I had a HO layout that had to be tore down and sold off due to a parting of the ways. (X-Wife). This was a favorite track plan, now because of room I would like to rebuild this lay out but in N scale. How do I convert my plans? Is there an easy way? If my HO lay out was 4’ by 12’ would that make my N scale 2’ by 6’? Thanks for any help you can give me Walt Please e-mail me @ wwhitson@qwest.net
If it were me I'd do the exact same dimensions but with N scale equipment....provided that you have the room for it. BUT...if you want it to be "scaled down" then someone around here can probably tell you exactly what the reduction factor is.
Math question of the day.... Well, 4' x 87 (HO Scale) = 348 Scale Feet / 160 (N Scale) = 2.175' (Roughly 2' 2 1/8") 12 x 87 (HO Scale) = 1044 Scale Feet / 160 (N Scale) = 6.525' (Roughly 6' 6 3/8") So your HO layout would map to 2' 2 1/8" X 6' 6 3/8" in N-Scale. But like Hoss said, you might want to increase that some. I would increase it at least 20% so you could have a slightly wider radius for your curves. (looks better and increased performance)
So I guess that if I have 3'x8' to work with I can do it. Now to convert the plan to N scale. I am doing the Berkshire Valley Route. Atlas book HO King Size Plan Book #14. As I said I have done this lay out in HO and loved it, now on to N scale. Thanks Walt
My suggestion is to multiply an HO layout with .75 to convert to N-scale. I your case this means 3' by 9'.The result is smooth curves and a better looking layout than your previous HO layout. Paul
Will now a new problem, I guess I will have to replace the couch. If I go 9' long it's in the way. Oh well what is more inporent Trains or a place to sit. I can always sit on the floor.
Walt, Call me old fashion, but why not try a new track plan for you N scale layout. I'll send you to one resource (I'll edit it in), and perhaps others can direct you else where. http://www.naisp.net/users/mfischer/m_train2.htm Life's to short to have just one plan reworked, life is like a buffet table, you gotta sample this, and taste that...lol. [ 08. February 2003, 00:58: Message edited by: rsn48 ]
Paul- I'm not familiar with this conversion ratio. I always thought that N scale was (in somewhat rounded numbers), 54.4% of HO in size. In other words, 40 feet in N scale is equal to 21.76 feet in HO. (Multiply 40 by .544.) Which matches what I get comparing My N scale ruler with my HO scale ruler. Guess I'm a little bit lost here. 4' by 12' in HO should come down to slightly over 2 feet, by about 6 &1/2'. Not 3'x9'. So if he has an area of 3' by 8', he can certainly go with broader curves, and have quite a nice recreation of what he'd had in HO. And not need to replace the couch. (Can spend that $$ on more trains!!!) Boxcab E50
Hi Boxcab E50, There is nothing wrong with your math, but as I mentioned multiplying by .75 gives smoother curves and 4' by 12' multiplyed by .75 results in 3' by 9'. Maybe Walt could build his layout in 3' by 8' but then the proportions of his previous layout are not the same, but I am sure he can shrink his layout by 1' on the long side without to much trouble. Hopes this clears up something. Paul
Thanks All for the help, I have decided to go with 3.5X9 for the base. Will make it fit I like the idea of smother turns, and yes I will get a smaller couch. I guess I should explane that I am doing this in a 35' fifthwheel that me and the dog live in. Thanks Walt
