As most of you are aware I have switched scales from N scale to HO scale. No regrets and really enthused about a new layout and new beginnings in my hobby. I am keen to learn about car card and way bills, also how others operate their HO layouts. One thing I have noticed since switching scales is how good our N scale members are at posting threads and keep the N scale forum humming along. On the other hand the HO forum is fairly quiet which i would like to change. As a Trainboard Administrator I would like to encourage more HO members to start opening threads and making this forum more active. Does anyone have any ideas on how we can encourage members to post? I am thinking if each of us opened a topic about our own layouts would be a start? Looking forward to seeing your responses and seeing the HO forum increase in usage.
In my past I have modeled in HO. Also in HOn30, and am dabbling in that latter scale again. Does HOn30 count? Well, probably needs to be in the NG Forum....
Would be good to see some more HO forum discussion. Those N-scalers sure do post a lot, don't they? :wideeyes:
I will give it a go! Here are a couple links on a project that has been the subject of my recent affliction. It is on youtube and I will try to embed it. Please bear in mind there has been many upgrades and the basic scenery shell has been completed from one end to the other. Still a LONG way to go. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=JWamcty-tVY http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=uXYrNfLodRs
thanks guys if we can contribute to existing threads like what did you buy etc. Open a thread about your layout or any other subject
As a 40+ year N scaler, I know the reason. It began with the long ago emerging of NTrak. It was socializing which brought us together. It was talking which got us started working with manufacturers. The exchanging of ideas and information has been a vital part of our culture, and continues to be so.
Well, after spending the weekend in Tulsa for the 2013 Indian Nations Division LD-OPS weekend, and getting to operate on three awesome HO scale layouts, I've had my own model railroad jones satisfied, and have come back with some more ideas for my own home layout. Each layout had different command control systems, as well as paperwork (car cards, switch lists) and two had sound-equipped locomotives. I'll see what I can add to some of these discussion.....
Not a bad thing at all. I admit I'm a little envious when I open Trainboard, look at the list of new posts - and 90% of it is N-scale! And I enjoy reading most of them, even if it doesn't pertain directly to me, especially the eBay humor. It does seem like the HO forum has picked up a little lately though.
As I see stats daily, there are far more members in HO, here on TrainBoard than most folks realize. The same is actually true for O, S, On30, HOn3, etc. Even for TT. But as it happens, the majority just seem to lurk and read. (Nothing wrong with that at all.) So just patiently persist, and follow the lead from Paul. After a while, you will slowly see more join in.
Your facing the same problem I have been facing for 12+ months. The N scalers post, and post, and post... Trainboard, Railwire, etc. Ever since the A-board closed I have yet to find a really active HO forum. Would love to see one of these places show some activity!
An infinitely more positive message that the cynical post found elsewhere in this thread. And yes, I am equally guilty of not posting enough in the HO scale forum. Which means I am also equally responsible for "pumping up the volume", as it were.
Just been watching the vids by gjlsffan. Amazing!! A brit can only ever dream of that sort of space for a layout! Wonderful. Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
Hi all nice to see a nice group like this. I would like some opinions on turnouts. I am in the planning stages if a HO layout. Last time out with trains was a long long time ago! I plan on code 83 peco flex track. DCC digitrax etc. what brand of turnouts do you use? Pros cons etc. thank you Art
I've used atlas, walthers/shinohara and Peco. I prefer peco, because the points are the most reliable and no need for ground throws.
As an N Scale guy it does amaze me to hear that HO has far more manufacturers/models/buyers etc compared to N. When I read the forums and the activity of its members you would think the opposite. I was once told that "N scalers are busy at their keyboard while HO guys are working on their layouts". While I don't think this is the case, I think the N scale forums have a bunch of topics which keep people coming back to post. Ebay humor, what was your latest purchase, whats on your workbench. These threads could go on for infinity. I pop in the HO forums every now and again because my Dad ran HO, and there is plenty of interesting topics, just no traffic. I hope you guys can turn it around!
Hi Art, I stuck with all Peco Code 83 trackage to include using the Peco insulfrog switches for my layout. I run DCC and like the built in springs that hold the switches aligned on the Peco's. I have messed with Caboose Industries ground throws before, but wanted something fast and easy. Atlas Code 83 is good as well. Haven't used any of the other brands before, so can't comment on the rest of the manufacturers out there. Brian
