Is it possible that N has eclipsed HO as the #1 scale and the "Powers That Be" aren't admitting it? If you go to other forums, it seems most of the chat is N-Scale related. If it is not the perfered scale, then why all the hulla-bellou? What's your opinion and why do you model in N-Scale? ------------------ MAX-RAILROADER
I model in both N and HO scales. I think that N scale is going to be the new top dog when the companys like Atlas and Kato get off their collective butts and remove the wax from their ears and start really listening to their customers.You can do just about anything in N scale that you can in HO (except run modern AMTRAK)and do more of it in the same amount of space. Why do I model in N scale? Simple I LIKE IT!! ------------------ Catt!
I became really interested in N scale when very good running quality was achieved with the modern Kato and Atlas locomotives. Also the quality and variety of rolling stock is constantly growing. As Catt says, you can do anything in N that you can in HO, but the best bit is that you can have much more in a given space. I love switching, and nowadays it is as reliable in N as it is in HO. The best of all worlds
I think the amount of modeling that can be done in the same space, as well as good running engines in N is attracting a lot of people to N-Scale. I have noticed a lot more N-Scalers online than other scales. Another thing I have noticed is fewer N-Scalers get involved with the NMRA, and there are more modular clubs in N. ------------------ The NP & UP N-Scale Railroad
Just to prove N scale is at least a bigger topic, look how many posts there are under the HO heading and how many are under the N. There are easily five times the postings. Now either the HO group has nothing "new" to say or there is more to talk about in N? ------------------ David (aka nscaler) [This message has been edited by nscaler (edited 03-19-2000).]
I'll give a thumbs up to N-scale!! I've been modeling in it for the past six years and I have seen a vast increase in availablity and quality. There are even N-scale only hobby shops now. I love the size when it comes to in-home layouts. I have a large, two level, shelf layout in the basement covering two rooms. The total track is four lines x 100 feet plus several passing tracks of 25 feet. I can run 4 or 5 trains of 40+ cars with ease. Currently running a 85 car train with triple headed steam. Kids visiting, love to count the cars as they go by. I don't think I could do as well in bigger gauge. Even kitbashing becomes easy after some learning mistakes. If the industry will get moving on more improvements in the area of model parts, better decals and the couplers, more modelers may give it a try. Eddie
I believe Alan answered the question best for me as far as why I model in N. I will also agree with Catt that the Big 3 could do a much better job of listening to what we as modelers want. I don't model modern but even for me the lack of decent Amtrak power is an inconvenience that I can't believe hasn't been addressed by the bigboys! As far as space for a layout is concerned I'm making due with a shelf type switching layout and the occasional outing with my Bendtrack buddies until my son in law returns from Korea next year. When my daughter and he move out I will be able to aquire a space of 11.5ft X 24ft that will become my dream layout and I am considering using David Barrows domino ideas so that it will be easily changed,improved, or moved should the need arise. This space would be unacceptable to me in HO for my dream layout but in n scale I will have enough room to go hogger wild! I too have concerns about track and couplers but I'm hoping that Atlas has this covered with code55 and their new couplers. I don't yet feel N has overtaken HO I do feel that we are closing the gap very quickly and we will begin to see a larger amount of defectors in the near future.
Barrows Dominos? YOU BET! He's an icon to me. Dave may be a HO modeler, but he's got it going with the Dominos! It's all model railroading anyway, same languge, different accent. As we all know, if you can do it in O, you can do it in HO, and you can do it in, N and........ ------------------ MAX-RAILROADER
I'll bite...What are Barrows Dominos? Is that a form of modular layout? ------------------ The NP & UP N-Scale Railroad
Yes Dave Barrows domino's are modular railroding. He uses 18" x 48" modules that are interchangeable to build his layouts. He has had several articles in MR and MR's layout planning. If you need more info let me know and I'll see what I can round up for you!
As usual, Kato's production run will not be large enough to send all the units that your hobby shop may have ordered. The guys at TexNrails and others who order hundreds of units will get all of theirs and Joe Hobby Shop Owner will get half or less than he ordered. That really BITES! ------------------ MAX-RAILROADER
I agree, Max. We have the same problem here in England, with the retailer only receiving a very small proportion of the units ordered, especially popular roads. How do Kato arrive at production figures? However they do it, their system must be flawed.
I beleive N scale is the scale with the brightest future. with the cost of property worldwide it is certainly easier finding space for a nice sized N scale layout. It certainly would be nice to visit a hobby shop and have the selection of rollingstock and locomotives readily available rather than have to pre order as new models are released. When will the manufacturers realise this and provide more production rather than limited runs. Colonel http://members.optusnet.com.au/~pcassar/index
Hey Danimal, I too have modular 18" by 48" interchangable modules! I called them Sub-N. I hated the 3 track main on N-Trak modules used at home so I made my own "Barrows Domino's". Have a look and tell me what you think? ------------------ The NP & UP N-Scale Railroad [This message has been edited by pray59 (edited 03-21-2000).]
The turnarounds were supposed to be 11" minimum, but I still have 1 kink on the Alder Module. I'm going to rework it soon. All the other modules run great. My Mikes run just fine. ------------------ The NP & UP N-Scale Railroad
Ok, Thanks! I'm an N-Traker and I may adapt my Modules to oNe-Trak, Dual-N-Trak, BeNd-Trak, or your...DARN! I FORGOT WHAT YOU CALL IT! anyway, your standards. I don't want to RAZZ the HO guys but their board is a little in-active. Just another argument for N-Scale being the "TOP DOG" of Scale Model Railroading! ------------------ MAX-RAILROADER
First of all "N Scale Rules! It is on the rise not only with variety but with detail also. I have been collecting for about 10 years now and have a over a century worth of engines. I still think we need one more manufacturer that is KATO/Atlas quality. Why do we have to wait for things until the manufacturer is ready to give it to us? As me and others thought, Atlas was going to do a SD70 series and now that it doesn't fit on the SD60 frame it at least for now will not be done. The last HO engine they ran with the cantanary? Is there that many modelers that would by that? A SD70 series would sell out in a heartbeat? And KATO? Why can't we have a Santa Fe unit now? Why do we have to wait until they are ready? I personally would buy 4? I know I gripe about these small things, but overall N Scale has a great variety of rolling stock. Anybody buy any alan curtis spine cars? Are they hard to put together? Thanks all and God Bless! Dave
SD75I, I agree about another manufacture to compete with Atlas and Kato, but I think there is one that's already on it's way. Life-Like. Now don't laugh, they are starting to get with the program, they just aren't there yet. I don't think we will ever have a N-Scale version of Athern. I wish we did! ------------------ MAX-RAILROADER
A friend bought a Life-Like PA1 recently, and the running is superb! Surprised us both. They are getting there
