New to N scale from Waldorf, MD

[pdash]

Hi all,

Pardon the interruption. My name is Paul. I've recently moved from Los Angeles, CA to Waldorf, MD. I'm a new member to this forum who has an interest in N scale model railroading.

I'm an avid O scale (3-rail) hobbyist who has become increasing frustrated with the lack of new products in the intermodal arena, whereas intermodal has taken off big time in the N scale world. Also, I like N scale because you can run really long trains in limited space.

I would like you all to help me fully understand and appreciate N scaling by answering the following questions I have:

1) What are the pros / cons of N scaling?
2) Who makes the best products - Athearn, Atlas, Kato, etc.?
3) Which type of track should I use N code 55 or 80?
4) What is DCC?
5) Who is the best N scale dealer in America? Any good dealers in MD?
6) Does Noch still make ready to run layouts? Any others?


I'm sure that I have more questions, but if you can guide me that would be great. I'm into freight intermodal model railroading.

Regards,
Paul

[railfan]

Hi Paul, Thanks for joining us. I started in N scale in january 2012 and having much fun with it. Some of the things I have learned and can talk about.......

Like you said....More N scale fits in a given amount of room. I really like that about it.....eventually wanting to have several big rail yards full of rolling stock and lots of switches....and long sections of track to watch trains run. One of the possible downsides is doing detail work, painting and decals, etc. can be more difficult with the small size...though I've seen some guys on here who do stunning detail work with N. Personally whatever level of detail most stock now comes with is fine for me.

Kato is great for the most smooth and quiet running locomotives, Atlas, Intermountain, Microtrains and many others have great products. I'm not familiar with nor do I ever see much Noch equipment on here or in my travels....though there is some in the extra expensive Walthers N scale catalog.

I use atlas code 80 rail and switches with great results and it is relatively less money and available from many sources....and can often be found used. My older rolling stock with larger wheel flanges works well on the higher profile rail of code 80. Code 55 rail looks a little bit more realistic, not as tall, you need newer higher quality rolling stock with smaller wheel flanges and less thickness to work well....and with the more precise clearances in switches and crossings.

If you want to get going fast with less expense and fiddling I recommend code 80. If you want fine accurate detail....and don't mind spending a little extra time to make things work....then you might like code 55. Then there is kato unitrack with built-in raised roadbed that has a whole different look to it......and is pricey. These are my personal biases and others may see things differently.

ModelTrainStuff aka M.B. Klein has good price, great selection, best website with great photos of products.....and they just happen to be in Maryland too!

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/N-Scale-s/3.htm


Mike

[pdash]

Mike, thank you for your fast response. I really appreciate it. I just got off the phone with Adam at M.B. Klein. He was helpful and I will be visiting the store soon. Adam recommended Kato unitrack because it's easy to setup for a novice. The top manufacturers seem to be Kato, Atlas, Atherns and Micro Trains with Kato with a slight advantage due to it's large selection of great quality engines and intermodal equipment.

Paul

[Burlington Bob]

Paul, here are a few links for info on DCC. I am starting over in N scale and I'm using DCC for all of my locos. The new N scale locos are very amazing, from the operating quality to the detail that they entail and everything in between. To me, N scale's biggest drawback is also its biggest strength..............its small size. A little harder to work with, but it allows for far more prototypical layouts. I'm 57 and still able to cope with the size and hope to be able to for a long time to come.

http://www.digitrax.com/

http://www.ncedcc.com/

http://www.lenz.com/

http://www.tcsdcc.com/

http://www.tttrains.com/dcc/

[pdash]

Bob, thanks for chiming in and providing info on DCC. I've reached out to a few dealers and will be visiting them to gain a better appreciation of N scale. I will be visiting M.B. Klein for sure which is an hour from me and across the Potomac I will be visiting Trains, Etc. that is an authorized Kato dealer and can get other products as well.

Paul

[railfan]

Originally Posted by pdash

Mike, thank you for your fast response. I really appreciate it. I just got off the phone with Adam at M.B. Klein. He was helpful and I will be visiting the store soon. Adam recommended Kato unitrack because it's easy to setup for a novice. The top manufacturers seem to be Kato, Atlas, Atherns and Micro Trains with Kato with a slight advantage due to it's large selection of great quality engines and intermodal equipment.

Paul

Good choice on the unitrack and kato's variety of intermodal stack train equipment is awesome. Burlington Bob and others have convinced me DCC is the way to go.......and I'm 57 too...which is an amazing coincidence since we don't even live in the same state. .

[pdash]

Mike, I'm 42 and just now getting started.

I plan to start off small with a Kato diesel engine and a few intermodal cars on Kato uni-tracks. So, I will be customizing my own starter set.

I have learned that Deluxe Innovations is a good source for intermodal cars - Gundersons and Maxi-Stacks.

By the way, how do I get the 2012 Kato catolog? I went to www.katousa.com and viewed the catalog, but I can not print it out. Does someone have a PDF of the catalog that they can send to me?

Thanks,
Paul