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I am at a loss for which scale I should use. When I was growing up, we had a HO scale set, on a 10' x 4' board/platform. We never really got too elaborate but had 2 levels in spots and a few loops.
My question is.... assuming roughly the same size base (12' x 5-6' max) what is the best scale set to use for current enjoyment and future flexability. My son is only a year old but I want this to be a project for years, not a quick setup.
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This is always a subject where there are many opinions. It really depends what you want to do.
HO-scale is easier for most people to work on, they seem a little more reliable, and as people get older, they can see the small parts easier. Since it is larger than N-scale, most people are able to put more detail into the scenery.
My railroad is N-scale. I like realistic operations with timetables and waybills, so I mainly want a long mainline between stations for running trains. Almost four times as much N-scale track will fit into the same area as HO.
If you want a lot of track, then N-scale is for you. If you are more interested in beautiful highly detailed little scenes, then HO is probably the best.
I am sure others will give more opinions on this matter. There is no good or bad scale, they are just different.
------------------ Elias Valley Railroad (N-scale) www.geocities.com/evrr
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Height from floor should be what is comfortable for you. Usually 40 inches is good, unless you want to view the trains from a more realistic height, then use eyelevel minus 3 inches. This worked good for me on a former layout. Have fun & KEEP ON RAILROADING
Posts: 57 | From: Hudson, Fl USA | Registered: Jul 2000
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Perksrail, Konstantin is right about the differences between scales. You 'can' detail N-scale fairly well- if you really put your mind to it. I've seen some great N-scale layouts in Model Railroader Magazine (which you should pick up a couple copies of for some tips and ideas). I model HO, and I find myself running out of room in some places (on a 6' x 10' layout). But it's fun to detail the layout. Another thing to look at is cost. It seems to me that, depending on the companies you buy products from, N-scale would be half as expensive as HO, but that also depends on how much you want to do. Good call on the "project for years." Rushing a model railroad isn't a good idea! You mentioned that your son is only one year old, so be careful when you start modeling. When I first became interested in my grandfather's HO layout several years ago, the first thing he told me was that it was not a toy. I had to keep my hands behind my back until I learned how to operate the trains. Good luck!
Kairho, My layout is about waist height, which I set in 1998. Of course, since then, I've grown about 2 1/2 feet, so it's a little bit too low. I wouldn't go any lower than waist height- especially when you have to stoop to do tracklaying, scenery, etc. But don't forget that you'll have to do some "reaching" for putting in buildings, picking up derailed trains, etc. I'm only 16, but my back is already aching!
[This message has been edited by Eric (edited 10-14-2002).]
Posts: 553 | From: Flagstaff, AZ USA | Registered: Apr 2001
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Thanks for the info guys. I think I will try a HO scale. When I was a kid growing up, I enjoyed the one we had (HO as well) and I could always see what was going on....although I had to stand on a chair to see
You may want to track down a train show before you commit to one scale, or find some otehr way to see each of the scales in "action". That will let you weigh the pros and cons more accurately and help reinforce the decision, so you aren't second-guessing later.
Most important: have FUN! I model HO, but N is cool for the train lengths you can run, S is cool for the scratchbuilding that is done in that scale, O is cool for its extra detail, and G is cool cause it can be run outdoors. It's all Cool!!
------------------ Bentnose Willie Maitland, NS CANADA ------------------- Love my MLWs!
quote:Originally posted by perksrail: I am at a loss for which scale I should use. When I was growing up, we had a HO scale set, on a 10' x 4' board/platform. We never really got too elaborate but had 2 levels in spots and a few loops.
My question is.... assuming roughly the same size base (12' x 5-6' max) what is the best scale set to use for current enjoyment and future flexability. My son is only a year old but I want this to be a project for years, not a quick setup.
Thanks in advance for helping
Seeing as you have a 12' by 5'-6" for your railroad, perhaps a logging railroad might be of interest to you, here's a plan for just that size. It's my Badger Creek logging Co. Shamus
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Wow Thanks Shamus. That looks sweet. I am actually from the Province of New Brunswick on the Canadian East coast and a logging layout would be very "historical".
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Perks - I'm in Nova Scotia. Email me and I'll see if we can hook you up with a show near you, or some local help. If you feel like driving, there's a show *tomorrow* in Truro, NS. I'll be there at the Maritime Federation of Model Railroaders booth.
Alternatively, I can get you details of shows coming up in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Winding up for a buyin' spree tomorrow, I remain: Bentnose Willie
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As far as height goes, I had a wonderful little N scale (9'x6')that I suspended on cables from the ceiling using a counterweight and a boat trailer winch.I put cables on the corners, splaying them slightly to eliminate sway, fed them all to a single cable and kept everything light. I could run it up high to stand under it to wire, then lower it to whatever height I needed or desired. Little kiddos loved it! When not using it, I parked my wife"s car under it. Unfortunately, I lost it in the divorce...
Posts: 37 | Registered: Oct 2002
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This may be repetitive, but if we're voting...I vote HO: ....IF you desire to do extensive scenerey. I go to many shows and rarely see N scale scenerey that pleases me. ....IF rail "operations" are your bag, N scale is probably a better choice. You'll enjoy longer trains and extensive operational options.
I selected HO, but that is because I like to do the little buildings and add lots of details.
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