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Ive only been involved with trains for a few years, i dont have a layout yet and about 20 pieces of HO stuff. Nothing special, some proto and accurail thats about it. I have about a 3x6ft space to work with. I made a list but its not complete and id still like some assistance. Im 14 so i dont have to worry about eyes or hands or anything. Has anyone here made the switch? What made you switch? Do you regret it, do you like it or would you have stuck with HO? Why?
Pros:
More in less space
Cheaper equipment
Cons:
Less detail
Less availablility or equipment
Harder to detail
The equipment doesnt look as good IMO.
Well Littlefoot, my son built an N scale layout about half that size at about your age. It currently sits unused but I always thought it was kind of cool. (I'm an HO guy myself)
Given the room you have, I think N is the way to go. Also, I would expect that it maybe a few years before you get a semi-permentent place to build a large layout. When the oppurtunity arises you can move it easier and expand. If you do decide to go back to HO, given the small size you have now, you won't have a lot of investment in N.
Jump in and go N, it'll be more fun than just having a few pieces of HO. You can always buy an HO piece to detail if the mood hits you.
3x6 is the size of a hollow door and Woodland Scenics has layouts that are 3x6. Scenic Ridge is one. And you can fit allot onto a layout that size.
As far as detail: N scale came along way "IF" you stay away from train sets and buy more elaberate models. And selection has increased dramatically. But don't expect cheaper. Good detailed N scale stuff is going to be close in price to HO.
WOW I can see why you like that one!..Thats impressive for that much on a 3x5!
As young as you are and this early in the game, I jump into N with both feet concidering all the more you have invested already in HO.
WOW I can see why you like that one!..Thats impressive for that much on a 3x5!
As young as you are and this early in the game, I jump into N with both feet concidering all the more you have invested already in HO.
What? Are you saying i should do it or not lol.
I do really like that trackplan, i could even expand it alittle more too...
I think im gonna make the change, now just to get rid of my HO stuff lol.
Hey, that layout got me ready to change to N! Other than having a European accent to it, I love it. I'm sure an Americanized version would not be difficult, or not if you like.
The 3' dimension is what's the killer for your hopes of doing HO. All your curves will be tight and any layout you can make will probably frustrate you a good bit as you just will always feel liek you don't have enough space.
I'd say go with N scale. I had N scale from about 14 clear through college and beyond. The small size made it ideal during that period of my life, since I could store and move a layout much easier. Remember that you can take a 4'x8' HO scale track plan and fit it into a space of about 2'6" x 5' using N scale.
