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I'm still in the planing process of a multi-deck layout. The two lower levels will be a mix of one and two levels, and will be HO. The upper level I was thinking of going with N and with the theme of logging. One idea I've had was to have a plume with the logs entering in on the N level and then in the process of coming down to the HO logging pond with the mill there. In reality the logs will be to scale as per level and never the twain shall meet. But I was just wondering if the look and the mix will work, and if anyone has tried such a plan?
thanks
Mike, I see no reason that this arrangement shouldn't work very well visually and certainly will appear much better to the viewer than the sometimes attempted concept of including both scales in the same scene and expecting the smaller trains to be accepted by the viewer as an effect of perspective (which honestly cannot and does not work, except in photographs).
Since the HO and N scenes will be viewed as isolated and independent from one another, the differing scales really won't be a relevant factor. I only wish that more individuals who desire to employ differing scales would approach the matter in the manner similar to what you've outlined.
Thanks for the input. I had started with the N scale and I bought the HO for my dad. When he died it all came back to me and when I started planning this layout, I don't know why but I just started going HO with the thought of going back to the N on a small scale but the floor space would take to much away from the HO. So I thought why not.
thanks
Interesting concept! The way you worded your post Mike, I keep visualizing it animated. I'm guessing that's not what you meant, but it would be cool to have an N scale log traveling down, and after a view block re-appear as an HO log!
The problem with using HO and N together is the difference is too much. O & S or S & HO being closer to each other would work better. Since you're talking logging, the trees will help to blend the scales together nicely. Post pictures when it starts to come together.
Mike, I assume you mean using a flume for the logs. Logs are one of those things that really don't have a scale. A big N scale log is just a smaller HO scale log. Mills used logs of different sizes, depending on the length of log their equipment could handle. A mill with a large saw house in N scale could handle logs that are long in N scale but shorter in HO scale. The circumference would be the only real difference, and that won't be very noticeable if the logs are floating in a log pond.
Sorry about not getting back, but we took off for a few days. But back to trains. I'm lucky enough to live in an area that still has one mill still working and I have friends in high places within Collins mill. One had pictures of some of the early workings of the Collins history and then I have a few older friends that logged the area and have pics of the camps and they remember living in some of the cars in the make shift camps. As far as my layout, the top level will be the N scale and it's there on that level the logs will enter the flume and run down to splash into the pond in the HO scale area. Yes your right about the size of logs being without scale. They just have to look good to the areas scenery. If there are 2' dia. trees in the area that's being cut down in the N scale then having 4' trees starting down the flume is uncalled for. So, starting with the larger 4' trees will then be 2' trees on the lower level. I was all set to start layout work on the bench work when my wife said she wanted a new kitchen, so I just said yes honey.
