u/hotrodman

Hello,

I want to get into model trains, but I can't pick between N or HO. I've been researching just about all day and I still can't make up my mind. My current situation doesn't allow anything permanent, so I was planning on using a 2.5x6 foot folding table (perhaps a bit bigger if I just lay a board of some kind on top). That itself is a point for N scale. However, the things that I've seen that make me kind of iffy are the "fragility" I've read about/seen in videos, I've heard of electric issues regarding connection to track, cars derail easily because of weight, and down the line if I want sound, the speakers aren't very good from what I've seen. Some pros that I've seen are that N scale is better for actually "operating" your trains, vs HO is better at looking pretty. (to put it simply) And I'm definitely more interested in the operations aspect. (although I'd still prefer them to look nice)

However on the other hand, I know HO would be a stretch in the space I have currently, but it's just what I'm "used" to. (I've never had a model railroad, but my dad had the skeleton of one when I was a kid, and I'd help him out with it and occasionally run a train around)

What do you guys like about N scale over HO scale?

Any input would be very much appreciated.

Hello,

I'll start by saying I know this has been asked before, and I've read through previous threads, but I'm still super iffy, so I figured some fresh perspectives wouldn't hurt.

I want to get into model trains, but I can't pick between N or HO. I've been researching just about all day and I still can't make up my mind. My current situation doesn't allow anything permanent, so I was planning on using a 2.5x6 foot folding table (perhaps a bit bigger if I just lay a board of some kind on top). That itself is a point for N scale. However, the things that I've seen that make me kind of iffy are the "fragility" I've read about/seen in videos, I've heard of electric issues regarding connection to track, cars derail easily because of weight, and down the line if I want sound, the speakers aren't very good from what I've seen. Some pros that I've seen are that N scale is better for actually "operating" your trains, vs HO is better at looking pretty. (to put it simply) And I'm definitely more interested in the operations aspect. (although I'd still prefer them to look nice)

However on the other hand, I know HO would be a stretch in the space I have currently, but it's just what I'm "used" to. (I've never had a model railroad, but my dad had the skeleton of one when I was a kid, and I'd help him out with it and occasionally run a train around)

Any input would be very much appreciated.