In my last foray into N scale, I picked up quite a few nice-running locomotives, almost all of them Atlas, and most of those Frisco. I still have all my rolling stock, perhaps because I'm a bit of a hoarder when it comes to trains, or perhaps to hedge against the possibility I may need to "downsize" in my life. The one thing that keeps me from staying in N is, besides my eyesight (seamless bifocals since the age of 43) and not-quite-all-that-nimble fingers (no arthritis, just clumsy), I find myself being able to work with HO much easier. I appreciate model railroads in all scales, but for me I'm sticking with the HO. Now in their defense, Charlie didn't mention that of all the model RR subforums in Trainboard.com, N scale is the busiest. It's a fanatic bunch, and a well-talented one as well. And deeply appreciated, too!
Here's what I'm gonna do. I will make a small oval (like a miniature 4x8 HO layout) with a center devider and model Arbor, MO circa 1963ish Frisco on one side and the UP mainline in front of my house on the other. That way I could run my modern UP SD70ace or my Frisco RS-2. It would be small enough to fit into my office upstairs. Situation figured out. Thanks for all the input, gentlemen.
Here's an idea that might be helpful to you guys who want to go N scale. I was at a WGH train show once and saw a layout made like a wedding cake. It started with O scale at the bottom, then S scale, then HO, then N Scale, and finally the teeny tiny Z Scale at the top. It sure gave you a real perspective of the differences in scales. I couldn't even see the Z scale without getting out the bifocals. George
Has anyone used the Kato N scale track sections with the attatched road bed? I don't want to spend too much time on this and Kato has a good reputation. Just a simple loop or oval. No sidings as this will be a train watching affair.
The Kato Unitrack is absolutely foolproof. Buy a loop/oval of it and see how good it is and if you don't really care for it, you can always use it for a test track. It's very easy to assemble and take apart quickly like for a train around the Christmas tree. TG
Jim, I have Kato Unitrack. I don't have my layout going right now but I have a lot of it and have used it before. As stated above, it is foolproof. Charlie
I'm on it. The Kato M-1 oval with power pack is about $80. Sounds like its worth it. This will mostly be a side show layout to run my N scale stuff on. My main thang remains my HO Zalma Branch of course.
I have the double track set as well as a lot of extra pieces, bridges, switches, etc. The double track is neat because you can run two trains. I have a 4 X 16 layout planned. I just have to get the basement finished before I can start. That was going to be done this winter but after my wife got hurt it all went down the tubes. Maybe next year.
I took the plunge tonight and weathered some N scale freight cars. These are my first attempts and it's going to be very addicting. I'm modeling the last days of the Frisco in this smaller scale and most my cars will reflect moderate to heavy weathering to convey a sense of impending doom. Just having some diversionary fun.
This N scale diversion is getting out of hand. Bought these two covered hoppers tonight. I need to find some prototype photos to aid in weathering.
Jim James mused "I need to find some prototype photos..." My advice: Do what I do and look up posts by gjslsffan. Whatever he does is very close to prototype as any model will get. For example, try: http://www.frisco.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=19800&d=1343261811 It is not exactly like yours, but a related class. George "respectfully half-kidding" Nelson
Geez, JIm, if you want to practice some, there's a few hundred cars on the Central Divisions that need weathering. I'd be happy to provide the creature comforts while you exercised those talents, now that you've got a N scale habit to feed.
Thanks for the link, George. Steve, thanks for the offer ha ha. I do find weathering N scale to be easier and quicker than HO scale. I need to put together a 1979-80 Frisco train and a present day UP train to run around my display layout.
