Hi, can someone tell me if there is an easy way to convert an HO layout to an N layout? I am pretty new to this hobby and I am sure there is a way to calculate or convert from one to the other. Thanks, Tony
I've done it before, it obviously involves removing all the HO track and structures, and replacing them with N scale track and structures. You'll probably want some shorter trees, as well. I ran the N track down the middle of the HO roadbed, and reballasted with fine ballast.
Thanks for the reply, but that is not exactly what I meant. I talking about if you have an HO design like out of a book or on paper, is there a way of calculating how much space and track you would need to do it in N. Or do you just start laying N track and just figure it out while you are doing it? Thanks again...
Yep, its extremely simple. Take all the measurements and dimensions of the HO layout, and chop them right down the middle! HO is 1/87th of real size and N scale is 1/160. For scaling track plans, that is close enough to half HO.
N Scale Layouts as a Proportion of OO/HO. Taking my own writing to a Hint and Tip in Model Railway Express MAG [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]N scale has proved a real boon for those of us who do not have the space availability for a larger scale layout. The temptation is to try to cram as much in a space or to take an OO/HO track plan and halve it for N.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Rather than take this approach, by all means cut down the use of space. However if it is at all possible either try to use the same size layout for N as you would the larger scale except alter the double track spacings etc, or split the difference and where you would have had a 8 x4 layout, reduce it to say 6 x 3 feet rather than 4 x 2 as tempting as that may be. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The illusion with such a small layout is lost a little mainly because the detail is within the field of vision of most people. By making it that fraction larger and making peoples heads move to take it in, the illusion of a railway is somewhat restored. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I feel that the same illusion can be lost when steep gradients in larger scales are used on smaller layouts. A gentle grade or curve leads the eye away and looks very effective in its own right.[/FONT] Regards and Hope this Helps Trevor
There is more to changing the size of an HO trackplan to N gauge. You have to study what size curves and switches are available. It is probably wiser to measure your available space and design a new pike based on an HO plan. Odd-d
