Basic question:HO or N?

[emdgp92]

I have a small L-shaped switching layout that runs along two walls in my basement. Since it's only about 2 feet wide, it doesn't take up too much space. Eventually, I plan on putting some bookshelves under it...to keep all those issues of MR off the floor :)

[dknelson]

Well if your wife is extremely tolerant and understanding, if I was you I'd put model railroading on the back burner and spend more time with the wife. (that's a JOKE, son).
If 4x8 is all the space you will ever have then i think you would find HO a bit confining as far as a layout goes. my own preference is for HO but only because I have the space to do what I really want to do.
Dave Nelson

[BRAKIE]

Don,Both scales have much to offer a modeler.I would not recommend putting your layout in the garage due to the many problems you will have there.
Now,if you don't have room for your 4'x8' in the house,then may I recommend a 36"x72" hollow core door? One can make a fine N scale layout on a door.The best part is it doesn't take much room.In N scale you could go as small as a 30"x 72" door also.

[Anonymous]

Hello, I kinda (well, make that "very") new to model railroading, something I've been wanting to do for a long time, but now that I'm retired (kinda), I have the time and a few extra dollars that I can spend to do it right. Before I get too involved, my first question to those here is: Which do you prefer, HO or N, and why?

I can definitely see the space advantage of N over HO, but fooling around with N scale appears that it might be a little tedious. I've got some HO stock and a few accessories, but not too much that I can't switch to N if that's my descision, but I would appreciate some direction and some suggestions.

I've got some room in the garage for at least a 4' x 8' layout, but the space is adjacent to my workshop that can get messy from time to time. I also have a wife that is extremely tolerant and understanding...:-)

Don