Thoughts on N scale VS HO scale layouts

[ReadingBob]

Interesting question Dave. I'm in the middle of trying to come up with a track plan for the limited space I have available in my small house. I'm sticking with HO but I will say I have considered N scale. I've built a few N scale structures for JMancuso and he has them on the beautiful N scale layout he's working on. I must say I'm tempted by some of the things I see him able to do in a relatively small space.

There's lots of pro's and con's for both scales to consider. Personally, I elected to stay with HO because of what I already have invested in it, the quality of the sound that's available these days in HO and, finally, the fact that my eyes aren't getting any better with age. N certainly does offer more possbilities in a limited space though. Especially if you don't want a small layout to seem like there's no distance between towns/stops.

Good luck making a decision. This should be an interesting discussion.

[bparrish]

Bob has touched on what would make the difference if I were choosing today. Are you getting younger? ? ?

Can you see as well as you did 10 years ago? ? ?

It's not going to get better !

There are a lot of considerations for choosing N with what it offers for illusion of distance. There are a few great railroads in the Boise Valley here that are certainly more than a switching module but they have a lot of action without great distances.

Operations have become a local sport here and N scale is a bit difficult to do that with.

see ya
Bob

[rebel]

Stick with HO if you can, I was tempted to go On30 because of the detail that can be had. How about some room dimensions and exactly what you want.

[DaKra]

I like both scales. The way I see it, N is ideal for expansive scenery and HO is ideal for detailed structures. If detailing is hard on the eyes, N might actually be a little easier, since you are working in more of an impressionistic mode.

Congrats on the new home.

Dave

[erieman]

Dave,

You forgot to mention the size of the room / basement area that you have for a layout and what you want to achieve. Is this going to be your first layout? Size is not the critical agenda in a layout, but building something that provides you pleasure in building, running and sharing with others. If this is going to be your first layout, start small because you are going to learn a lot, much of which you will want to change over time. A big layout is a daunting task that can take forever to complete. You will find that technologies and building techniques continue to change and will have a big influence on your layout. Start small and i would agree with several others, use the HO equipment that you have. Congrats on the new home and i hope that it has a HUGE basement.

Frank / Erieman

[Zephyrus52246]

I model in HO but built an N scale layout for my son years ago. That's when I discovered I needed bifocals and magnifiers.

Jeff