N Scale or HO Scale?

Well, I've tried to model n-scale with an "HO state of mind". My n-scale trains are long, but probably not to the extreme that many n-scalers go. I don't have the multi-hundred numbers of locos or the multi-thousand numbers of freight cars like some n-scalers. I think those in HO tend to buy less of everything so the additional cost isn't such a big deal. But I try to buy n-scale just like I was in HO. The superdetailing in N can still be done, and operations are definitely something that can be done on pretty equal footing with HO.

Onboard sound...well HO wins that one hands down. But my curiousity has been piqued by the personal sound system concept recently thrown around, whereby the iTouch you use for a throttle also has sound/radio piping into your headphones. Everybody hears sound but the room is quiet. If it plays out right, even nearby locos' sound will come and go into your feed. So, still some options for N-scale sound without the less-impressive sound quality coming from on-board N locos. (not to mention SurroundTraxx, another option that exists NOW)

I would think of it this way, too: If you had NO trains at all right now, which scale would you choose. If you were still buying only those handful of locos in N and a conservative freight car fleet, that could seem equally appealing, no? It could be just the thought of something new, and that's cool too.

Not trying to talk you out of it, just throwing out considerations. I have thoughts of eventually moving to O but I still want to try to build my "dream layout" in N first. In fact, I have a search setup on eBay for a 2-rail MRL Atlas O SD35 which I plan to be my motive power for a fictitious/protolanced "Rocky Mountain" region shortline serving a small coal mine, a grain elevator or two, and a smallish version of a Coors-like brewery. And a Livingston-esque car/loco rebuilder, too. Very MRL, just not MRL. ;-)