After some some major headaches trying to figure out just how to cram what I wanted in HO into the "alloted space" I had for it, I decided that it was best to give up on my "limited" HO empire and just jump right into N scale. But where to begin? I've been a HO scaler since age 8 (now 45). It's all I knew. So the million dollar questions to pose to all of you follow below. Any and all responses are greatly appreciated.

What is the easiest track to work with. What code is comparable to HO code 83? (I have used Atlas code 83 in HO and really happy with the ease of use and the appearence)

DCC in N? This is the route I want to go. What's a good brand for HO. I've used the Bachman DCC in HO and was happy with it.

Rolling stock. I want to stick with R-T-R with authentic (Kadee style) couplers. (I was good with HO kits but not sure if my nimble fingers will be as good in N) Which brand do you choose and why?

I have already seen, at the local hobby shop, the multitude of pre assembled buildings available...WOW

I know I am making the right choice jumping into N. It will satisfy my operational needs without tearing down walls.

OK everyone....I'm ready for the replies.

Hi and welcome !
I have used Peco code 55 flex and electro-frog turmouts for years now. Peco's code 55 is 55 on the outside but 80 on the inside so older stuff and Micro-trains regular profile wheels will run on it just fine. The electro-frog switches keep short wheel base locos from stalling. That said Peco is from the other side of the pond so the tie spacing is a little farther apart then on this side of the pond. While the difference isn't that much you need to check it out for yourself. Atlas and Micro Engineering has code 55 and Atlas has code 80. My problem with them is they are very easy to kink and break. Also code 80 looks way out of scale to me but then that is personal preference of course. Most any DCC system that works in HO will work in N (or any other scale for that matter). I have a Bachmann Easy command that I have tried on On30 and N scale layouts and it did fine on both. On rolling stock Atlas, Kato and Micro-Trains are the top of the line in R-T-R in my opinion. These are just my personal choices but there are other good choices out there.

"N"ew to "N" scale
I've been a HO scaler since age 8 (now 45). It's all I knew. So the million dollar questions to pose to all of you follow below.
-What is the easiest track to work with. What code is comparable to HO code 83? (I have used Atlas code 83 in HO and really happy with the ease of use and the appearence) Where it's going to be a learning experience for you..... look at both at your local hobby shop, and choose the one you want to work with. No matter which one you choose, you're going to have a " learning curve " to get through. I used code 80, because I got into N scale via an Ntrak module, and their specs called for code 80 rail so that older rolling stock could run on it. ( My HO scale modules use code 100 for the same reason )

DCC in N? This is the route I want to go. What's a good brand for HO. I've used the Bachman DCC in HO and was happy with it......
For a home layout, what you have some experience with is what you'll probably be comfortable with, and there's no really large economic shock, keeping whatever you already have.

Rolling stock. I want to stick with R-T-R with authentic (Kadee style) couplers. (I was good with HO kits but not sure if my nimble fingers will be as good in N) Which brand do you choose and why?
Microtrains couplers can be assembled, and body mounted, or you can buy trucks with microtrains couplers attached. I guess you have to choose, truck mount couplers ( most RTR ), or body mount couplers.
Kits, scenery, etc. will take a bit more patience than most HO, but it's a skill that's not beyond anyone to develop. Changing scales does bring on a lot of other changes, but most of those are fairly quickly learned. Ya just gotta think "smaller".

Biggest bang for your buck is modelling the modern era. An SD90 in N is as long ,but not as high or wide as an F unit in HO. An 85 foot auto-rack car is as long but not as high or wide as a 40 foot HO box car. You can have a "long" train in N at 10 feet double headed with SD90's, the same 10 feet in HO would look ridiculous double headed by two SD90's.

In my humble opinion, HO is the best "transition" era modelling medium, however N scale is the best modern modelling method. Steam engines are clearly superior to Diesels when it comes to looks and presence, but I find the multiple trains in the transition era box car red or brown to be down right boring now. I prefer the long trains of the modern era for colour and interest. I love long unit trains of coal, sulfur or wheat. I love long auto-rack trains.

Equipment is larger in the modern era in the prototype and modelling these engines and rolling stock removes the "puny" look N scale can have. So you might want to consider the modern era. The best way to get into it is go rail fanning and let what you see inspire you. You might even be able to purchase that rolling stock you saw with the same number!

rsn48 Wrote:An SD90 in N is as long ,but not as high or wide as an F unit in HO. An 85 foot auto-rack car is as long but not as high or wide as a 40 foot HO box car.

a N&W 2-8-8-2 with its tender, in N, is as long ,but not as high or wide as an HO 60' boxcar You can have a "long" train in N at 10 feet , with a lot of hoppers, loaded with coal, and not have to double head the power. OR: you can model a shortline railroad, with a 2-8-0, or most any of the Geeps, with a small enough consist that still looks good in the space of your layout.
Aside from the amount of layout, with respect to available space, there's not a lot of difference planning in any scale. I, personally, tend to make the layout, and its features, fit the kind of power I want to use on the railroad that inhabits that layout.......or did, until I went to modular. Then, it became more about the "scene", as the "layout" depends on who is bringing what modules to connect and run on.
In the case of my Ntrak module, the scene is based on the concept of my railroad's "owner" / parent company, a shipyard.
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