So despite being a confirmed N scale modeller for the last 25 years, I have gradually collected a number of HO scale Wisconsin Central locomotives and rolling stock ..... as you do

As my N scale layout is basically built, apart from a few small scenic areas that need finishing off (and the never complete details of course) I decided I could build a new shelf layout over my existing one! Brilliant, time to dabble in HO and give that collection a home. The layout would run along two walls, about 12ft x 10ft, plus 5ft for staging - not too shabby!

Boards were quickly installed, and a track plan loosely based on the Wisconsin Central's Banta Sub designed. The transition to HO in terms of design was easy enough as I started out modelling in British '00' back in the '70s and did so for perhaps 15 years.

Back to this layout, track was laid and wired (DC) without a hitch, and once tested I started on structures. All seemed well at first, operations seemed to work out satisfactorily after a few test sessions and I was ready to start on the scenery - then I realised I had a problem...

It just didn't 'feel' right.

After several months of 'test runnng' I just can't get the enthusiasm to go any further. Worse, after a short operating session I will switch back to my N scale layout and it 'feels' so much better.

Why this is, I can't put my finger on. It's not the minimal track plan compared to my larger N scale layout, as I also have an N scale micro layout, and happily operate that for extended periods. I guess it is just that HO doesn't do it for me for some reason.

Anyone else ever tried changing scales without success?

Cheers,

Kev

Well Kev , it's good that you found out how you really feel about the change in scale ......if you had stayed in N you may have been wondering for a long time .

I like HO but have dabbled in On30 which I also like but it is a different feeling messing around with the big scale ......not a bad feeling , just different . I guess it's because I kind of "throw" myself into fantasy of the layout ....not sure .

T

It's like widower/widow trying out a new partner after 30 tears of good marriage. You don't know until you try!
willie

Kev,The (N)ormal scale is hard to shake since N scale chooses you,you don't choose it..It chose me back in '68.

Don't laugh..

Even though I sold my N Scale last fall I still miss it terribly and I still look through the N Scale offerings and regret selling my N at times.

I miss reading N Scale Railroading and N Scale Magazine..

In short my heart really isn't in the Horribly Oversize scale..It will always remain in the (N)ormal scale.

Whilst wishing I had tried out building an HO layout before purchasing seven locos and about thirty freight cars, at least I can console myself that I haven't disposed of any N scale stuff.

Question now is .... What do I do on the nice empty layout boards I'm left with?

Hmmm ..... Perhaps a home for all the N scale Norfolk and Western stuff I've collected ....

Cheers,

Kev