Steve, Depending on the scale you choose, the drawbacks, shortcomings, disadvantages etc. applies to all scales from Z to G. I have been modelling in N since the late 80's and my main grouse is the smallness of the parts especially when you are short sighted like me. Otherwise, I think this scale is great. Cheers,
I enjoy the ability to create big scenes in small spaces. At 59, my eyesight and hand steadiness aren't what they used to be. I've compensated for eyesight with an Optivisor, and wish I had done it many years earlier. My hands aren't really that much less steady than in my earlier years. I think I just demand much more precision from them than 30 years ago. So I use tool rests, and more carefully calibrated cutting methods than I did back when. My modeling now is far superior than it was 30 years ago. In the end, it comes down to attention to detail. Whatever scale you choose, attention to detail--attention to the model--is paramount. N scale is not too small to achieve high fidelity modeling nor, as we've seen over on the Z scale forum, is Z scale too small. You are just working with different dimensions.
I find that myself, on the local club's Horribly Oversized layout... It's a wierd feeling to be fumbling around trying to rerail an HO car; when you can deftly install a wire grab iron bent from .008" brass rod, into #80 holes you drilled in the nose of an N scale locomotive!:teeth:
Drwawbacks: One of the biggest drawbacks is the lack of steam engines. Particularly smaller 442 or 460 type locos. If you want to do steam I'd say go with HO or O scale. We do have steam, but it just doesn't compare in detail or sound. Certain models cannot be found in N scale. I like European trains. I have explored purchasing European trains in N and they just do not have the expansive quantity of models we have for US prototype in N scale. Along the same lines with the European modelling. I like small switchers. There just aren't any small reliable switchers in N. Particularly when it comes to a four wheel diesel critter like my favorite here. I am a sloppy modeller. Most scratchbuilding I have done is not very forgiving of my not so accurate skills. I think HO or larger would afford me more leeway. I'm also at an age where bifocals are required. good points: At the same time. I like the look and feel of the smaller trains. I got my first N set back in the mid seventies after having had HO all my life. Then quickly followed it up with another starter set for more stuff. I can sit back and look at a whole train scene more easily without being sucked into the details. Space is limited and my door panel has provided more than enough layout to keep me busy for a long time. HO scale or even O are just not an option right now. Cost. N scale is cheaper than the other scales. O scale is way more expensive than N. It's cute. Yep N scale trains are kinda cute, that's why I like 'em so much.
These are not disadvantages... Truck mounts make for a lot less trouble on tight curves. And whatever their shortcomings in appearance, Rapidos work, unlike the "horn-hook" couplers that are their HO counterpart.
Don't let eyesight worry you! I'm 77 and wear trifocals. Most of the time my "all of the time" lenses do fine. Sometimes I have to use magnification. when that happens I have accumulated several different tools - each for different situations. They are not expensive. It's actually a fun experience working on things that are magnified. I've thinking about asking my optometrist about clip-on magnifiers. I have HO and N and do not find any difference in the vision demands. When it gets small the difference between the 2 is negligible. I would imagine G-scalers must even do some magnifying from time to time. Have fun!!!
Thank you all for the wonderful responses. So far it seems as though there are two leading points; small parts combined with declining eyesight, and a relative lack of steam as compared to HO. Though my eyesight is not to great to begin with, I feel this can be overcome. I do want to model steam, but not exclusively. My era will be the transition era, with steam, diesel and hopefully some electric (PRR). Thanks again and keep on modeling. Regards, Steve
As few disadvantages: 1. Truck-mounted couplers (fine for Life-Like or Bachmann trains, but if you're paying good money for something more prototypical looking, I'd expect body mounts, please. 2. MTL Slinky Effect. This is the 21st century, surely some scientists in a lab have developed a good N-scale coupler method that doesn't do this. 3. Code 55 not supported by more manufacturers. 4. That unsightly gap between the top of locomotive truck sideframes and the bottom of the body. 5. N scale DCC sound not even there yet. Yes, N is still lacking in choices compared to HO, but I think it's gone to a point where it's manageable. That's why I switched last year rather than 10 years ago. Things are getting better. Maybe nanotechnology would make the smaller scales even more awesome.
I love my steam, but also love early Alco diesels. I also model transition, and for me, the steam offereing is fine. My favorite steams are actually Bachmann spectrum series. Detail is awesome IMHO, and reliability is much better than the Spectrum diesels. My two favorite steamers are Kato Mikado, and Spectrum consolidation. I have several of each of those, and by far my two favorites for reliability, detail, and pulling power. My Mikes do have traction tire upgrades which is a must for those. The spectrum consolidations have them out of the box. I also have a Spectrum light mountain, but it is not as good of a puller as the consolidated. Model Power has some nice steam, and I also have a Roundhouse Mogul which I love to run. I used to have a Con-Cor GS4 that was Pennsy (Pennsy and Rock Island are my major roads) but sold it. But like said, the Pennsy steam is not abundant. But, I typically decorate my own traction anyway so hasn't been an issue. I love transition, because you get to have best of both worlds. Classic Motor Works has really nice transition era automobiles, but are kinda pricey if you need alot of them. which several of those, and the rest resin autos for backgorund scenes, and parking lots, I have a nice selection of autos for our era too. The DMP structure kits are great for our era too, so, some may have issues with availability, but I have found pretty much everything I needed for the most part. What I cant find, I make myself though..
The shortcomings that I find most troubling are that some details on N scale items are just too small to model well by the 'average' Joe. There are some really talented modelers which can make realistic N & Z scale details and stuff... but... they are the exception. That is where eyesight is one of those issues. We tend to want to show-off our N & Z scale models using the latest digital photography and unfortunately end up magnifying those shortcommings. Some details just don't 'scale-down' real well in N scale or Z scale. The small steamers and diesel switchers are still not good pullers when trying to go up inclines... and some still have issues over turnouts or crossings. Getting DCC in some engines is still a PITA... and sound is probably not going to be any easier to achieve in the smaller locos... at least not without sacrificing pulling ability.
I regard eyesight and hand steadiness as simple human conditions that can be overcome easily. I had a chance to talk at length with the master modeling of the Mystic River Seaport in CT. He was around 80, I presume, and was working in 1:128 scale (TT). He wore an Optivisor and used various props to add details to the in situ church on the display. I do the same these days. He pointed out that smaller scales didn't make that much of a difference, as long as you recognized what you were dealing with. In other words, as long as you realized it was small. I've had very much the same experience in building N scale bridges and ships. Bridge gussets are small but, once I realized that and started looking for a smart way to produce them, they were easy to cut and install. My last freighters have about 25 winches each. Winches are pretty small. I could buy acceptable ones at 1:192 scale, but they were expensive! I sat in front of my parts box for a few minutes, and realized I could mass-produce 25 winches out of a few lengths of piano wire, 75 tiny grommets, and a few bits of plastic. Not only that, but I could mass-produce them in far less time than it would take to build one master, and then cast 25 winches out of resin. It took less than an hour to build the winches, complete with cabling! I recall, perhaps foggily, that 25 puchased winches would have cost me $75-100, and be less detailed. N scale is not too small for anyone who accepts the challenges, and finds way to surmount them.
The problem with lists is that you assume that you can list the deciding aspects of some question. I would submit that how we feel about our choice(s) is much more important. I am an engineer and make rational choices all day long. But model railroading is a hobby, an avocation, so it does not have to be completely rational to be satisfying. I would suggest, as others have, playing around with a few kits or a locomotive or two and see which scale you simply enjoy the most. Choose that one and you will be happy. Let someone "convince" you to do something else because of the "facts" and you will never be satisfied.
For me, the biggest attraction to N scale is the ability to put more in a smaller space. 4x8 in HO is about the minimum size layout, but in N scale a nice complete short line can be modelled. I don't have a full basement or extra bedroom to work with, so space is one of my top priorities. I'm not a rivet counter, so the details are less of an interest to me. But it really does come down to personal choice. What's important to you? Many like to super-detail the equipment, and it's harder to do in N. HO does have more available, but the gap has shrunk substantially in recent years.
In regards to the detail factor, it doesn't play much of a role for me either. The size of HO models is for some reason much more satisfying to me visually. This has nothing to do with age or declining eye sight as I am 26. I am no rivet counter myself. Don't have the time to be knowledgeable enough to know how it should really look. Guess my point is go with the scale that makes you stop and say, "Wow!" the most. Forget all the Proto to the bone stuff and just enjoy playing with trains:teeth:
