Contemplating N Scale

[Anonymous]

I have modeled O gauge for the last few years and am thinking about starting an N scale layout. I need some advice on the power source, tracks, rollnig stock and engines. In other words, everything!!! Can you guys give me your opinions on the best vendors for each and why? How about DCC is it important?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

[retsignalmtr]

i model in n scale and have been in n for almost 29 years. i have started several layouts but was never satisfied with the operations of them until two years ago when i started my latest. it's an around the walls modular one track system. i have 55' of mainline now and will have over 70' when all the track is laid. i recently went with dcc and i'm very happy with it although the expense may be more than a new n scaler might want to spend until he or she gets more experience with n. there's a lot of equipment now that is very good and you can make a nice layout rivaling the other scales. a fellow club member of mine has a layout that is 30" by 60". it has a loop of track with two passing tracks, a switching area and some interchange tracks. he's got it very detailed and sceniced and runs it with dcc. atlas, kato and some lifelike have good running locos and now come with microtrains couplers or accumates installed. some of them even have dcc already installed. dcc makes wiring simpler not having to wire for multiple cabs with insulated blocks and toggle switches. if you don't go with dcc right now mrc powerpacks are good. atlas and peco both have good track and switches. the only thing with n is it's size. most times i have to use my reading glasses to work on it but i can do more with n and will stay with it as i'm now building a layout i've always wanted to build. enjoy.

[ATSFCLIFF]

I have been a railroad modeler for around 25years and all the time in N scale. For smooth running, well detailed engines go for Kato, Atlas and InterMountain. As for rolling stock you have a varied choice - Atlas, MicroTrains, deluxe Innovation, InterMountain and now Athearn. I use Peco flexi-tracks and turnouts for many years and find them very good and reliable. Take a look at Micro-Engineering flexi tracks and turnouts, they are also highly rated. Walthers, DPM and Atlas make good layout kit structures.
I am still on DC as I have too large a collection of engines to convert to DCC. I am using walkaround throttles and run multiple cabs on my layout.
Happy modeling!

Cliff

[Eriediamond]

Thanks pflaugh1 for popping your question here. I too, am contemplateing N scale. I did a layout back in the 60's in N scale but have been an HO modeler for many years. My thoughts for switching to N are the limited space I have plus the better and reliable products now available. Other then the modeling I do at my club,(which is very little since I don't have the time-- I'm an over the road trucker) I'm basicly an arm chair modeler at the present. I too will most likely stick with DC cab control rather then DCC since I'm not all that familar with DCC and my layout, when built will not be that complex. Also, I am toying with the idea, of having a two track main line with a train on each one when I'm not at home so that any on visiting can open the throttle on a power pack and run a train when I'm not there. Ken

[Jacktal]

When I first started,modelling N scale wasn't a choice as I didn't have much space available for building an interesting layout in HO.Although I felt a little disadvantaged then since there wasn't as much choice of equipment available in N but this has changed a lot since.It is still true and probably always be but the difference in choice availability isn't as pronounced as it was a few years back and this is improving all the time.

Detailing was my other preoccupation as it is twice as difficult to detail N compared to HO,specially when like me you lose some of your sight with aging.But on the other hand,detailing doesn't show half as much in N as it does in HO,so alltogether it is pretty much equal.

Prices?Comparable when you buy the top brands.However HO had a definite advantage since you could have a very reliable loco at very low price (Athearn) while bottom price N scale locos were generally poor runners,decent at best.But this has changed also as both Life-Like and Bachmann (Spectrum line) have improved their products substantially.Stay away from the old stuff (more than 5-6 years) and the Christmas Tree kits and you should have pretty decent material.

The best loco brands...based on my own material...Kato by a mile... with Atlas a strong second.I own a couple Spectrum's and Life-Like's that are nice runners too,though not as powerful as the others.

Thinking about DCC...this depends on the size and complexity of the layout you're planning and on the level of operation you like.DCC is much more flexible and enjoyable if you plan multiple trains operation at a time or have multiple track arrangements needing a complex control board to operate.On the other hand,if you have only a simple loop with a siding or two,DC will keep you happy.A lot of experienced modelers have run DC for years and still are,first because they are used to it and are happy with it,but also because retrofitting a fleet of multiple locos would be a daunting job,not considering the costs.But starting right away with DCC is different,as you wouldn't have to buy all the hardware needed for block control,which already makes DCC a lot more affordable.Even better,you wouldn't need all the complex wiring and the work involved.Which system brand?Well I believe they are all good although with some differences from one another.You'd have to research and determine which one suits your needs best.Just be sure they are to NMRA standards.Again though,I'd go for one of the top brands (Digitrax,NCE,Lenz) as often prices only seem higher but prove to be more enjoyable on the long run.
Atlas offers DCC equipped locos while Kato doesn't,but both brands newer products are "DCC ready" and a snap to retrofit if you buy the appropriate decoder.

I have installed both Peco and Atlas code 80 flextracks so far and find both are good.I haven't worked with Atlas manual turnouts so I can't comment.Peco's turnouts are very good although somewhat pricey when you add the motor,but on the long run,they're worthed it.I have tried Atlas "Snapswitch's" on my home layout and thrown them all away,they are cheap and that's exactly what they are...cheap stuff.

Since you've modelled O scale,it means that you have the room for building a great N scale layout...lucky you are...but I suggest that you carefully plan your layout and resist the temptation to have tracks everywhere.The main advantage of N scale is to have very broad and smooth curves,along with realistically looking yards and scenery in rather tight spaces.I've done this mistake...then tore it down and started all over again.And now...yes...N is my scale of choice indeed.