03-27-2012, 02:50 PM
"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".
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".
We always learn far more from our own mistakes, than we will ever learn from another's advice.
The greatest place to live life, is on the sharp leading edge of a learning curve.
Lead me not into temptation.....I can find it myself!
The greatest place to live life, is on the sharp leading edge of a learning curve.
Lead me not into temptation.....I can find it myself!