I just posted the same thread on the HO side after responding to a thread where N scale was siad to be for babies... What scale would you choose and why if you HAD to do it over and HAD to choose a different scle. I said narrow gauge S. For me it would be a challenge and just looks right in narrow gauge, plus the layouts I have seen in person/print/video have been stunning, again they just looked right! So what would you choose? Vandy
I would choose live steam (1:1 scale) Seriously though, G-scale has some nice looking diesel equipment and I wouldn't mind having the space to dabble in it. Russ The Hoffman Valley Railroad [ 23 August 2001: Message edited by: rush2ny ] [ 23 August 2001: Message edited by: rush2ny ]</p>
I find N scale quite satisfying for my hobby needs. One is forced to improvise somewhat, yet one can still scratchbuild without feeling obligated to put operating brake systems on rolling stock and working doors, windows, and screens on structures. I will say though, that some people in N scale DO behave like babies, whining that the manufacturers do not make everything they think they would like to own and not willing to learn how to make or modify something. Those who have never scratchbuilt or "kitbashed" something are missing out on one of the joys of life, the feeling of accomplishment of saying "I built that!" [ 23 August 2001: Message edited by: Gregg Mahlkov ]</p>
Sn3!!! I just love the Colorado Narrow Gauge and Sn3 is the perfect size to enjoy it in all it's glory. The only trouble is that the best quality models are only available as very limited run brass models by the firm of PBL and while I don't mind paying for quality brass, it would take a fews of just collecting the models until one has enough for even a modest roster.
Probably would be HO, tired of poor availability and lackluster performance of N, would be able to go to just about any hobby store at any time and get just about anything I wanted vs. searching out with limited luck some rare N part or loco.
Will definately be 0n30. In fact once the new Nscale layout is up and running.(8 days till D-day Paul )I will be building an 0n30 layout.
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Catt: In fact once the new Nscale layout is up and running.(8 days till D-day Paul .<hr></blockquote> Really Catt, Well you will just have to post some pics on Sept 2 so we can all see that you have actually started
Nn3 . I always loved narrow gauge layouts in moutain country. Modeling narrow gauge N would be a great challenge. I think it would also sharpen my model skills what the heck you have to build everything practically by hand.It also would give me more freedom , I model a prototype and narrow gauge railroading always seem to be run by the "seat of your pants" style with anything going as long as it works.Now that would be fun!
If I had to do it all over again, I would stick with N scale. No doubt about it. N scale today is light years ahead of where it was not so long ago. Track to scenery ratio is superp and you do not need a gymnasium to run a decent size train. The future (and present) of N scale is so bright I gotta wear shades!!
Whoa.....heavy question here........ I've done both HO and N scales, and I would go with N. But then again, I AM starting over (kinda) Limited runs aside, N scale has gotten better, and will continue to do so. I've chopped noses on HO scale Geeps- I'm waiting to try my luck on an N scale shell next The limits here are largely set by ourselves.
Over the many years of modelling railways, I have been involved with Gauge 1, O Scale British, O scale American, OO British, HO American, HO Swiss, HO Belgian, and now N Scale American. I really do love my current scale/prototype, but I always felt that O scale is a wonderful scale, if you have the space. Edit: Forgot that I also had a spell in O scale narrow gauge! [ 25 August 2001: Message edited by: Alan ]</p>
THERE ARE OTHER SCALES BESIDES N-SCALE!!??! I am quite sure that if I had to start over again I would do the same thing that I have done by now. I would start with HO and switch to N. But I hope that it won't happen that way. I couldn't model in HO for about 10 years and then switch back to N again and retain(?) my sanity. I am very pleased with the way things are going in N, and can only see N-Scale getting better and more popular as time goes by. Besides I couldn't bear to get rid of all those SPECIAL RUN MICRO TRAINS cars that I have in my collection.
I am doing it over again. I had a HO layout back in the early 60's, a N layout around 1978. I am in the process of tearing down my present N layout and will build a larger double deck N layout. You can get so much more in the N gauge than HO.
If I had too choose all over again I would remain in N scale. However I would probably be a little more selective in the manufacturers of rolling stock and and engines that I purchase. I think I would learn from my mistakes. Jerry
Either On30, because I really like the scale and equipment for narrow guage, or Nn3 because it would be one heck of a challenge. But since I only recently scraped my HO Colorado and Southwestern and went back to N, I feel like I am starting over. I really like the frredom you have with N to make large runs in limited space etc. John
I guess if I had to change scales, I might go to Horribly Oversized. Maybe my diminishing eyesight wouldn't be such a problem as it gets with Normal sized trains. Actually, if someone gave me all the money in the world (like that Powerball jackpot) and I could start over, I would stay with N-scale. It might be challenging at times, but unless you have a warehouse to put a layout in, N makes the most sense. Jeff Augsburg & Concord R.R. (a fictional shortline in Central Illinois) http://www.geocities.com/revnjeff/index.html
If I had to start over I would probibly stay in HO but would switch to narrow gauge. HOn3 offers IMHO the best of both N and HO worlds. Short trains look OK, the details are larger, sharp turns and steep grades are all prototypical and of course you get the 'wow' factor of mountain railroading.
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by RevnJeff: I guess if I had to change scales, I might go to Horribly Oversized. Maybe my diminishing eyesight wouldn't be such a problem as it gets with Normal sized trains. Actually, if someone gave me all the money in the world (like that Powerball jackpot) and I could start over, I would stay with N-scale. It might be challenging at times, but unless you have a warehouse to put a layout in, N makes the most sense. Jeff Augsburg & Concord R.R. (a fictional shortline in Central Illinois) http://www.geocities.com/revnjeff/index.html<hr></blockquote> I agree with rev Jeff. My eyesight can be a problem at times and I have thought about switching to HO for just a millisecond : ) I'll just have to invest in a really good magnifying glass : ) in2golfz
I was in N about ten years ago. Moved. Went to G- outdoors. Love that- wife's in it too! had no N layout, just lots of stuff in the attic. Last Christmas, the weather was too rainy to play outside and I was in the attic looking for something when I picked up a track plan book and fell in love with an HO switching plan and the gears began turning converting it to 1/160.I started building it over vacation. So- I did kind of start over and I did go with N and very happy I did. Now at shows I'm twice as busy. If only I had twice the funding!
Wow -- good question. I started in HO with modules for the local club. I got started in N scale when a friend at the club gave me the benchwork for a 3 x 6 N scale layout that he had built for someone else who didn't want it. I bought an engine, layed some track and have been hooked ever since. I'm very limited in space and N allows me to do so much more. I'll admit I'm jealous of the selection HO modelers have. I wish someone would make some decent N scale shingles. But, I've discovered scratchbuilding and kitbashing allow you to have the unique structures that you desire. So, if I had to start over, I'd probably start where I'm at right now, but preferably with a larger bankroll. Chris
