After struggling for many months to decide what to do about scale vs. vision, I've finally decided to end my foray into N scale and go to HO for my model railroading. I've been legally blind since birth... and I've enjoyed some years here of pretty good vision. However, in the last year or so, things have deteriorated some and I have great difficulty with some of the things that I used to enjoy about N scale. So, instead of belaboring the thing, I've decided that before the lumber was cut, the track was laid, and I invested any more resources in something I wouldn't be able to enjoy on the level I want to, that I'm going to make the change, 100% to HO. As of tonight, I'm beginning to sell-off a large portion of my N scale collection to help facilitate the change. Look for updates on how this choice affects my Milwaukee Road plans, and other topics. It's been 20 years since I built anything in HO scale, so I feel like a newbie again!
I ventured into N-scale when I was younger, but it's just too small and I never went beyond a 2x4 loop and siding layout under the bed. I already have a hard enough time with adding things like MU hoses and radio antenna's in HO, much less going nearly 1/2 that size. I think for many people the smaller size offers more operational options for a smaller space, but imo you sacrifice finer details and more user friendly loco's and rolling stock. N-scale always struck me as "it stopped working and I'm not a watch repairman" toss it in the trash and get another one. The downside, HO requires alot more space. While others may scold you for it, I think it's a good move. I got quoted around $4000 extra for making my soon-to-be pole building taller for a 2nd story, so I'm looking forward to having a 28x48 space to fill with trains as much as my wife is looking forward to having the current layout out of the garage and spare bedroom...
Welcome to the fold. I think you'll be pleased with your decision to switch; while you may not be able to fit the same amount of trains in HO as you could in N, the sheer variety of what's available may help offset that. There's plenty of equipment out there; matter of fact, one of the guys in my club had a GORGEOUS Milwaukee Hiawathan he just finished at our club last night. Genesis F-units on the head end, and a (IIRC) 12-car train, all made up of the new Walthers cars, topped off with a Walthers Skytop lounge bringing up the rear. If that doesn't make you want to stay in HO, nothing else will!
You might consider going On30 though, HO might get small on you quick too before long, if you're slipping already. Just a thought.
Some day I will migrate to G Scale. Until then I'll stay with the N as my vision is adequate to the task and I don't care a whole lot about historical appearance.
Wise counsel, Benny...and they were my immediate thoughts when I read the gentleman's post. I noticed very soon after a posting to my nation's capital, Ottawa, that my vision had deteriorated. I found I needed a lot more light to read maps using my car's visor light when I was looking for addresses. It dawned on me that I needed bifocals finally, and an optometrist confirmed it within a couple of weeks. However, he cautioned me that I should anticipate a second visit in just a few months, and then changes about every year for the next several years. Boy, was he right! Once the changes began, they cascaded for a while...and this is what Benny and I are concerned about, as much as the idea may be disconcerting for you...sorry. If you settle on HO, a perfectly logical next choice upward in scale, even it may turn out to be an early error. I would get a professional opinion about the nature of this change, if you haven't already, and look for a ball-park guesstimate of whether or not you can expect a plateau for several years. If the pro says no way of knowing, then you are stuck, but it also means he has seen too many changes (losses) in succession in clients over a short period, say three years. Two things that are sure to have you enjoying trains for a bit yet would be really bright lights (I think, I could be dead wrong on that...) and a hefty change in scale. At least do give a sober look at S scale or On30...please.
Thanks guys, for the comments and support. I have been working with vision professionals, so I know that part is covered. As for choosing to go On30, S, O, or larger.... In N scale, I wear an Optivisor, 7 power, with the 10x loop to be able to see things. In HO, I don't need it at all. The estimates are that I probably have 15-20 years or more before I'm at the same point with HO that I am today with N. I will absolutely take another look at On30, and my wife want's a G scale garden railroad, but for now, I think I'm pretty safe with HO.
JKD, you might consider an O or G Scale trolley or interurban operation. Trolleys and interurbans require only one or two cars for a train, require far less space than mainline, and can be scenicked with parks, or even out-of-doors.
Although my vision is fine for now, I have plans to go straight from N to O when the time comes. I've even started developing a "protolanced" railroad encompassing ideas from the MRL, the Colo & Wyo, the DM&E, and other "Colorado" railroading features, plus an adjacent Cumbres & Toltec-like narrow-gauge tourist railroad.
Milwaukee Road Narrow Gauge You might consider modeling the narrow gauge Milwaukee lines. I suggest that because: of the profusion of 'O'n (3' or 30") equipment that runs well; is moderately priced; requires essentially the same sized transport prism as 'HO' standard gauge; offers the opportunity to make maximal use of your present and future vision; and does not preclude your having some portion dual gauged to allow running a standard gauge portion. I realize most such layouts only have what amounts to a partially hidden loop of standard gauge track, and given your givens with space available that is probably all the room you have. That isn't so bad, because either you like the narrow gauge concept or you don't, and MTH, Williams, and so forth have finely detailed good running 'O' scale power and cabooses for less money than lots of 'HO' equipment is sold for. This would allow you to have them coming and going into your dual gauge yard from staging or some blocked off space. In any case, if NG mainlining has any appeal to you take a look at larger scale (including 'S') railroading as it may offer you the most potential enjoyment. Good-Luck, Peter Boylan
the wife wants G?? hehehe...now do you have a nice wood working shop?? Bachmann F is nice too!! [it's the same track guage as G but a different train scale; a G scale 40 footer is 1.25 feet long, an F scale 40 foot boxcar is 1.95 feet long!!] Have fun with the HO! That's my chosen scale as well, and I do enjoy it!
JKD, I'll be joining you in the switch from N to HO as soon as my kids are old enough to "play" with trains.
Very cool that you will still get to enjoy they hobby, although not happy to hear about your peepers giving you problems (I'm 42 and I can tell you I won't be too far behind you). Jamie
Jamie, I hope you get to finish that nice looking layout you've got going before you need to make the change. I haven't gotten beyond buying power and rolling stock (though the lumber for the original plans I had is stacked in the garage).
