Comments on: Is N Scale Too Small for a 15 ft by 6 ft Layout? https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/05/is-n-scale-too-small-for-a-15-ft-by-6-ft-layout.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=is-n-scale-too-small-for-a-15-ft-by-6-ft-layout Model railroads and model trains Wed, 01 Jul 2015 18:25:07 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 By: Lee hamilton https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/05/is-n-scale-too-small-for-a-15-ft-by-6-ft-layout.html#comment-9548 Wed, 01 Jul 2015 18:25:07 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3632#comment-9548 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.

]]> By: David Whitmore https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/05/is-n-scale-too-small-for-a-15-ft-by-6-ft-layout.html#comment-9452 Tue, 23 Jun 2015 22:22:34 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3632#comment-9452 In reply to Don.

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.

]]> By: John Gibson https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/05/is-n-scale-too-small-for-a-15-ft-by-6-ft-layout.html#comment-9418 Sat, 20 Jun 2015 05:46:44 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3632#comment-9418 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.

]]> By: Paul https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/05/is-n-scale-too-small-for-a-15-ft-by-6-ft-layout.html#comment-9281 Wed, 10 Jun 2015 22:10:24 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3632#comment-9281 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.

]]> By: Andy https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/05/is-n-scale-too-small-for-a-15-ft-by-6-ft-layout.html#comment-9198 Sun, 07 Jun 2015 19:41:07 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3632#comment-9198 Thanks for all the help. I think I will find an N scale project and test my eyesight and dexterity.

]]> By: Don https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/05/is-n-scale-too-small-for-a-15-ft-by-6-ft-layout.html#comment-9172 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 15:17:46 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3632#comment-9172 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!

]]> By: Frank https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/05/is-n-scale-too-small-for-a-15-ft-by-6-ft-layout.html#comment-9169 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 11:18:00 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3632#comment-9169 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.

]]> By: Brett https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/05/is-n-scale-too-small-for-a-15-ft-by-6-ft-layout.html#comment-9163 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 06:33:28 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3632#comment-9163 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.

]]> By: J E Wilson https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/05/is-n-scale-too-small-for-a-15-ft-by-6-ft-layout.html#comment-9161 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 03:26:11 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3632#comment-9161 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.

]]> By: Howard Clyman https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/05/is-n-scale-too-small-for-a-15-ft-by-6-ft-layout.html#comment-9155 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 00:41:51 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3632#comment-9155 I am 72 and have a N scale layout. No problems. Just remember though that the smaller the scale the bigger the problems.

]]> By: Kevin https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/05/is-n-scale-too-small-for-a-15-ft-by-6-ft-layout.html#comment-9153 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 00:19:26 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3632#comment-9153 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.

]]> By: Bernard Hallas https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/05/is-n-scale-too-small-for-a-15-ft-by-6-ft-layout.html#comment-9137 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 19:09:09 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3632#comment-9137 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

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