I know this question has been asked several bazillion times, but I'm trying to decide between N and HO. I only have about an 80" x 80" square to use so space is somewhat of a premium.
I've done just a little bit with both gauges, and the problem I see with N is that ANY little hiccup causes them to derail. A secondary problem is that the little rascals are so small that big gnarly hands have a bit of a problem with the delicate mechanism. Finally, I'm not sure that N has electronic remote controls and the way this layout is going to have to go, one corner's access will require a ladder braced against the stairs (a rickety proposition at best) so to get any sort of control on that corner will have to be done by some sort of electronic wizardry.
On the other hand, HO with any decent curve radius is going to eat up a lot of real estate that I don't have.
I know this question has probably been thrashed about in quintessential detail, so if anybody has a URL to a good discussion of the matter, I'd appreciate the link.
A couple of questions that probably are NOT covered (and if they are, the URL ...):
Has anybody used OSB flooring in place of plywood for the basic structure? It looks to be a bit sturdier than ply of the same thickness.
Is there a source for either gauge for "close" scale diorama (cheap) structures and vehicles? THe stuff I've seen from the train manufacturers seems pretty pricey for what you get.
Ditto inexpensive rolling stock? This is an "entertainment" setup, and I don't need perfectly detailed scale down to the rivethead. I can buy a full "kiddie Christmas" set, throw away the engine, powerpack, and track and still come out ahead on the freight cars left over versus buying them one by one at the train store.
Just for info, I was born about 30 miles east of Union Station in San Diego and my wife was born 30 miles north. THe San Diego & Arizona Eastern ran through my home town and the AT&SF CoastLiner ran through her home town. I'm going to do a rough replica of them on either side of the layout board.
Thanks for any help.
Jim
I've done just a little bit with both gauges, and the problem I see with N is that ANY little hiccup causes them to derail. A secondary problem is that the little rascals are so small that big gnarly hands have a bit of a problem with the delicate mechanism. Finally, I'm not sure that N has electronic remote controls and the way this layout is going to have to go, one corner's access will require a ladder braced against the stairs (a rickety proposition at best) so to get any sort of control on that corner will have to be done by some sort of electronic wizardry.
On the other hand, HO with any decent curve radius is going to eat up a lot of real estate that I don't have.
I know this question has probably been thrashed about in quintessential detail, so if anybody has a URL to a good discussion of the matter, I'd appreciate the link.
A couple of questions that probably are NOT covered (and if they are, the URL ...):
Has anybody used OSB flooring in place of plywood for the basic structure? It looks to be a bit sturdier than ply of the same thickness.
Is there a source for either gauge for "close" scale diorama (cheap) structures and vehicles? THe stuff I've seen from the train manufacturers seems pretty pricey for what you get.
Ditto inexpensive rolling stock? This is an "entertainment" setup, and I don't need perfectly detailed scale down to the rivethead. I can buy a full "kiddie Christmas" set, throw away the engine, powerpack, and track and still come out ahead on the freight cars left over versus buying them one by one at the train store.
Just for info, I was born about 30 miles east of Union Station in San Diego and my wife was born 30 miles north. THe San Diego & Arizona Eastern ran through my home town and the AT&SF CoastLiner ran through her home town. I'm going to do a rough replica of them on either side of the layout board.
Thanks for any help.
Jim