As of Friday, August 3 the Oklahoma and North Eastern has run its last mile in HO scale. It is to be dismantled in favor of an N scale version. All HO goodies will be put in storage (look for a rat-killin' at our local swap meet), and preliminary plans have been drawn for a new, improved N scale model RR. Now before my former fellow HOers throw chunks of ballast at me, I'm forced to make this move for space considerations. Also, I've seen the vast improvement in quality over the last time I was in N scale (from 1975 to 1981), when all I had for decent locomotives were Trix (still not too shabby) and junk engines from LifeLike and Atlas. Ironically, my first two locomotive purchases are Atlas-made- a GP7 and an RSD4. I'll use the RSD4 for a shortline, while the GP7 will go into the paint shop to re-emerge as a Frisco locomotive. Guess I'm not a possible convert any more....
I also made the plunge about four months ago after being an HO scaler for about twenty years. My reason #1 was that my neighborhood is going downhill fast and I know I have to move in a few years. I like long modern trains and it was far easier to achieve that with the space I have in N scale. So far I am very satisfied with N scale. If it wasn't for my brother who has been an N scaler for years I would not have much equipment to run right now. If is wasn't for everything he has loaned me my "long modern train" would consist of two cars and four locos.
Hi Collinwood, and welcome aboard! Bob, glad you finally saw the light too! I must confess that I used to be an HO "collector" up until about 10 years ago. I had a bunch of stuff, even Athearn 86' flats and hi-cubes. The problem was, I did not have room to run them on what (realisticall speaking) space I could employ. I saw an ad in MR for the Kadee/M-T 89' flats (w/ trailers) and read they could negotiate 7" s curves. I kept staring at the picture.... boy was it sweet! I knew what I had to do... I sold my HO stuff and went straight into N scale... I got some 89'M-T flats and a pair of Kato/Atlas locos to start.... I have never looked back and regretted my decision! Harold
Collinwood, welcome to TrainBoard A brave move from HO after 20 years, but with the high quality and variety of N Scale equipment these days, I am sure you will not regret the move!
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by friscobob: It is to be dismantled in favor of an N scale version<hr></blockquote> <font color="336633" size="4">Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! </font> [ 04 August 2001: Message edited by: Alan ]</p>
Matt,the simple fact is N SCALE RULES!! If you don't believe me,ask your DAD! [ 03 August 2001: Message edited by: Catt ]</p>
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by friscobob: All HO goodies will be put in storage <snip> Now before my former fellow HOers throw chunks of ballast at me, <hr></blockquote> I won't throw ballast - as long as you promise to throw the HO goodies at me. Good luck to you. Be sure to visit your eye doctor every 6 months.
no problem, Rob- I'm already in bifocals, so as long as I look through the right part of the lenses, I'm OK Alan, sounds like Matt needs a sedative - or at least a pint or two of his favorite adult beverage Guess it could be worse- I coulda chucked the whole thing out the window and gone into slot cars exclusively...... hee hee hee.....
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by friscobob: Alan, sounds like Matt needs a sedative - or at least a pint or two of his favorite adult beverage <hr></blockquote> Must be that red wine he was drinking last night D
Thanks for the welcome wagon. It's funny I also have several Athearn 86' flats and high cubes and have never had a scenicked layout to run them. I have an HO scale module I built to add to a larger layout someday but I don't see myself switching back to HO. If I have more space eventually I see myself envisioning more N scale. I'll probably keep most of my Athearn locos I bought as a teenager years ago just because of sentimental value. But I plan to sell off some of my new HO stuff in the fall to finance future N scale purchases. Collinwood.
Welcome to the club, Bob! Now that we have you converted to N-scale, now we'll have to convert you to DCC, also! While you're in the planning stages of your layout, just also plan for the ease of installation of your new DCC system. MOPAC 1
Is DCC a new religion?? I swear, some of its advocates are worse than the intinerant preachers thst go from door to door! They cannot seem to understand that for some of us, running one train at a time is all our poor brains can handle.
Took delivery of my first N scale rolling stock- Caboose Hobbies in Denver had a clearance sale on MDC cars (40% off), so I bit- got seven cars and a Frisco caboose (Atlas). I pick up the Geeps on Friday, plus start buying track. I've seen Peco's N scale switches in operation, and I like them- what can you tell me about their track? And, would it be worth my time to get ME's code 55 stuff (since Atlas' code 55 isn't out yet)? The layout is going to be built on a door overlaid with foam, and will be somewhat similar to the Unhinged & Horizontal from Atlas' plan book. I'm keeping it simple, but with options for expansion.
As for command control, that may happen down the road- but for the time being, it'll be BOC (Bob's Own Control)
Bob, you can do no better than go for the Peco code 55 track, it is very strong and reliable. I have not used ME track, but I understand it is a bit fragile, and needs a lot of care in laying to get good running. I would think the Atlas code 55 will be good when it emerges.
I have just recieved a bundle of ME Code 55. I really like its looks. I haven't begun to lay track yet so I can't make in claims as to how easy (or difficult) it is, but my impression from handling it is that it shouldn't be a problem if you are careful. Steven Schiebel
to FriscoBob, Welcome aboard. Your choice of Hobby shops couldn't be better, Caboose is one of the best. I use only Peco switches (since they came out in the 70's?)and crossings as they seem most reliable and I love the under the track switch machines more than the glob-o-plastic on the side. I use both Peco and Atlas code 80 flextrack because I dont want to grind down all the wheels I own. 15 engines and about 250 cars. The major differences in the two track types are the appearance of the sleepers, Peco are brown and look a bit better than Atlas black. Atlas wins on ease of installation because of the center holes they have in the ties. With Peco, you have to manually drill each hole before putting in the spike. My wife is a great nurse/assistant who works right beside me and hands me the drill, cutters and the pliers with spikes already set at just the right angle. That's why she's chairwoman of the board for the WPF. Good luck and if you are coming to Denver let me know and we can get together for some operations.
Is DCC a new religion?? I swear, some of its advocates are worse than the intinerant preachers thst go from door to door! They cannot seem to understand that for some of us, running one train at a time is all our poor brains can handle. Amen Gregg, DCC is not the be all end all for model RRing, for me it is simply a matter of major expense to convert many older locos, rewire etc. You know what they say "misery loves company"
