What is the best way to convert an HO track plan to N scale? I only have an electronic copy that is actually just an overhead shot of the layout. The layout is built on a 4x8. I'm really just looking at reducing the dimensions. I'm guessing that track radius will scale down as well. If the radius in HO is 18, then I would be using a 9 3/4" in HO. Thanks for the help. J
I would recommend NOT scaling down the dimensions! Use the same HO track plan but with N scale track in its place! You'll get much wider curves, and more space for scenery and structures. You can have a very nice layout like that! If you have a 4x8 space for a layout, PLEASE do not resort to 9 3/4" radius N scale track! It's too tight a curve, unless you're modeling a steam-era short line or a trolley operation. If you plan to run longer-length cars like passenger trains or autoracks or piggyback flats, they will overhang on 9 3/4" radius track and will give you problems. With wide-radius curves, you can run almost anything and enjoy the hobby more.
I guess I should have explained better. I'm not actually trying to build one, I'm committed to building a door size n scale plan. I'm just playing with some track planning software, and thought I would try to use an established plan so that I can get the hang of it. Thank you for the advice though. I'm just starting out in N scale, and I'm soaking up everything I can.
The ratio is 87/160 or 54.375% (0.54375). 55% works too. So for 18" radius in HO, the equivalent would be 9.80" in N 4' X 8' (48" X 96") in HO would be 26" X 52" in N. Mark
Andy Sperandeo once said in MR that he would divide the outer dimensions in half and then add back in half the width of the aisles. That works if you truly want to scale the track proportionally 1:2, but the aisles still require 1':12" people. I second the suggestion to use the HO dimensions rather than "making it fit N" when it warrants. I do understand this was a mathematical exercise, not a totally pragmatic question. Guten Abend, Terry PS I'm intrigued that my Mac handles German spell checking just as well as it does English. How does it know that I speak German, too?
Terry I am a MAC user too. I've never tried spell checking with a foreign language. But I am using the Empire Express design software. Do you have experience with this program?
Jguess - I am not familiar with that program. I've been tinkering with RailModeller - from Germany - and am OK with it, though it seems a bit klunky or awkward. Do you have a link? Terry PS Macs since Feb 1985. I just ordered my first iPhone yesterday.
Mac user here too. I use XTrackCAD, highly recommended, price is right. Can't wait to put one of my old retired computers to work doing JMRI/DCC stuff...
The first place to start is decide what minimum radius you want. In your example, you start with an HO plan with 18" minimum radius. If you decide to have your N scale minimum radius at 13" then multiply all of the original dimensions by 13/18 or about 70%. That is just an example. You would use a fraction matching your minimum radius choice. As some of the other postings have said, don't just multiply by 87/160 (or 55%). Things that might have been dicey at the HO dimensions will be even worse at N scale. Good Luck. Dave
The same is true of 18" curves in HO. That is, don't assume you'll necessarily want to build a plan at the size shown, even if you're building in the same scale. This is one of many reasons why you shouldn't expect to be able to build from a published plan exactly as shown. If you have any idea what you want, you'll want to make changes. Usually, these won't be just "add or remove a track" changes, but "shift major elements/change curve and switch sizes" changes that require redrawing the whole plan. It's best to treat plans you see as ideas, not blueprints. A door (what size door, anyway?) isn't the same proportions as a 4x8, so you won't be able to just scale down a plan. It would be easier to start with a plan designed as an N door layout. Can we see the photo of the HO layout?
