is N scale really for me?

[briansommers787]

here is the problem.. I really want to do HO but I only have room for N. I tried N about 5 yrs ago and it was so fiddly it drove me nutty...

Has it got better? I want to build a little shelf switching layout about 12" x 6 or 8'

I know with HO I won't get hardly anything on there but N will be perfect, but am I going to have check myself into a white padded room later on?


just a bit of background of me, I'm 46, eyesight is good and when I was much younger I had a descent n scale layout and loveed it, then I did a little in HO and really loved it... now I'm thinking about getting back into it again.

sell me on N

 

[drh68]

N Scale is fine these days, I am 68 years old and have modeled OO.HO and N scale layouts over the years, at the moment modeling N scale and my eyesight is pretty bad but have no trouble.

I also have friends aged 90 and 87 both of which model N scale with no trouble

Cheers
Dave

 

[WCWBrassHat]

What brand of engines, cars, and track did you try 5 years ago? Can you proveide more details about the problems you had?

There are definate quality levels between manufacturers. N scale has improved greatly over the years, but is not perfect.

Age shouldn't be a problem. I'm 56 and have friends in there 60's and 70's that are regular participants in my monthly ops sessions.

Glenn

 

[Royalhaw]

N scale for me

I understand your concern. I really wanted to get back into HO because of the volumn of accessories and the such. But I have restricted space also and to get a reasonable layout I needed to go to N. HO is a much easier size to work with but N is acceptable. I have found that I could get most of what I wanted in N and I am having good luck with the stock. Working on items (building kits, etc.) has not been easy but a lighted magnifing headset is great. I am 70 and the eyes are not the best but with the headset I can do almost everyting. Track can be a problem but if you take your time in putting the track togther it will work fine. Best of luck.... Harlan

 

[TrinityJayOne]

I modelled HO as a kid some 20 years ago and have recently taken up the hobby again in N. My eyesight is horrible (can only focus to about 1' away without glasses) but I haven't had any issues with N locomotives or track yet......actually I take that back, as some of the larger steam engines can be a bit of a pain to get on the tracks by hand. I had a C&O H4 2-6-6-2 that fit the description nicely, simply because of the articulation and the way that the front & rear trucks were tucked away under things. A rerailer ramp is helpful here, provided that the pilot can clear the rails.

I say go for it!