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Is N Scale Too Small for a 15 ft by 6 ft Layout?
Andy asks readers:
“I am a 74 year old neophyte planning to build either an HO or N scale layout. My platform is 15 feet by 6 feet. It was suggested to me that working in N scale was too difficult for someone my age because of the difficulty dealing with small details. Any suggestions would be appreciated.”
13 Responses to Is N Scale Too Small for a 15 ft by 6 ft Layout?
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I’m in my 50s and have trouble putting the train wheels on the rails accurately, but there is a product called a re-railer that is like a ramp to guide wheels down onto the rails accurately.
My layout is about 6 x 3 feet. Yours is much bigger, so you will need to check that you can bend over and reach all parts easily without straining your back.
The only thing I had real difficulty with was an N-gauge fairground carousel with seats, which was a nightmare to assemble due to it having dozens of very small parts. However, most kits such as buildings have been relatively problem-free, and some are available pre-built.
One way to test if you might have problems is to buy a cheap 1/144th scale model, such as an aeroplane, and see how you get on with it.
Best of luck.
Andy’s advice is sound.
I am 70, and spent much of my working life dealing with “small stuff” for scientific equipment.
I found over the years that the best way to deal with “small stuff” is a pair of basic magnifying glasses (Dollar Store/(Pound-Stretcher (UK)) I use 3X or 4X magnification. They fit right over my normal prescription reading glasses ..and the price is right!
The flip-up magnifiers on a headband are good, but a more major investment.
I am modelling in 009/HOn30 scale.
Good Luck
Hi Andy,
There is nothing wrong with either N or HO gauge just remember that N gauge is only half the size of HO and seeing is not the problem. Handling something as small as N gauge could be a problem. I am 72 and with my large fingers I have gotten around most problems with the use of tweezers and a small pin vice etc. to hold the smaller parts. I model mostly in HO but I do also have some N gauge on my system. other advise on here is good and model in what you feel comfortable with,. look on you tube for different ideas, but enjoy the hobby.
I am 72 and have a N scale layout. No problems. Just remember though that the smaller the scale the bigger the problems.
I just turned 67, My layout is multi guage – Dual HO/HOn3 around the perimiter with HOn3 in the middle – N scale on a high plateau and Z scale in a low canyon. I rely on very bright flashlights, tweezers and magnifiers along with a lot of small electronic tools. A lot of time it can get a little frustrating but since I am retired, I am in no hurry and really enjoy the challange and working on the layout and all its aspects are great therapy. I started in HO gauge a long long time ago when I was in knee pants, then LIFE came along. Now with 6 children 23 Greatgrand children and 27, so far, Great Great Grandchildren, I have started again. Now you know why I need therapy. Start slow and enjoy.
For me, the bigger the scale is the better it is for modelling, but the smaller the scale is tha better it is for running. Ask yourself, do i want to run trains or model? If it were me, i would go with the biggest scale i could for the space allowed. i model in N only because of space. If i had your space HO would be the go.
As mentioned before, can you easily reach the centre of your table ? Would it be good to have an operator’s opening in the centre for easy access to everything, both for building the layout and operating trains ?
Consider: with that magnificent amount of space, it will take four times as much scenery (and track) to fill at N scale. This may be a plus or a minus, depending on your desired level of detail.
Consider your eyesight, and your personal degree of manual dexterity, before choosing HO or N.
I,m 72 and have l much larger N Scale layout than your planning, I have Kato track and running gear, and have very good results .I actually like it better than HO. You can do a lot more in the alotted space with N than with HO. Kato inclufes the reraier ramp in some od their track kits thats a big help. my biggest problem is changing or updating couplers. I hope this helps, happy training!
Thank you Don. You given me some real encouragement with your comment. I had started collecting N Scale equipment and track way back when I was in the military; for use after I ‘retired’ and all the kids left home. I’m only 61, and now have time to ‘play’ (my wife’s words).
Many modellers I have talked with have told me to dump what I have, and get HO stuff, but I’ve never been able to bring myself to do that.
I guess I needed to hear someone else tell me what I knew to be ‘right’ for me.
Thanks again. Have yourself a great day.
Thanks for all the help. I think I will find an N scale project and test my eyesight and dexterity.
There is never too much space! The more space the better. If you really get into the hobby you will want to expand it sometime soon. I have an n scale layout on a hcd 36″x80″. I have cramed everything i could onto it. Now I am going to add another 36″x80″ door in an L formation because I want a yard, staging, and more industries to make it more operational and not just around and around. N scale is harder to work with and is less detailed. It is much harder to get speakers and sound boards into the locos, but you will have 4 times the scale square footage for buildings, industrirs, lakes, etc. An HO building 8″x10″ takes up the same space as 4 n scale buildings 4″x5″. 1/2 the scale but 1/4 the volume or area. Minimun turning radius of HO scale track is about 48″ the min for n scale is about 24″. Like someone else already said, be sure you can reach the other side of the track. A 3 foot reach is a stretch. If you can walk around the layout on both sides 6 feet wide is ok. I like n scale because I don’t want to use up that much space.
Andy the only real draw back with N scale is there are far more kits rolling stock and other things in HO. The size of your lay out is only governed by the size of your room.
I am also 74 years old and love my N scale layout. I sometimes have a problem with getting the train on the track but that is part of the fun. I agree a strong flashlight is also a great help. Good luck with your layout.