I flirted with the idea of moving to Fn3 a few years back. I love the heft of the rolling stock, and felt confident in handlaying and superdetailing at that size. Space concerns killed the idea (money too); it would have taken over my entire backyard. No way was I gonna get that one past the other half. So, HO is where I'll stay.
Stu
Streamlined steam, oh, what a dream!!
I WAS considering a move to O scale until I bought one of those rerailers from Kato. My biggest issue was putting cars back on the track. I need to change my reading glasses since my cataract surgery.
Kato rerailer
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
I’ve done the opposite, I went from HO to N due to space considerations, and I’m not going back for the foreseeable future.
N scale just fits so much more into the same space, a tight curve in HO become a broad curve in N!
I do think I may move up to HO once I have more room, but that’ll be years!
Also I’m 16, so eye sight isn’t a problem! The only problem is I DO see all the missing details on smaller scale items!
Regards, Isaac
I model my railroad and you model yours! I model my way and you model yours!
Decided in the beginning to have both HO and O gauge. O gauge is on the bottom level and HO on top. Used 22 sheets of plywood on 2x4 benchwork. 31 years ago eyesight was not the issue but access to the middle of the layout had to be considered as I aged. Therefore two liftout bridges where built into the O gauge track plan at conception. Being 66 years old, I am fortunate to easily crawl around and access all points of the layout. So far glasses and some magnifying aids are doing the trick. Both layouts are built with an urban/industrial setting in mind. Few changes to the track plan of either layout have been made through the decades. I enjoy working between scales and the entire project has served me well through the years.
My eyes aren't the best, but they are still good enough to enjoy HO. I do don an Opti-Visor when inserting the tether into DCC steamers, for example, when tweaking points and soldering...the usual stuff. But, with three 2X2 flat LED panels above my new 9X19 space, I have all the enjoyment-enabling light necessary.
Besides the dexterity issue, and being able to lean over for longer periods (strain on aging backs and lower joints), our eyes lose their ability to focus and to dilate the pupils. With the smaller aperture of the pupil as we age, we get less light incident upon the fovea/retina/macula, but also the resolving power of the optical system is reduced. When you enlarge the aperture, you get more light and more ability to split visually two similar objects very close together (called 'resolution'). If you get a larger aperture optical system, you can split double-stars very close and seemingly one object, and you can see finer details (and problems) on your layout.
One way to beat the reduced light problem is to spring for, in no particular order:
An opthalmologist's assessment and treatment to stave off age-related problems;
New glasses;
More light; and
More magnification.
Any two or three of these is still going to be much less costly than replacing all your scale stuff with something larger, and more expensive.
You know those headlamp thingies campers wear? A head-strap and one or two buttons to get dimmer and coloured lights from the same item? Get one and wear it. Wherever you look, the LED beam will illuminate what you want to see as you follow it around the layout.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL IRONROOSTER Well, I started in HO and switched to O when I was 29. But the scale proved to be too large for building a layout in limited space, so I switched to S scale 10 years later. I find S to be the happy medium between big enough to work with and see, and small enough to build a layout. While S doesn't have the selection of other scales, it still has more than I need or can use. Paul And of course it has a lot to do with your specific interests and goals. Much easier to model a representative slice of the Ma & Pa in S or O than the PRR or the B&O........ Sheldon
IRONROOSTER Well, I started in HO and switched to O when I was 29. But the scale proved to be too large for building a layout in limited space, so I switched to S scale 10 years later. I find S to be the happy medium between big enough to work with and see, and small enough to build a layout. While S doesn't have the selection of other scales, it still has more than I need or can use. Paul
Well, I started in HO and switched to O when I was 29. But the scale proved to be too large for building a layout in limited space, so I switched to S scale 10 years later. I find S to be the happy medium between big enough to work with and see, and small enough to build a layout. While S doesn't have the selection of other scales, it still has more than I need or can use.
Paul
And of course it has a lot to do with your specific interests and goals. Much easier to model a representative slice of the Ma & Pa in S or O than the PRR or the B&O........
Sheldon
Well, that's true, especially since I was able to buy the B.T.S locomotive kits for Ma&Pa 41, 42, and 43 while they were in production, not to mention undecorated SW1, NW2, and SW9 from SHS.
But there has been some PRR and B&O stuff in S over the years.
I saw a thread a few years ago where a railroader had a special pair of glasses made for working under the layout. He had the bi-focal strength made at the top of the lenses, instead of the bottom. If you're having issues seeing at distance, your prescription may have changed. Last year, I had cataract surgery and I opted for the distance lenses. I wear basically what is a pair of reading glasses for up close. For the really close work, I either wear an Opti-visor or the desktop lamp with a magnifying lens.
My dream is to be able to go to a larger scale also... 1:1 would be fantastic! Until then, I will stay in H.O. and H.O.n3 .
Probably won't abandon HO, but I still dream of someday turning all my 28mm Sci-Fi Terrain into a gritty O-Gauge cyberpunk city layout.
Visit the Chicago Valley Railroad for Chicago Trainspotting and Budget Model Railroading.
Yes, its very easy to underestimate the space that O scale requires, especially when one is used to working in the smaller scales. That is one reason my conversion to it has had a couple false starts. I had to rethink prototype and what I coiuld and could not achieve in my small space. Whist I love the Monon, I would have to 'fudge' the passenger cars to get around my curves, while the CGW at the tail end of the grain box car shipping era would be somewhat doable. The costs are managable going the CGW route as well. I need one more F3 thats powered, a few box car kits, a caboose followed by a few pieces of flex track, 2 or 3 turnouts and a power supply to handle the amp draw of these older locomotives. The sale of my remaining HO would more than cover these costs. Building wise, there wont be many as I would be modeling the flatlands of Illinois, a small grain elevator and maybe a feed mill, a couple small town buildings with a matching back drop can simulate one of those "blink and you miss it" small towns that dot the farmland.
Silly NT's, I have Asperger's Syndrome
I have no problem selling every model I own and using the funds to buy all new (or different) stuff. If I truly am comfortable making the switch.
I've seen 2 rail O scale models, and they are very impressive.
I model switching layouts or shortlines, and short trains with few cars and locos, are the norm. I'm probably a pretty good candidate for switching scales since the space and money investment is less for me than some others.
Finger dexterity is not that big of an issue. I've become pretty much an RTR guy in terms of rolling stock and locomotives (but I kit bash all structures).
The driver will pretty much be eyesight. Unless my eyes are really bad, I don't think I'll make the switch. Heck, I've got to have reading glasses anyway.
- Douglas
emdmikeCurious who all is considering moving to a larger scale from say HO or N scale due to failing eyesite as one ages?....
Not a chance! In fact, if I were to change scales, my first choice would be Proto 87, with N scale being a distant second.
However, considering my current involvement in HO, neither are likely to happen.
Wayne
I did look into importing Bachmann's OO9 stuff from Britain briefly, which would be a move up from 1:87 scale to 1:76 scale... but that's motivated out of curiousity for the prototype and interest in the models. I'm 25, this is probably the best my eyesight ever is going to be! My lack of budget killed the OO9 idea, but I might dust it off sometime in the future if its possible to afford it.
Tinplate ToddlerThe space requirement of O scale is often grossly underestimated. While the track is only just about double in width, buildings require 4 times as much real estate.
I think that's something people fail to realize when considering a switch to O narrow-gauge, particularly On30. Yes On30 modellers can use HO gauge track and the equipment can take sharp curves, so the trackplan may not take up that much more space than HO scale, but the buildings, bridges, scenery, people, vehicles etc. are still 1:48 scale.
The space requirement of O scale is often grossly underestimated. While the track is only just about double in width, buildings require 4 times as much real estate. An HO scale 4 ft. by 8 ft. layout thus becomes a spare room filling affair of 8 ft. by 16 ft.
Talking of detail - the larger the scale is the more apparent the lack of detail becomes. What you consider highly detailed in N scale, may be still acceptable in HO scale, but in O scale and larger, it will just look crude.
I think, that failing eyesight and shaky hands are quite often used as an excuse to venture into something different, i.e. bigger and more expensive. I am 63, have pretty bad eyes and, following a series of mini strokes, a tremor in my hands. I can still handle N scale, although something require resting my hand on something to keep it steady. I make sure I have proper lighting available. In N scale, I think it is a must to bring the layout up as close as possible to eye level. The bird´s eye view is not very well suited to give that railroading feeling I want from a layout.
Butbthat´s just me- and I dabble around in various scales, as long as I am still able, somehow!
Happy times!
Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)
"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"
Guess it depends what size turnouts you need, big long ones like #8's are a bit salty if buying new. But then, I look at freight car prices in HO for brand new and nearly have a heart attack. Building a unit grain train, autorack train or stacker is not for the shallow wallet crowd if buying new. But then I am not buying brand new 2 rail other than flex track. turnouts are older vintage ones and normaly used. Both of my locomotives were less than current HO versions. The NW2 could pass for a door stop its so heavy. In O scale, less can be more, it allows for greater detailing. Comes down to what each of us want in the hobby. Less of a selection at a show helps keep my wallet and my wife happy. Till the fall Indy meet and March Chicago meet, then I get put in the dog house for what I usually spend. But those two meets are the absolulte best place to stock up on 2 rail modeling needs, from high doller brass engines to vintage stuff I hunt for. For me, the enjoyment of HO is waning due to my eyesight and less that steady hands. I have enjoyed it for many years, I got into G scale outdoors to help with the eyesight issue. But I have that layout done now, and its time to refocus my modeling on something more fine scale indoors. And, I think its time for me to shift over to O scale.
At 71 and living in retirement home I would need to think long and hard.. As of now I would probably quit the hobby and become a virtual railfan. I would keep up with the hobby though and place my favorite locomotives in display cases..
Guys,after a life time in the hobby the very thought of not being active in the hobby saddens me.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
I have too much invested in HO to switch. So far, it's still big enough to work on even with my eye issues. I just got new glasses since everything else has finally settled down. I was going to go with seperate readers for close up by my doctor convinced me to use a stronger bifocal instead, because the ones I had were only like a + .5. Now I have a +2. Still getting used to it, but at near distances I now can see really clearly, at least from the one eye I can see clearly from.
S would be an ideal size, not too big that I would have to seriously compromise my layout given the space I have, and parts are big enough to work on easily. But it would also mean a whole lot of scratchbuilding to get what I need, so it just isn't practical.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
SeeYou190I am staying in HO...
Russell
I am staying in HO...
.
But... if I ever do change, my next stop is G scale, with an around the walls switching layout.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Affordable track and turnouts are all that is keeping me from 2 rail O scale. I'm not much into paying close to a hundred bucks for one turnout.
Chuck - Modeling in HO scale and anything narrow gauge
Next time you get your eyes checked, go to your glasses place with the new prescription and tell them you want a pair of "computer glasses". Then you can stay in the scale you're in, because you'll be able to see everything just fine. Unlike normal glasses or bifocals, computer glasses have a big area in the middle so you can focus on things a few feet away (like a computer monitor).
I use the "20-foot" ones when working / operating my HO layout. They make a HUGE difference. I can see everything in front of me fine, and can look thru the top part to see something across the basement, or look thru the bottom to see up close...but half or more of the glasses are midrange - about arm's length away.
S scale has come along ways in the grand scheme of things, but even 2 rail O has a better selection, especially now that many MTH models can be gotten in 2 rail, same for AtlasO. Combined with Atlas offering their excellent track in 2 rail. Yes it takes a huge basement or garage to do in O scale what one can do in HO or N, that is one aspect nobody can change. But a the time same, does one really need an empire to enjoy a larger/more easilly seen scale? That directly ties into the cost of modeling. Now my plans is for older/vintage items found at the O scale meets and ebay/train shows. This keeps prices down. I can detail a diecast older diesel model to rival brass if I see fit, I have done that in HO with Athearn blue box diesels before I could afford brass and my eye sight/hand steadyness was better. Now I can spend time doing the same in 2 rail O as I can see it again and enjoy building a car kit while watching football ect on TV. Now if I could only get the two rail club in Indy to dust off its modular layout and set it up again! I keep trying as the keeper of that layout is up there in his years. Mike the Aspie
If I was 25 years younger, and 25 times more money, I would be tempted to do S scale, and maybe even go into it as a manufacturer.
Short of that impossibility, no, I'm happy right where I am in HO.
Erie1951 I think it's a shame that S scale doesn't get promoted and brought out front the way that it really should be.
I think it's a shame that S scale doesn't get promoted and brought out front the way that it really should be.
I would imagine, just like other scales, product availabillty is going to be a limiting factor and manufacturers aren't going to produce more variety due to lack of customers.
IMO, HO offers pretty darn good detail and without an aircraft hanger and a large bank acount, 2-rail O is out of the question. As it is HO really can eat a lot of space that I haven't had most of my life.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
I think it's a shame that S scale doesn't get promoted and brought out front the way that it really should be. When I was modeling in Sn3, I found the larger scale a lot easier to work with, especially when it came to detailing.
Russ
Modeling the early '50s Erie in Paterson, NJ. Here's the link to my railroad postcard collection: https://railroadpostcards.blogspot.com/