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Converting HO track to N
Rich (Charles) asks this question of readers:
“I have a 4×8 table built and want to convert an old HO under and over Dogbone layout I built in HO many years ago. I’m not sure about calculating how much track to buy. I have been 25 years or more just getting started again.”
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3 Responses to Converting HO track to N
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Buy just as many linear feet of N scale track as you have in HO and lay the N on the HO footprint. That will give you some nice big curves that should be able to handle any current locomotive.
The first question I would ask is: Why are converting from HO to N? Typically people change from HO to N to create the same layout in a smaller space OR to create a more elaborate layout in the same space. If you are going to change from HO to N and use the same board with the track in the same place that you would do what Larry has suggested. If you are creating the same layout in a smaller space than you will need to have the same pieces for N that you have for HO. If you are creating a new layout then you need to create your plan first. There are many programs on the internet which can help you do the design. Most should be able to give you a parts llist as well.
A general estimate can be made by doubling the linear amount of HO track you have since N gauge is roughly half the size of HO. So, for example, if your previous track plan in HO needed ACTUAL 30 feet of track then N scale version would be about 60 feet.
Hope this helps,
Geof