale from HO a few years ago and haven’t regretted it! I fit so much more in the same space. I actually find it to be equal or less in cost compared to HO. The only sacrifice is a slightly lower amount of detail, just a bit more of a prevalent of molded on parts, but on newer models that is less of the case and you can hardly see those things in N scale.
If you are getting into N scale I highly recommend looking to get some older Micro Trains cars. They can be found for less than $10/piece, and have satisfactory detail. They are kind of like the Athearn Blue Box of N scale but with better detail!
Good luck and have fun, which ever way you go!
Regards, Isaac
I model my railroad and you model yours! I model my way and you model yours!
It's a myth that N scale ODAY, and for more than 30 years now, doesn;t run well. However, before the advent of all those wonderful Atlas/Kato models, there were very few really good running N scale locos - I was in N scale for a number of years, mostly because of space contraints. Frustration finally drove me back to HO - the straw that broke the camel's back was probbaly the Bachmann Northern I got, I wanted one for a long time, was able to save up and buy it, and out of the box, it was a worthless (non)runner. The now ancient Aurora/Trix Lil' Donkey 0-6-0, bent stack and paint chippin off, ran much better. Even on straight track, although I also had >20" radius curves on my layout as well. Fed up, I cleared off and then stored what was probably the msot complete layout I have ever built, first one I built using modern scenery materials like ground foam, etc., and went back to HO. A month or so later in MR was the first review of the first Atlas/Kato RS which praised the fine runnign qualities, but it was already too late, I was done with N.
Ever since then - N scale is every bit as good as HO, as long as you compare apples to apples. They rarely run at Mach 1 any more, and they can crawl from tie to tie with the best HO locos. Everythign you could want, across many era, is available. I COULD replicate what I have in HO, but I have too much to change scales again, but could I ever have a great railroad in my space if I went to N scale....
rrinker N Scale...Everythign you could want, across many era, is available. --Randy
N Scale...Everythign you could want, across many era, is available.
That may be for diesel, Randy, but not steam. While I've seen some N-scale steam, HO has way more available and the detailing is better because of the larger size.
tstageWhile I've seen some N-scale steam, HO has way more available and the detailing is better because of the larger size.
N scale has come a long way in terms of detail on steam engines in the last few years. Just look at this beauty from Kato Japan:
While not US prototype, it just exemplifies what is possible today, without having to rob a bank. The little steamer sells for about $90.
I never owned N scale stuff, but I had a 4 X 6 HO scale layout prior to my current shelf layout. One thing I can say is that anyone interested in operations should probably consider N scale for anything 4 feet wide. There is only so much you can do with a 4 X 6 or 4 X 8 HO layout when it comes to an interesting train plan for operations.
Simon
Tinplate Toddler tstage While I've seen some N-scale steam, HO has way more available and the detailing is better because of the larger size. While not US prototype, it just exemplifies what is possible today, without having to rob a bank. The little steamer sell for $80.
tstage While I've seen some N-scale steam, HO has way more available and the detailing is better because of the larger size.
While not US prototype, it just exemplifies what is possible today, without having to rob a bank. The little steamer sell for $80.
I was strictly speaking of US prototypes, Ulrich. However, that is indeed one handsome little beast and nicely detailed.
Not bad, either!
As an NYC modeler, Ulrich...I'll pretend I didn't see that railroad.
That may well be, but I decided it was too small for me at age 19 working in the hobby shop.......
Now at 62, no way.
Sheldon
Back when i got that first Tyco "The Switcher Freight" and had it set up on the floor at Christmas break and somebody in the family said now that train set looks like a real train that is why i stuck with HO.
Russell