Well, after 33 years of running and collecting Nscale, I've been thinking about switching to HO. I'll be restricted to 18" max, but mostly 15" normal radius curves because of the current width of my layout tops. I'd be interested in hearing any comments and/or suggestions for making this switch. I know using 6 axle locos will be tough, so I plan on using RS2/3s, RS11s, GP9s and H16-44s to avoid tracking problems. Has anybody used these units on a 15" radius layout?...plus any other insite you could offer would be appreciated. Thanks, Bill
Bill- I'm also looking at the possibility of leaving my beloved N scale. The eyes aren't as good any more. I can compensate for that. But an apparent neurological problem has my hands shaky. A little more all the time. Actually I've been looking at S, O, On30, and larger.... But on my budget???? So, I have been looking for info on quality diesels of the 1950's-1960's. I suppose Atlas, and Kato. Perhaps also Life Like? Freight cars? Well, maybe you'll hear something, and we can share info. Boxcab E50
Ken, I can relate to the eyes thing. Sorry to hear about the other situation you have. But funny you should mention the other scales, especially "S". I can remember having an American Flyer set when I was a kid, and embracing those fond childhood memories, thought the switch should be to "S" scale. My only problem would be the minimum radius needed for AF curves. My layout tops are 36", but so are my isles, so maybe I could extend some of the track out a bit if I needed more width. I can't find my John Armstrong book that gives all the track data for all the guages, so am still wondering. Maybe we should someday get on the IM and talk "S" !!! Take care, Bill
A 15" radius is rather tight for HO scale. I wouldn't go below 18" and then I would only run small locomotives like S-1's or GP-7's. Rolling stock would be limited to 40-50 foot cars. A switching layout would probably work well within your space limitations. David
If you have to use extremely tight curves, HOn3 would be a better choice than HO. I'm not sure what HOn3ers generally consider to be the minimum radius, but it should be tighter than 18". Mike
HOn3 also runs on smaller track...I think it may even be the same guage as standard N, which my be perceft with tha code 100 stuff it it's oversized ties and such(well, for N at least).
HOn3, representing 36" gauge, is a little wider than N scale. N scale track is often used in modeling "2 foot" gauge or "HOn30." Even though it's not quite on for either of those. Boxcab E50
'HOn3' does not operate on 'N' scale track. 'HOn30' , that is mostly used as stand in for 'HOn2' ,( except for the 'protoHOn2' folks that demand fidelity to scale) uses 9mm track. Hayden and other renowned modellers of the Maine two footers, uses the oversize 2.5 ft track. Regardless, if you are considering movement in scale , secondary to vison , and other problems (or just for convenience of manipulation and improved detailing) let me suggest 'On30' . This scale operates on standard 'HO' scale track , and is well supported with a number of excellently performing , moderately priced locomotives. Unlike other narrow gauges , it is not an expensive scale to obtain equipment in. an 'Nn3' loco costs about the price of three 'On 30' locos, and won't perform as well (because of the limits of the Marklin 'Z' scale running gear). This is also true of 'HOn3' where the only equipment of moderate price is MDC's , and it requires a great deal of tinkering to get their couple of locos to run. The oriental brass , that represents the basic power sources in all the other popular narrow gauge scales commonly seen in North American model railroading ,are truly formidably priced. Although if you are a scratch builder you can build excellent equipment using the enormous amount of components that the internet has placed at our fingertips. It is the best of any time by a whale of a lot for the scratch building model fraternity of the world. You can see what you want pick up a phone and buy from Australia, the U.K., and anywhere else the phone reaches. I am a traditional 1:87 scale standard gauge modeller , who has some 'TT' and some industrial NG track that I believe is 'TTe' that serves(d) a mine . However, I think that if I hadn't accummulated so much stuff,- that I would given my age , and the availability of materials be a 'On30' modeller. You won't get as much satisfaction of train size, compact track arrangements , and price in any alternative here in the United States.
It is funny that you mention the eyes for switching from N to HO. I have heard of people going from HO to N just for the eyes. Their reasoning was that with N most of the detail parts were already molded on, and the rivet counter's eyes couldn't handle the small scale. But if your eyes are going, which I am sad to hear about, I would go to On3 like other people suggested. The reason being is that HO locomotives and rolling stock are getting a lot more detail parts which you can apply. I find that hard on my eyes (and fingers) as well.
<font color="336633">The only loco I know of that will go round 15 inch curves is the Bachmann Spetrum 44t. There may be more but I have not heard of them.</font>
Matthew, not 15" curves, but rather 15" radius curves. Sorry for not making that clearer. I emailed Athearn and asked them for the absolute minimum radius required for their 6 axle HO units, figuring that would meet or exceed any of my future needs. They emailed back and said their SD40-2, as an example, was designed to operate on 18" radius curves. So if that's the case, I can see many shorter, 4 axle units being able to negotiate the 15" radius curves, right? Thanks, Bill p.s. ...also thanks to everyone for the narrow gauge info, but I don't think it will be in my future. I kinda like the more "traditional" railroads.
Robert, I'm REALLY sorry to hear that! What problems are you having with it? Do you use snap track or flex track on your curves? We gotta figure this one out !! Bill
My understanding of Athearn products is that most of the 4-axle diesels should be able to navigate a 15" radius curve, though probably not anything tighter. I think you'd be better off sticking with 40' cars, too, since they'll look better on the tighter curves, and won't derail as easily if you have to back your train around those curves. Just about any 4-coupled steam engine (i.e.,4-4-0, 0-4-0, etc.) will be able to handle the tight curves, and probably 2-6-0s and similar steam, too. I'm not too sure if the Bachmann On30 2-6-0 will take a 15" radius curve, though the 0-4-0 and the 0-4-2 Porters should. If you can finagle a little more room, I think you'd be quite pleased with what you can do in On30. Pat
