Are you happy with the scale you picked vs the space you have?

[Bushel86]

Kinda interested in understanding if you are happy with the scale you picked vs the space you have? For instance if you are like me with a small space? are you happy with the scale you choose even with the small space? Had/have you wished to change scales but maybe have to much invested so you don't? And Most importantly What made you choose the scale you model to begine with? What about switching did that factor in the scale you picked? Or was it Space? or details? What important factors made you happy with your choice based on the space you have?

So let me start. And the reason for my asking.
I started in Ho as a Kid, then after a long time away from the hobby I got back into it did N scale. I sold all my N scale to a friend an I took another break from Model railroading. When I came back the last time I decided I wanted to do Ho scale Because I never knew sound was a thing other then in steams. so hearing my first sound diesel loco was what did it for me. But after modeling a bunch in Ho scale making tons of buildings and structures and building a switching layout for a friend. I got frustrated because The room I have is small. 9'5"x 13" with only 9'5"x10' usable space. after years and years of track planning and going back and fourth with new Ideas. I just never was satisfied.

So I decided Maybe I should start doing N scale. I bought a locomotive and some track and cars. But Havent even put anything together. And after More frustration I just could not for the life of me Decide What scale Would best suit me. So I took a short break again. After swearing I was done with the hobby. And now Like a ton of bricks I know what I want to model. Since I want to Model The MD&DE and the Easternshore RR.. Because they are both fallen flags and because They are home locals for me. I realized my heart belongs to those fallen shortlines.

But I am torn between Ho scale And N scale.. and regardelss of what scale I choose I only plan on modeling a small Rural town with 4 -6 small mom and pop rail serve industries. in an around the room shelf layout. regardless of scale. but also option of continues running. But here is why scale is still hard to decide on.

I keep Leaning towards Ho scale for the simple fact that CF7s are more readily available. And since the MD&DE had 4 of them 2 were of the first batch ever made. along with some RS3's Ho scale really makes the most since esp since it is easier to modify and scratch build small parts. Plus I would think painting and lettering in Ho scale is alot easier then doing it in N scale. What I don't like about Ho scale is the space of my room limits me to. I keep feeling I would not be satisfied with the lack of distance the train would travel.

But what makes me long for N scale is the distance that N scale travels. having larger dead space making the train feel as if it really is going places. Plus 1 foot shelf depth is = to 18" for Ho scale. So having that extra space means I don't have to compress the buildings as much or the scene as much. And that makes me love N scale even more. While I am pretty confindent I can make the N scale buildings look as realistic as my Ho scale couterparts. I do not feel I could make the same locomotive modification in N scale as I could In Ho scale. And the lack of CF7's in N scale. makes it harder to make my decision. Plus sound in N scale doesn't mean anything for me. as it does in HO scale. I can take or leave it. it is not a factor.

While I already have a back story i am working on for my railroad, as a Proto freelance. With the MD&DE and the eastershore/baycoastal railroad merging as one to be the Dominate railroad on the Delmarva Peninisula. I think that is Why this choose is harder to make then just picking 1 or the other.

So what made you choose your scale esp if you have small space?

 

[Texas Hobo]

In my case I wanted mostly a operational layout but still have the option to sit back and rail fan. That said, I needed to be in N scale. However, if you are just going with a shelf 18" x 10', I think I'd go HO.

 

[Bushel86]

In my case I wanted mostly a operational layout but still have the option to sit back and rail fan. That said, I needed to be in N scale. However, if you are just going with a shelf 18" x 10', I think I'd go HO.

Hey I guess I forgotto clarify I Plan on it being an around the room layout, with continuess running as an option. MAy I ask why did your layout Need to be N scale? is based on space or You could get more in with N scale? Thats why I am asking what Made you know that scale is what you wanted?

 

[Texas Hobo]

I basically wanted as much train as I could get in the space allotted (by the wife). Going around the room on a 18" shelf, I would be very tempted to go N. 18" wide would allow you to put scenes between the edge and track.

 

[Marlin39]

You're way overthinking this. You want to run trains in circles, not model prototype operation. That's ok, it's what you want out of this hobby.

If you're young and can still comfortably see and work with small stuff, N scale is the way. If you're in your late 50's+, your eye sight isn't going to get any better, so HO would be easier. If you want lots of track crammed in a bunch of loops, then N scale. If you want more product availability/options, then HO.

Since you don't state DC or DCC that's a whole other consideration. DCC, especially in HO using Walthers DCC ready switches, makes the electrical work pretty much plug n play. There's a lot more electrical issues/considerations with regular DC.

I've modeled in On30, HOn30, HO, and a painfully brief attempt in N. I currently have a 2'x13' HO switching layout. I like prototype operation. 4 industries, 4 turnouts, and it takes me 30 minutes to perform an operating sessions. Would I like more room, absolutely, but I've learned to be careful what you wish for because you will get it. Start small and figure things out before you build an empire.

 

[PMW]

My layout is 11’ x 12’ and I chose HO. I was tempted by what I could do with the space in N but I decided HO would allow me to have the things that I prioritized and I have always been intimidated by working with the size of N scale.

After a number of years in HO I am satisfied with my choice.

 

[RhB Michael]

Mine fills a 12x14 room around all four sides, but it's not an around-the-room shelf type. i thought about N scale at first, but there was too much I wanted that is still not available in N scale from European manufacturers so I stayed with HO and HOm.

I'm happy with the choice as I have a much wider selection of what I like. Yard storage is at a premium though without any more practical room for expansion. My last addition was a three track hidden staging yard I managed to squeeze in on the hidden side of the layout.

 

[Bushel86]

You're way overthinking this. You want to run trains in circles, not model prototype operation. That's ok, it's what you want out of this hobby.

If you're young and can still comfortably see and work with small stuff, N scale is the way. If you're in your late 50's+, your eye sight isn't going to get any better, so HO would be easier. If you want lots of track crammed in a bunch of loops, then N scale. If you want more product availability/options, then HO.

Since you don't state DC or DCC that's a whole other consideration. DCC, especially in HO using Walthers DCC ready switches, makes the electrical work pretty much plug n play. There's a lot more electrical issues/considerations with regular DC.

I've modeled in On30, HOn30, HO, and a painfully brief attempt in N. I currently have a 2'x13' HO switching layout. I like prototype operation. 4 industries, 4 turnouts, and it takes me 30 minutes to perform an operating sessions. Would I like more room, absolutely, but I've learned to be careful what you wish for because you will get it. Start small and figure things out before you build an empire.

I always Over think lol But No I am doing Proto operations, I hate seeing trains go in circles after the first loop. But I want continous running just to break in locomotives and sometimes while I am at the workbench see it run around. But the layout will be a switching layout with the option of a drop in section to make it continous running.. Just instead of trying to fit way to many towns in the space I would keep it more spaced out like 1:1 scale within reason. (think lance mindheim downtown miami spur) Basically I am going to cram 2 towns into1 and keep it as if its only 1 town. but the space between industries will give me more distance traveled instead of having multiple industries in 1 little area. Hopefully I make since... With N scale I can do this. If I did Ho scale think of Tom Johnsons Cass county Railroad. So less space to really have traveled but still have that small town feel. If Anything. N scale would be = to Tom Johnsons Loaganport indiana & Northern layout Mixed with Lance's downtown Miami layout. More spaced out and room to run closer to that 1:1 scale. Hopefully i make sense. (Also not saying I am doing 1:1 either just trying to give example.)

As far as DCC or DC I have the ability to do both. So Really right now my N scale stuff is Dc, and My Ho scale locos are DCC with sound. But thats not to say I wont convert my N scale at some point. Also I'm not talking about running mutliple locomotives at 1 time Unless it is in a consist. and even then it wouldn't matter if its DCC or DC as far as power draw. But I think I will Probably wire it up to be set up for both DC and DCC, But I haven't got that far yet. Right now I am still working on track planning and benchwork.

My last layout I built was a 1'x 8' Ho scale Switching layout, I built it for a friend, and I operated it for myself for awhile. I hated the small foot print on the layout. Don't get me wrong I loved the layout. I loved the switching. But I just hated the small travel of the locomotive. I don't like watching trains circle for hours., as thats Also not my thing. But I like at least have the train to feel like it has more of a purpose then the small switching shove of a small shelf layout. The layout Prior to that was a 20' x 10' by 18" deep L shaped shelve layout. with only 5 industries. and I loved it.. Why. Because it felt like the train was actually traveling some dinstance before reaching its destination. thats why small swiching layouts don't appeal as much to me they lack that since of travel. Boy I hope I make sense. But I also aint looking for a Huge overwhelming empire as well. Save that for the clubs and the basement guys. I love short lines and old alcos and emds and such.

Well I hope I made sense. thats why its hard to just go with either Ho or N. both have merrit for me. I just bought A N scale CF7 shell. and MD&DE decals today. Now i have to find handrails for it. and a chassis. But this will give me an idea if I can get the same detail on the loco as I can in Ho then N scale will be my choice. I just need to see If my Skills will apply to smaller scales. So this will be the test.

 

[Marlin39]

I always Over think lol But No I am doing Proto operations, But the layout will be a switching layout with the option of a drop in section to make it continous running.. Just instead of trying to fit way to many towns in the space I would keep it more spaced out like 1:1 scale within reason. (think lance mindheim downtown miami spur) Basically I am going to cram 2 towns into1 and keep it as if its only 1 town. but the space between industries will give me more distance traveled instead of having multiple industries in 1 little area. Hopefully I make since... With N scale I can do this. If I did Ho scale think of Tom Johnsons Cass county Railroad. So less space to really have traveled but still have that small town feel. If Anything. N scale would be = to Tom Johnsons Loaganport indiana & Northern layout Mixed with Lance's downtown Miami layout. More spaced out and room to run closer to that 1:1 scale. Hopefully i make sense. (Also not saying I am doing 1:1 either just trying to give example.)

As far as DCC or DC I have the ability to do both. So Really right now my N scale stuff is Dc, and My Ho scale locos are DCC with sound. But thats not to say I wont convert my N scale at some point. Also I'm not talking about running mutliple locomotives at 1 time Unless it is in a consist. and even then it wouldn't matter if its DCC or DC as far as power draw. But I think I will Probably wire it up to be set up for both DC and DCC, But I haven't got that far yet. Right now I am still working on track planning and benchwork.

My last layout I built was a 1'x 8' Ho scale Switching layout, I built it for a friend, and I operated it for myself for awhile. I hated the small foot print on the layout. Don't get me wrong I loved the layout. I loved the switching. But I just hated the small travel of the locomotive. I don't like watching trains circle for hours., as thats Also not my thing. But I like at least have the train to feel like it has more of a purpose then the small switching shove of a small shelf layout. The layout Prior to that was a 20' x 10' by 18" deep L shaped shelve layout. with only 5 industries. and I loved it.. Why. Because it felt like the train was actually traveling some dinstance before reaching its destination. thats why small swiching layouts don't appeal as much to me they lack that since of travel. Boy I hope I make sense. But I also aint looking for a Huge overwhelming empire as well. Save that for the clubs and the basement guys. I love short lines and old alcos and emds and such.

Well I hope I made sense. thats why its hard to just go with either Ho or N. both have merrit for me. I just bought A N scale CF7 shell. and MD&DE decals today. Now i have to find handrails for it. and a chassis. But this will give me an idea if I can get the same detail on the loco as I can in Ho then N scale will be my choice. I just need to see If my Skills will apply to smaller scales. So this will be the test.

You're still way over thinking this.....just by the 3,000 word essays you write.

I consulted with Lance for my current project. I just couldn't get my ideas on paper. I wanted a few, large, industries that had a capacity for more than one car that operate in a prototype manner, in my footprint. He put together a good track plan that I just changed a few industries on.

You're still contradicting yourself. "I hate seeing trains go in circles after the first loop. But I want continuous running just to break in locomotives and sometimes while I am at the workbench see it run around." I have never had to break in a recently purchased engine. That may be because I have only bought Rapido, Genesis, and BLI. It really sounds like you want to run trains in a circle and stop and spot cars along the way. That's fine, it's what you want to do.

My switching layout is somewhat based on this 4 industry local short line.

 

[RhB Michael]

I'm into railfanning, so that's what I like to see...my trains moving. I prefer a lot of hidden track and a folded figure 8 to hide the merry-go-round effect. I don't have the patience for operations, and there really isn't a whole lot in Germany unless you're at a major terminal or yard.

 

[J.Albert]

My thoughts (and they're never over-thought, I'm lucky if I have any at all):

O is too big.
N is too small -- I refuse to consider something I can't even see nor manipulate well in my hands.

HO is right. It fits in my space, I can see it, pick it up, work on it.
Biggest selection of "stuff", as well.

 

[Guilford Railman]

For my current HO layout which is built in an approximate 9’ x 9’ space, I consulted with James Hilton on the design phase. He originally suggested N gauge for the space I had but I really wanted HO gauge due to the availability of the railroad rolling stock I wanted to model (VTR/GMRC) and also the ease of handling when building/tinkering on stuff.

It was a challenge coming up with a plan that incorporated what I wanted; a combination of single track mainline for scenic running, as well as prototype operations, but I think we came up with something I’ll be happy with for a long time!

I do enjoy both HO and N gauge but my first train set was HO and I’ve just always preferred it.

 

[TheXModelRailroader]

Kinda interested in understanding if you are happy with the scale you picked vs the space you have? For instance if you are like me with a small space? are you happy with the scale you choose even with the small space? Had/have you wished to change scales but maybe have to much invested so you don't? And Most importantly What made you choose the scale you model to begine with? What about switching did that factor in the scale you picked? Or was it Space? or details? What important factors made you happy with your choice based on the space you have?

So let me start. And the reason for my asking.
I started in Ho as a Kid, then after a long time away from the hobby I got back into it did N scale. I sold all my N scale to a friend an I took another break from Model railroading. When I came back the last time I decided I wanted to do Ho scale Because I never knew sound was a thing other then in steams. so hearing my first sound diesel loco was what did it for me. But after modeling a bunch in Ho scale making tons of buildings and structures and building a switching layout for a friend. I got frustrated because The room I have is small. 9'5"x 13" with only 9'5"x10' usable space. after years and years of track planning and going back and fourth with new Ideas. I just never was satisfied.

So I decided Maybe I should start doing N scale. I bought a locomotive and some track and cars. But Havent even put anything together. And after More frustration I just could not for the life of me Decide What scale Would best suit me. So I took a short break again. After swearing I was done with the hobby. And now Like a ton of bricks I know what I want to model. Since I want to Model The MD&DE and the Easternshore RR.. Because they are both fallen flags and because They are home locals for me. I realized my heart belongs to those fallen shortlines.

But I am torn between Ho scale And N scale.. and regardelss of what scale I choose I only plan on modeling a small Rural town with 4 -6 small mom and pop rail serve industries. in an around the room shelf layout. regardless of scale. but also option of continues running. But here is why scale is still hard to decide on.

I keep Leaning towards Ho scale for the simple fact that CF7s are more readily available. And since the MD&DE had 4 of them 2 were of the first batch ever made. along with some RS3's Ho scale really makes the most since esp since it is easier to modify and scratch build small parts. Plus I would think painting and lettering in Ho scale is alot easier then doing it in N scale. What I don't like about Ho scale is the space of my room limits me to. I keep feeling I would not be satisfied with the lack of distance the train would travel.

But what makes me long for N scale is the distance that N scale travels. having larger dead space making the train feel as if it really is going places. Plus 1 foot shelf depth is = to 18" for Ho scale. So having that extra space means I don't have to compress the buildings as much or the scene as much. And that makes me love N scale even more. While I am pretty confindent I can make the N scale buildings look as realistic as my Ho scale couterparts. I do not feel I could make the same locomotive modification in N scale as I could In Ho scale. And the lack of CF7's in N scale. makes it harder to make my decision. Plus sound in N scale doesn't mean anything for me. as it does in HO scale. I can take or leave it. it is not a factor.

While I already have a back story i am working on for my railroad, as a Proto freelance. With the MD&DE and the eastershore/baycoastal railroad merging as one to be the Dominate railroad on the Delmarva Peninisula. I think that is Why this choose is harder to make then just picking 1 or the other.

So what made you choose your scale esp if you have small space?

Hello Bushel86.

Ok, I see what you are asking. Right of the bat, I think you are o the right track. Testing to see if you can do some modeling in N scale is a good way to make sure. I would search around on the web and make sure locomotives and rolling stock you need exist. Its no rush.

In my opinion, Ho always wins. You see I don't have a layout yet (Run them on the floor for now. Its not bad if you want a different set up every now and then ), and if I get one, It probably wont be any bigger the 8x4 for now. But even though I know this, I still collect HO scale.
More options at a cheaper price. More details I can make. I wont have to change it when I'm old. And as J.Albert put it, although N scale is cool, HO just feels right. Now on that note, I just started collecting N scale as well. There is no reason you cant have both. I did this because N is small enough that I may find a spot for it as well.
I don't think you are over thinking anything. Sometimes these things take time. My sister sometimes has a hard time picking a path for books she wrights. Often she knows she has to pick one way or the other, but just asks for my advice. I often cop it up to this, Deep down, you probably already know. Just look at your pros and cons and chose.
Its not like you cant go back! As long if you don't sell what you have, You could always start on the layout, and if you don't like it, redo it in the other scale. More work, yes. But you would not be the first.

IMO I would do HO as you have DCC all ready to go. But, try to do a model or two in N and see if you like it!
One other question. I think I understand you, But when you say, "I hate seeing trains go in circles after the first loop. But I want continuous running just to break in locomotives and sometimes while I am at the workbench see it run around." Do you mean you just want something else besides a circles like a dog bone, as opposed to a single track?

Just let me know what your thinking.

 

[D&J RailRoad]

I've modeled HO all my life. My first layout was a little more than a sheet of plywood but it ended up being trashed as I got along in high school and trains weren't cool any more.
Fast forward about 20 years and my son is getting of the age of interest in models, so I scrounge together some lumber that was left over from building our house and we built a layout in the basement. About 20' long with dog bone turn arounds at each end. Several years later, my son is older now and he finally hits me with the, "Dad, trains aren't cool anymore". I'm on my own.
I found a modular club and began building my layout around the basement. It became the largest layout in the club. Years later, I'm widowed and the house is way more than I need. I dismantle the layout and prepare to sell the house.
My search for a new home wasn't turning up anything of real interest. Either the neighborhood was crumby or the house was to big or to many floors. It seems that quite a few realtors don't listen to well. Finally, a new realtor showed me a new build that had been on the market for over 6 months. He had been listening to me for what I was looking for. Ranch type home on one floor. Full garage, a few acres, a few bedrooms and most important, a full basement of about 2,000 square feet with all utilities in the center, away from the walls. This was it. We walked around the back of the house were I could look into the basement at ground level. Perfect, I'll buy it. The realtor looked at me as if he thought I was kidding. Do ya want to look inside upstairs? Oh, yeah, OK. We came in through the front door, I stood in the foyer were I could see into the great room on the back of the house, the stair well going to the basement, the kitchen with all new appliances. "Yeah, I'll take it", while still standing in the foyer. The realtor walked down the hallway to the bedrooms and I followed. Nice, I can use this space. Guest room, video production room and a bedroom with master bath and hot tub.
I was going to be closing on my previous house in a couple days and I had money in the bank to do a cash deal. I put together an offer with the realtor that was way below the asking price. Seller took it right away. I closed in a few days and started moving in. 8 months later I was building the D&J Railroad, using the full 2,000 square foot basement. I can run an op session on it with the club or just put trains in motion while I'm working at the table and break to watch them roll by. I have a TV screen there that has Roku so I can YouTube train videos down there too, or football.

 

[Frenchie]

Hey I guess I forgotto clarify I Plan on it being an around the room layout, with continuess running as an option. MAy I ask why did your layout Need to be N scale? is based on space or You could get more in with N scale? Thats why I am asking what Made you know that scale is what you wanted?

Hi bushel86.
To me it was always HO as far as I can remember. It was more, with O scale, what I could see as a youngster, I guess "generational" is the word.

I am lucky I could have a usable space of 5.55 m x 5.55 m ( 18' 6" x 18' 6" ), so it confirmed that HO would be perfect.

When I started the layout construction back in 2012, I was then already over 60, as time goes by, visual acuity doesn't improve. I would have
chosen N scale I could have built big, wide and beautiful expanses of scenery, which I love doing. But I could now face issues with detailing
scale size small areas. The smaller are the details, the more you see mistakes on photos if you fail.
I start to install decoders (Blunami) in my DC locos, I suppose that a N scale loco belly would be delicate, for me, to work with.

With hindsight it was HO I wanted since ever, so I sticked to it and, today, everything tells me it was the good choice. Absolutely no regrets.

 

[RhB Michael]

Same here with the eyesight problems. It is difficult to install MU hoses and other detail parts on locomotives in even HO scale. I can't imagine trying to do that in N scale.

 

[Frenchie]

Absolutely, personally I am still doing fine in HO, no shaking hands either, so far so good. In N scale I think I would lose
the pleasure and the willpower.

 

[Bushel86]

You're still way over thinking this.....just by the 3,000 word essays you write.

I consulted with Lance for my current project. I just couldn't get my ideas on paper. I wanted a few, large, industries that had a capacity for more than one car that operate in a prototype manner, in my footprint. He put together a good track plan that I just changed a few industries on.

You're still contradicting yourself. "I hate seeing trains go in circles after the first loop. But I want continuous running just to break in locomotives and sometimes while I am at the workbench see it run around." I have never had to break in a recently purchased engine. That may be because I have only bought Rapido, Genesis, and BLI. It really sounds like you want to run trains in a circle and stop and spot cars along the way. That's fine, it's what you want to do.

My switching layout is somewhat based on this 4 industry local short line.

You right Its bad thing I do lol Forgive me.. for the over thinking and the million word essay. I wish I could afford to consult lance Buthis Prices and my Disability Income do Not match. and He makes no exemptions. So I'm having to do everything myself. and Having a brain injury makes that harder. But oh well I will manage.

In a way yes I am contradicting myself, But Also not.. OK so If I am standing there watching trains run the whole layout in circles. after the frist lap I basicly bored. But if I am at my work bench working on a model and watch the train pass by every now again as a rail fan. that is different. Because I am not actually watching it go around in circles. But even that get old for me. But it does help stretch the neck when I look up after working on a model for a while lol.

And your layout seems to be about what I am after.

My thoughts (and they're never over-thought, I'm lucky if I have any at all):

O is too big.
N is too small -- I refuse to consider something I can't even see nor manipulate well in my hands.

HO is right. It fits in my space, I can see it, pick it up, work on it.
Biggest selection of "stuff", as well.

I love O scale 2 rail. LOve the detail of it, But I agree it is Too Big, and to Expensive.
I agree Ho is perfect in a lot of ways.

For my current HO layout which is built in an approximate 9’ x 9’ space, I consulted with James Hilton on the design phase. He originally suggested N gauge for the space I had but I really wanted HO gauge due to the availability of the railroad rolling stock I wanted to model (VTR/GMRC) and also the ease of handling when building/tinkering on stuff.

It was a challenge coming up with a plan that incorporated what I wanted; a combination of single track mainline for scenic running, as well as prototype operations, but I think we came up with something I’ll be happy with for a long time!

I do enjoy both HO and N gauge but my first train set was HO and I’ve just always preferred it.

Ho scale is Probably always going to be my first choice. it is what I grew up with as well. And See what you are looking for in your layout is something similar. I think for me I am ok with doing either city or rural, But I think mostly I love shortline and branchline industrual settings.

When You talked about Scenic running thats kinda how I felt with N scale the dead space between industries having that scenic space to kinda rail fan. before the next Job. In the Space we have I have a hard time Picturing being able to achieve it. But I think I get to cought up on the track plan That I never get things built and actually run to see if I would enjoy it.. Maybe need to change that...

Thanks for the Replys

 

[Marlin39]

This should be an easy decision now that you let us know you're on somewhat of a fixed income and with the disability.

HO really is the direction you should be going. You can buy some very high quality items, at extremely discounted prices, off of Ebay and also by going to train shows. Buy the best you can afford and you will have no regrets.

All the best to you.

 

[Bushel86]

Hello Bushel86.

Ok, I see what you are asking. Right of the bat, I think you are o the right track. Testing to see if you can do some modeling in N scale is a good way to make sure. I would search around on the web and make sure locomotives and rolling stock you need exist. Its no rush.

In my opinion, Ho always wins. You see I don't have a layout yet (Run them on the floor for now. Its not bad if you want a different set up every now and then ), and if I get one, It probably wont be any bigger the 8x4 for now. But even though I know this, I still collect HO scale.
More options at a cheaper price. More details I can make. I wont have to change it when I'm old. And as J.Albert put it, although N scale is cool, HO just feels right. Now on that note, I just started collecting N scale as well. There is no reason you cant have both. I did this because N is small enough that I may find a spot for it as well.
I don't think you are over thinking anything. Sometimes these things take time. My sister sometimes has a hard time picking a path for books she wrights. Often she knows she has to pick one way or the other, but just asks for my advice. I often cop it up to this, Deep down, you probably already know. Just look at your pros and cons and chose.
Its not like you cant go back! As long if you don't sell what you have, You could always start on the layout, and if you don't like it, redo it in the other scale. More work, yes. But you would not be the first.

IMO I would do HO as you have DCC all ready to go. But, try to do a model or two in N and see if you like it!
One other question. I think I understand you, But when you say, "I hate seeing trains go in circles after the first loop. But I want continuous running just to break in locomotives and sometimes while I am at the workbench see it run around." Do you mean you just want something else besides a circles like a dog bone, as opposed to a single track?

Just let me know what your thinking.

I am thinking Ho scale is the way to Go. I think in my heart it has always been the more dominate. I did Build a few Building in N scale and Have to say. Its really not much more different then in Ho scale. Weathering is a bit more challanging because to much is noticable. but Also I find that With N scale things like Metal Siding. the Small details of something Like that are drasticly different. Esp if your are going for Proto typicical vs what looks ok. When I model a Building I don't go for what looks ok, I like to make it look as accurate as possible and I find N scale isn't as achievable in that regard. and So I have to settle a bit. not a big deal but still a pet peeve. But thats the nature of a small scale.

As far seeing trains go in circles I answered this earlier But, No I hate watching trains go in circles Esp on small layouts. Large Club layouts and modulars thats different. But small Home layouts. It bothers me IDKY. , But If I am at my workbench and Watch it go by occasionlly then thats different. Because I am not watching it going around and around the entire layout. Just watching it pass while i am working. Because I am not paying attention to it as much. And As far as Dog bones or that nature. Again Its more about watching it make laps. I will say. I do not like a layout where the train passes through the same scene twice.. by a turn back loop unless its point to point where its Prototypical coming back the way it went. thats fine. but if the entire train just did a 180 and and is now in the back half of the scene that I don't like. Now if the train is covered or going behind a back drop where you can't see it passing back through itself I am ok. but that another one of my Do not likes.

If I could run things on the floor it be simple for me. But My Dogs Prevent such things. Plus getting on and off the floor these days is a chore.
I didn't sell all of my Ho stuff, But I did sell some of it to my friend when I gave him his layout. so he could get started. But I wanted to help him out.

I've modeled HO all my life. My first layout was a little more than a sheet of plywood but it ended up being trashed as I got along in high school and trains weren't cool any more.
Fast forward about 20 years and my son is getting of the age of interest in models, so I scrounge together some lumber that was left over from building our house and we built a layout in the basement. About 20' long with dog bone turn arounds at each end. Several years later, my son is older now and he finally hits me with the, "Dad, trains aren't cool anymore". I'm on my own.
I found a modular club and began building my layout around the basement. It became the largest layout in the club. Years later, I'm widowed and the house is way more than I need. I dismantle the layout and prepare to sell the house.
My search for a new home wasn't turning up anything of real interest. Either the neighborhood was crumby or the house was to big or to many floors. It seems that quite a few realtors don't listen to well. Finally, a new realtor showed me a new build that had been on the market for over 6 months. He had been listening to me for what I was looking for. Ranch type home on one floor. Full garage, a few acres, a few bedrooms and most important, a full basement of about 2,000 square feet with all utilities in the center, away from the walls. This was it. We walked around the back of the house were I could look into the basement at ground level. Perfect, I'll buy it. The realtor looked at me as if he thought I was kidding. Do ya want to look inside upstairs? Oh, yeah, OK. We came in through the front door, I stood in the foyer were I could see into the great room on the back of the house, the stair well going to the basement, the kitchen with all new appliances. "Yeah, I'll take it", while still standing in the foyer. The realtor walked down the hallway to the bedrooms and I followed. Nice, I can use this space. Guest room, video production room and a bedroom with master bath and hot tub.
I was going to be closing on my previous house in a couple days and I had money in the bank to do a cash deal. I put together an offer with the realtor that was way below the asking price. Seller took it right away. I closed in a few days and started moving in. 8 months later I was building the D&J Railroad, using the full 2,000 square foot basement. I can run an op session on it with the club or just put trains in motion while I'm working at the table and break to watch them roll by. I have a TV screen there that has Roku so I can YouTube train videos down there too, or football.

Buying a House for the sole Purpose of a Model railroad. Yep I would Probably do the same if I had the means. Lol

Hi bushel86.
To me it was always HO as far as I can remember. It was more, with O scale, what I could see as a youngster, I guess "generational" is the word.

I am lucky I could have a usable space of 5.55 m x 5.55 m ( 18' 6" x 18' 6" ), so it confirmed that HO would be perfect.

When I started the layout construction back in 2012, I was then already over 60, as time goes by, visual acuity doesn't improve. I would have
chosen N scale I could have built big, wide and beautiful expanses of scenery, which I love doing. But I could now face issues with detailing
scale size small areas. The smaller are the details, the more you see mistakes on photos if you fail.
I start to install decoders (Blunami) in my DC locos, I suppose that a N scale loco belly would be delicate, for me, to work with.

With hindsight it was HO I wanted since ever, so I sticked to it and, today, everything tells me it was the good choice. Absolutely no regrets.

Yeah And I am not getting any younger. I just always feel like I can't get what I want out of the Space with Ho scale and I think I just need to get out of my head. lol I just need to Build the Benchwork again and just go from there.. Maybe I should stop trying to have a plan and just start building. I guess as Much as I love N scale Its Probably to many compremises I don't think I can do anymore. esp as my health gets worse.

This should be an easy decision now that you let us know you're on somewhat of a fixed income and with the disability.

HO really is the direction you should be going. You can buy some very high quality items, at extremely discounted prices, off of Ebay and also by going to train shows. Buy the best you can afford and you will have no regrets.

All the best to you.

Thanks Marlin, Still isn't easy. Really as far as budget N scale about the same as Ho scale, and it would just take me longer to build the layout. But I do already have a fair amount of Ho scale stuff. And As I have been sitting here responding to everyone I am reminded Painfully that my Health is getting worse. So Building a layout in Ho scale is Probably the way to go.. I do actually get a lot from Fleabay. But I haven't been to a train show in 20 years. and don't even know when any in my area are.. I have been out of the loop a long time.

If anyone is willing to help me design a layout I be greatful, As much as I would love to consult a Professional I just can't afford that. If your interested in helping a fellow modeler out. Just DM me..

Thanks for all the wonderful comments. and helping me sort this out of my head.