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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?

  • Andy says:

    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.

  • Bernard Hallas says:

    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

  • Kevin says:

    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.

  • Howard Clyman says:

    I am 72 and have a N scale layout. No problems. Just remember though that the smaller the scale the bigger the problems.

  • J E Wilson says:

    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.

  • Brett says:

    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.

  • Frank says:

    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.

  • Don says:

    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!

    • David Whitmore says:

      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.

  • Andy says:

    Thanks for all the help. I think I will find an N scale project and test my eyesight and dexterity.

  • Paul says:

    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.

  • John Gibson says:

    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.

  • Lee hamilton says:

    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.

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