N or HO?

[MRLdave]

The answer is simple ............first you decide what you want your RR to do for you. Do you want a loop, point to point, switching, ect. THEN you look at your available space. And THEN you choose the largest scale that lets you do what you want in the space you have. If you're lucky, it's G! Don't look at cost.......it'll be expensive no matter what. Don't let kids be a factor......if they look at the layout as a toy, they'll break anything you give them and if they see it as a model RR, they'll be fine with any size. The trick is not to pick the scale first, because you have already set limits when you do. Set the limits first.

 

[leghome]

Good point Dave. I started by choosing scale first and was not disappointed because of the space I had. I had some great running loco,s and some very nice rolling stock. When I started I went cheap and paid for it dearly as nothing would run or kept falling off track and just did not look good. I am now in the process of selling everything as I have lost interest but do not regret having made a good stab at the hobby. A lot of great friends that I still talk to and visit with. It was great fun and time well spent.

 

[TwrOpr 87]

Theres a lot of great thoughts here already posted. My 2 cents, HO is great if you've got a good amount of room for your layout. Basically if you wanna have x,y, and z and can do it in HO then that's the best choice by far. It's a bit more pricey but easier to handle and repair. On the other hand, N scale is great for a person who has limited space and a smaller budget. Rolling stock is cheaper and just as available as HO if you look around. The down side is the details are tiny and anything is harder to work with, or handle. I've currently got an HO layout (25x9 feet) and a small 6x7 foot L shaped N scale layout. The N scale layout is my garage and was built cuz I was bored. Due to the limited space it's small but really neat and based on the Milwaukee Rd in the early 80s.
My advice is to figure out specifically what you want out of the layout and go from there picking a gauge that will suit your needs. Personally I prefer HO for the size and ease


Sent from the past

 

[bfl721]

Many factors involve your decision ..... Cost, your age, space,availability of products , what era. Ive had n-scale too small
for me to scratchbuid[54 yrs old] ho just right. O-scale too big for me, lgb on my deck or backyard....relax and run...weigh the pros and cons...........ho for me!

 

[bfl721]

decisions......................

Many factors involve your decision ..... Cost, your age, space,availability of products , what era. Ive had n-scale too small
for me to scratchbuid[54 yrs old] ho just right. O-scale too big for me, lgb on my deck or backyard....relax and run...weigh the pros and cons...........ho for me!