This is a great example. the MTH 4449 is a masterpiece. I've seen the Kato 4449 and it's nice, but it doesn't come stock with gyralites and an engineer that $%^es you out for not keeping up. I for one have no use for such an expensive model, but the point is, its a product that isn't available in N-scale at any price...and if that's important to you, then HO is the logical choice. If you on the other hand want to model the surf line and plan to run multiple passenger trains oh and maybe you need some warbabies too and whatever else, well then that MTH isn't a good choice at all. You have to drop down to the Bachmann which, at $195 has DCC, but I'm pretty sure is NOT spectrum, but their standard line same mold and drive train as it was 25 years ago when I got one. And in that case, N-scale might be a better buy simply because the Kato is not a bachmann.
I'm afraid I will have to side with YoHo on the price issue. We don't usually agree on issues as a matter of principal but what the heck. The price is virtually the same. You might remember I said I do both. Keep in mind it has a lot to do with analog DC or DCC. Also, it depends on who the manufacturer is...in some cases N scale will cost you more. Another point made by CNW1518 is the space needed to build a N scale empire. I have a 9.5 x 9.5 area for my N scale layout. Attached is a picture of my pressboard central. The layout has a six track hidden staging yard where I can have trains prepared to roll. Ie., Passenger trains, road freights and locals. The minimum curve on the mainline is a 15" radius. The 9 3/4" radius curves are outlawed on the main. The last addition and the last picture is of a Mini-city as built by one Craig McGinness, who lives here in Big Bear Lake. Most of the buildings including the station are scratch built. Credits for the picture of the Santa Fe Station, go to JohhnyB. and his lovely wife. Again, it's all about what you want.
One important aspect I did not see mentioned yet in this thread has to do with grades. Depending on the size of your room / layout the smaller the scale the less space (distance) it will take to build a prototypical grade into the layout. This would also apply to a helix or Nolix.:tb-cool: Jerry
Everyone is touting their favorite scales, so I will suggest something that would fit into your English village scenery and is large enough to make a very detailed scene but not too large. Many fellows in your country (and this country also) are building in 1:35/1:32 scale narrow gauge. There is a lot of material available and if you love detail, this may be for you. There's a Yahoo site that you might like to join, fs32ngmodelrail. Most of these fellows are from England, many from France, some from Australia, Germany, South America, and of course from the US. When you mentioned detail, villages, peat operations..I thought that this may be for you. Good luck, Woodie
Cost? It should not be an issue. No matter what scale you choose, there will always be more to buy than you can afford. Warren Buffet wanted a model railroad, but when he looked into what he could afford, he bought the BNSF instead. It was cheaper.
Well, gotta throw in my 2 cents worth here. Been in HO- switching layout - L shaped 12 X 5, with trains changed by a ladder casette system. Was great fun Been in On30, modular group, great success at shows. Done 3 rail O ( at present on shelf layout, 15" below ceiling, days are numbered due to knees giving out) Lotta fun building though but very boring after a while. Got G, on same shelf as O ( again days are numbered and am selling off G on eBay) Making 4th foray into N. Didn't dump the stock and am glad. Doing micros. Am concentrating on N now. My suggestion, get some N, do a micro or two, you will learn a lot about what you want and learn lots of technics of modelling in the meantime. Plus you will actually finish a layout. Micros are a barrel of fun and very simple. As you are not using great amounts of stuff, you can go for the very best or the very simple. Re cost, somebody once said, foot for foot, most scales will cost about the same. I realize this is opening a can of worms but basically, I don't think this remark is too far off of center. In the end, good luck with what ever you choose. Its a great hobby.:thumbs_up:
If we are talking about modeling Britain in HO(1:87) scale will be out of the question, OO(1:76) scale which runs on the same track but with bigger trains is what you are left with. N is still called N in Britain but is 1:148 not the American 1:160. Now i'm N-scaler with a wide taste and i would model just about anything in N, but English country side stations are one of the few exceptions, the reason is the wider range of cute tank engines OO. Note that i don't like the GWR that there are a good number of tank engines for in N.
Thanks Thanks so much for your interest, sorry that the same thread got into the forum twice, I wasent sure whether my first effort was successful. regardless of which model railraoad website I have visited, the level of enthusiasm is amazing. thanks again.
