08-11-2013, 07:01 AM
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
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
Such is life