Is N the scale for me?

I think N scale is a victim of the modeling magazines. N has always been portrayed as the poor substitute for HO when you are constrained by space.

What makes N win for me is the ability to have scenery and structures that are the same scale as the trains, something that is often missing from HO layouts.

 

I think you're right, actually. N's small size is a strength, not a concession; having mountains that look like mountains, rivers that look like rivers, and so on on a layout sets a scene. I debated doing an NYC layout, and on the 4' leg of mine, I could fit a 600 scale foot ore boat. Not many HO layouts can manage that! The weakness (not much steam) is just a huge problem for me.

 

You mentioned that with only 18" in depth that you would not be able to do a runaround. You also mentioned doing a point to point but would steam, in any scale, look realistic? If there is any way you can get your depth to 24", 11" radius curves in N would be working for most steam medium size and down.

 

I love N scale, from the moment I received my Postage Stamp train set when I was a kid. I do mess around with other scales, but N scale owns my heart.

Jeff C

 

I understand your feelings. The real question is what drives your passion for trains? Once you figure out what you want to represent then the scale might chosen for you. About 5 years ago I switched from a decently large Nscale layout to a small/ medium sized HO layout in the same spare bedroom.

Occasionally I miss the really long trains and MU-ed diesel consists and wonder if I made the correct choice, especially since BLI started making sound equipped diesels in Nscale. Now I run steam and trolley in 1925. I switched because of the combination of sound and steam locomotives. I never really lost my childhood love of steam. And I live next to a railroad that runs steam almost every day.

One part of me loves modern trains and another the Golden Era of railroading.

If you choose traction or a short line with small (0-4-0,0-6-0) steam locomotives then you can have really tight curves and possibly squeeze a complete turn into your space in HO, although I know on my layout that 36’ hoppers and 40’ boxcars prefer at least about 10” minimum radius curves. They really don’t like the trolley curves which are about 8/9” radius.

In Nscale that 8.5/9” curve is about medium sized if I remember correctly.



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I could do a "u" at the very least, as the corner of the "L" would allow me to run a 14 or so inch radius curve with little trouble. I may be able to do something with a folding or detachable section for the other end, to have a continuous loop? As I like medium steam engines (Mikes, Mohawks, etc) I would do a point to point in HO, but N sure opens up the real estate for longer trains, passenger runs, a big scene like a mine or an ore dock, and so on. I ordered a couple Branchline HO boxcar kits, I'll see what I feel when I build those and set them in the space i've got. Likely I will just stay with N.

Thanks all!

 

I've been in model railroading for a very long time. It really does not matter what the pro's or con's for each scale are. Model what you want to, in a scale you are drawn to. You likely already know what scale you'd like to be doing, so do that scale. Space or cost should not enter in the decision. Not for long term enjoyment.

 

I have to respectfully and strongly disagree. Space above all highly enters into the equation and decision. Whether you model to put them into a showcase or to run them on a layout. If you dont have the room for it in a larger scale ...you are NOT going to be happy either at the beginning or in the long run.

Smaller scale models fitting almost twice the amount in the same space as a larger scale just makes more sense to a majority of modelers.

Cost is also a factor for a lot of modelers. As we get older discretionary funds play a large role in what scale and how much of that scale we can afford.

Please do not say that if you cant afford it you shouldnt be in it. That is very condescending !

As always..this is just my opinion YMMV

Thanks

 

I would say that TrainBoard is the wrong place, or the right place to ask about scales. This forum is comprised mostly of N scale modelers. hmmm... wonder what they will respond?

I have a completely different attitude about scale these days. If I want to scratch build, I will make something in a larger scale. RIght now I am making a loco in a larger scale. Yet, I also want some kind of switching layout, so I am likely going to at least lay the track for an N scale Door Panel layout where I can do some switching. I have a really nice Roco set I got a while back in HO scale, along with a lot of other vintage HO scale. I am thinking of setting up an oval on a board where I can at least run those trains. And I kind of want to build some of my ho scale building kits, so a HO scale switching layout is planned. I also have some 3 rail O scale trains, an oval around the room is planned for that to run on.

I like too many types of trains. Narrow Gauge trains. American short lines. European mainline passenger trains. Toy models. Scale models. Steam, diesel, electric. I even love 60's era lego train sets. No single layout could capture my passion for trains.

So yeah, build several small layouts that can easily be stored and give you the variety that you may want.

I still need to get back to my HO scale Garden railway. It's perfect for running in Really Big roundy roundy. Yet, I have no plans for any scenery or structures on the garden layout, it's strictly for running.

If you have a small layout already don't destroy it. That was my mistake on several layouts. Keep it and simply store it. If you are like me, you need to dabble all over the place to enjoy this hobby.

 

Building more than 1 layout is an idea actually... one I think I may explore.

 

It's what I have been doing. I just like too many things. And I need roundy roundy train watching sometimes, so an oval without any switches to mess around with is always on the list.

 

I'm sure I'm not the first to suggest this, but have you considered building your 18" deep layout, but with fold up or down leads of a wye at each end. You could fit them in place when needed and fold away when not. You could even build the pieces to be entirely removable when not in use.

 

"Space or cost should not enter in the decision." They will guide and shape the result, they really should be considered. Seems a bit odd, its really bad advice unless one owns a shop...

 

This I agree on

 

That is my problem in a nutshell; I want to do 8 coupled steam for NYC and mallets for C&O; whether I set it in Fostoria, Ohio, or on the NF&G in West-by-God-Virginia is up for grabs. Those locomotives are more common in HO (Bachmann's H4 is a great runner, but WHY didnt they make the right boiler for it... the NYC locos are brass-only, for the most part, and EXPENSIVE) but, if i model in HO, i lose the ability to do much with those trains. I have an NYC H10a, and a C&O K3 and an H5. I suppose I should just dance with who brung me, so to speak. I think the best bet is to explore some sort of removable loops, as has been mentioned. I can do a long "U" shape, which might be neat for the NF&G, without any extension sections... I suppose I will wait and see.

EDIT: Of course this cursed Wild Mary bug won't leave me be... this little thing is an absolute jewel. Best 59 dollars I have ever spent!

 

If "space or cost should not enter in the decision" then I choose to model 1:1 scale. I'm bringing back the SP and black widow paint!

 

Cool, can we interchange traffic? I'll bring back the SP&S and Alco.