HO Scale or N Scale? How to Decide Between the two. 

You're absolutely right, Jimmy: each scale has advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, like just about everything in the hobby, it comes down to available space and personal preference. ...Roy

I disagree with some of your points. I model in both N and HO. The issue of not being able to acquire details for N is not really true. Detail parts for engines and cars are out there, but not as readily found as in HO simply because the market is smaller and retailers tend not to stock those parts. Subscribe to one of the N scale specific magazines and you'll find a lot more N product. Switching in N dose take a lighter touch, but some aids will make it easier. If you plan your layout to be a switching layout, build it closer to your eye level so you closer to seeing the action. Increase the weight of your freight cars by 50%. This will make them more resistant to derailing as you uncouple cars. Use hidden uncoupling magnets instead of picks to uncouple cars. Placement of those magnets requires some pre-planning but keeps your too big hand off the equipment. In both scales, move away from the paradigm of a circle of track on a 4x8 board. Railroad are linear, cut that board into one foot wide strips and plan your railroad on that. An around the room shelf layout in either scale will be far more interesting than a small layout and train chasing its tail in endless circles. You should also consider costs. Track is roughly the same cost per foot for either scale. Scenery materials are also the same. But when you start looking at the cost to fill a certain area with railroad, the nod goes to HO. Individual cars and engines may be a bit less expensive in N, but it takes more of them to fill up your layout, no matter the shape or size. The same with buildings built from kits: N versions are slightly less expensive, but it take more of them to fill a space.

The size factor is huge in your choice of scale. Back in the 1980's I tried N scale , for me it was just too small & difficult to work with . I'm happy with Ho scale but that's my own personal choice. N scale today has grown by leaps and bounds and I am thrilled to see that for the hobby in general . Each to their own and have fun with it

Thanks for this comparison video. I believe you hit all the points you need to consider when choosing your scale. Great job! Keep these videos coming. Choo Choo Eddie 🚂🚂🇺🇸🇺🇸

Hi Jimmy, I have started back in the hobby over the last year in N scale due to space constraints. I modelled HO scale when I was younger. As much as I am enjoying N Scale, I can certainly see me taking on some small HO scale projects for the detail work. Drinking Kicking Horse Coffee, 454 Horsepower. Bold and Black. Keeps me going through the day so that I can get back to the hobby desk.

Great video, Jimmy. Space was always my number one factor. My first layout in the '70s was N scale, I needed to get a large track plan on a 4x8 sheet of plywood. When I started up again, I stayed with N scale, again due to space restraints. Watching today with Black Rifle Coffee's Freedom Roast, black.

Great topic. I've gone back and forth between these two scales for the same reasons you listed. Ultimately I went with HO

Great commentary, thank you

good vid jinmmy keep up the good work on the layout and vids

Nice video enjoyed it hope there more to come.

It seems incredibly difficult to find EMUs in OO or HO scale. I think I’d have to go N scale for that alone.

Modeling in both scales I dee many advantages they both have but still lean to n scale for the big scenes, just wish TT scale was around more it at all but it is what it is. Been in n scale for over 40 years and have seen a lot of improvements over that period and with a lot of care you can really get a lot out of it too....thanks for sharing 👍👍👍😀

My grandfather had a large scale train setup when i was a kid. Not sure on the scale but it was one of the coolest train sets i have seen. Had ho scale when i was a kid in the 70. Now i built scale bridges and buildings for rc cars got inspired by watching some of the scail train. setups i have seen on RU-vid.

I love the availability of products for HO even though N scale products have picked up in the last 20 years. If you have impaired vision or your dexterity is limited, I would suggest HO. If you enjoy custom scratch building, there is plenty of that in N scale. On the basis that a lot of scenery products are not produced, so if you want it, you have to build it. Awesome video on the comparisons!

I have started with HO but am finding that space constraints are causing some headaches. I have large hands and was concerned about working with the smaller N scale equipment. Sure would solve my space problem. Nice to have someone who has experienced both--thx

Well put, it really is one of those overly intense arguments when in reality it's just another thing to pick to get the enjoyment you want. Like era, rural/urban etc.

I've bounced between HO and N most of my life. Today, I have a small N Scale layout, which I operate North American N and Japanese N (1/150 and 1/160), and I'm planning and HO switching layout and a British 00 Gauge shunting layout.

Great job! Funny the pros and cons for N are pretty much the same - size.

I do O scale because it is fun and my grandfather also did it. I have bits of N, HO, G, S, and standard gauge. that I would also play with but I am limited on space.

Fairly new to model railroading, started with HO and built a 4x8 layout but quickly got bored as it felt like the train wasn’t going anywhere, just doing a figure 8. Hence have built an N scale layout at 12x6 and enjoy it much more due to the longer mainline and feeling as if the train is actually traveling to destinations across the layout going from the rural mountain side to the urban side. Also added a Kato bullet train line that can really get some speed in the bigger layout is great to see flying by the diesel industrial train to stations on each side. Energy drinks at the moment but need to cut back and switch to coffee :)

BRCC w/chocolate protein drink added in is my breakfast of choice. I’m running US N Scale and considering a change. 10x12 room. Maybe a quick video on the technical details between the two scales. Eg, min radius, clearances, etc. I know all scales and run in just about any area, but if feels like there’s sweet spots where one makes more sense than another.

I'm in the planning stages of an n-scale RR as I return to the hobby after many years. Formerly an HO guy, but the space constraint and detail considerations have me going for N. I have some nice space, and n-scale will give me a lot of mainline & yard activity. (Still deciding on the DCC options) I am drinking Kroger's Private Selection Ugandan medium roast whole bean. Ground fresh, French press, half-and-half with stevia/etheritol (sp?) yum! Love the channel! Can we hear more on the Digitrax vs. NCE vs. Arduino debate? I mean, you did indicate something about "kicking the hornets nest"....

How I decided which one to go with was....just get both ;) Got so many options here in Japan.

I had an HO scale train as a kid (Tyco, woo woo!) but that train is long gone. I debated internally a LONG time between HO and N, and in the end the space requirement was the thing. I want to do a fairly complex layout with two or three industries and a yard. To do that in the space I have dictates N scale. Fortunately I have a steady hand. :-)

I am planning my sixth layout, this will be 'N' gauge. My first and second layouts were 'OO', my third and forth were 'N', my fifth was 'G'. 'N' is definitely my favourite, as I can model suburban services. I am a chocolate drinker, preferably Classic or 85% dark, 'Hotel Chocolat'.

Great conversation starter. I model in N scale for the space reason, I want to get as much scenery and long running trains as possible. As I get older HO is starting to look more appealing but I think I will put switching off until retirement. ;) For coffee - drinking whatever K-cup I happen to grab at the moment. LOL

One of the things that you should of mentioned in this space issue is curve radius also determines your satisfaction in the hobby. For example a Big Boy Steamer versus a 2-6-0 or a 4 axle diesel. Either scale it makes a difference when it comes down to the space available. For myself I modeled in N scale for over 30 years. I started a N-Trak club that grew to be a huge East Coast club. I did a lot of N-Trak shows at shopping malls. I amassed a huge collection of N scale that focused on the Billboard reefer period. Focusing on an era kept it manageable and costs down. I also tried to focus on the West Coast and particularly the Southern Pacific Railroad. Build dates on cars became important including carrying a list of my own inventory to shows so I would not buy the same reefer or wood side car again and again. Eventually the count grew to over 400 cars. So, what happened? My eyes aged to the point of needing to use a magnifying glass to read some of the print on the cars. Road numbers were no longer visible as cars ran down the tracks. So, I can have multiples of the same road number as I can't see it. My biggest complaint was the rail joiners that would often get stuck in my fingers and thumbs! In my late 50s I stumble across a photo on the Internet and started reading about a railroad called the Morenci Southern Railway in SE Arizona. The narrow gauge bug bit. So, now I am active in On30. Porters are cute, but I'm running 2-8-0 C-16 Baldwins. The only manufacturer that produced C-16s in On30 was Broadway Limited Imports. BLI released those around 2004 and it was the only On30 release from BLI. Maybe you have seen the green and red Christmas steamers on eBay. BLI also released Black un-decorated C-16s, Colorado schemes and some in the Bumblebee scheme. The C-16s are DCC with sound or DC sound equipped. The motors run smooth, but the electronics are 17 years old and only one sound at a time can play. So, I am gutting the electronics to install Sountraxx Tsunami 2200 steam decoders, new speakers, and current keepers. I also use Nano Oils to service the gears and rotating parts. I end up with a very smooth running loco with modern DCC and sound. There is no gear whine from the brass gears. Of course everything is 1:48th scale. Even buildings take up a lot of space. An O scale building takes up 4 times the space of an HO building. So, one must plan carefully within the space one has. I think that the larger the space one has the more one tends to cram in more railroad, which can lead to nothing ever being completed. Some of the smaller space model railroads are a lot more detailed and completed. One thing I do not miss from N scale modeling is the rail joiners in On30 (PECO HO code 100) are not jamming deeply into my fingers. No more band aids!

Short answer is both. I personally model N scale but my brother models HO and I enjoy modelling dioramas in HO to showcase my work. But size definitely plays into why I have N scale. I can’t imagine having the space that I do with half as much train because they’re twice as big. Tim Horton’s. Because it’s the best! There’s no doubt about it!

I'm doing N primarily because of my limited space. I made that choice when I got back into the hobby and lived in a one-bedroom apartment. I've gained some space since we moved into our house twelve years ago, but I still don't have a lot. My layout is along one wall of a 9x9 bedroom that has to share space with my desk (from which I am typing this comment), a large bookshelf, a CD tower, two electric guitars, and an amplifier! One day I might expand my layout by moving it to the wall where the window of this room is located, and adding an extension on the wall where it currently resides. If I had the space and sufficient funds, I would absolutely go back to HO scale. The selection of equipment is just so much more extensive.

I model OO9, detail and scale of HO/OO and space of N. I love the balance.

I have both definitely have their pros and cons

Started in HO in the 70's and switched to N in the late 80's. Loved HO scale mostly for building, scratch build an engine house and water tower. But loved the MDC stream kits. Left HO cause my basement space got smaller. My wife put more junk in the basement. Love N scale cause you can build a pretty good empire in a 4 by 6 space. N scale has and is one of the best layouts I've built. Very happy, love to see the trains run.

I´m N scale modeler because my dad started in his youth in this scale, i started with vintage arnold rapido and Atlas/Bachmann, specially i have a childhood love with the southern pacific GP40 in Yellow/Red

im on the verge of getting my first train and cant decide! i imagine most folks have a bunch of both..

I've been pondering switching to N lately because my HO collection has been boxed up since I moved into my current place due to space constraints, it would sadden me greatly to get rid of it, but the Trains do me no good boxed up and at least with N, I could build a decent, yet "stowable" layout

Thank you for this. Very interesting. Since I have recently retired, I am thinking of a hobby. (And my wife says I need something to keep me out of her hair.) Model trains seems like the perfect thing. I think I will get a starter set of each, and see which I like the most.

One of the biggest advantages of N scale for me is if you want a loop around your room, you can do a dogbone type and avoid having a lift out or a gate at the room entrance. Scratch building is way harder in N scale then HO at least in my experience. Can't decide, try a small diorama in both scales. Then decide.

I think this is one of the most pressing questions of the hobby. Which to choose N, HO & O. Now a days especially. I know I’m about to switch and am looking at HO and N hard.

Ok jimmy, I’m new to train tube. Not as new to model railroads though. I had HO growing up. I’m moving on to n. And here’s a main reason why…. Steve’s trains. You know him. Looking at The stuff he can do in a tiny space, he inspired me to go big. 4x8 in n scale is going to allow me to have an awesome loop to fan out on, AND switching ops. Yeah, it’s gonna be hard with the tiny couplers, but I can have way more industry in the same amount t of space. Love your channel! :-) my layout is sure to include a few of your originals!!!!!!!

I have not been happier then when I switched to HOn30. Space has been the big problem. HOn30 doesn't give us the prototype railroading however. But even then you have to remember that narrow gauge has been utilized for many years in the real world, trains are trains in any case and I have been playing with my railroads for seventy-plus years. I never tire of it. Thank you Dave Frary.

I'm only 12 and I got a starter set and I have been buying a couple lots with cars and engines from my dad's eBay and I'm still trying to learn all about this hobby.

I haven't even started on clearing out the basement so I can build and I've spent way too much on track and locos. BUT, I am at a point where I have all (well almost all) the locos I need and will only buy track when I can get it dirt cheap. SO now I need to get busy on the basement and start building. Then reset my budget so I don't go overboard again. I'm drinking Sumatra Lintong Coffee I ordered overseas at The Kent Tea and Coffee Trading Company.

I like both HO and N. Looking for ideas for ‘forced perspective’ using N in the background of an HO layout.

Your choice of scale is what your able to model and have fun with. I know a lot of older people like ho or 0 scale because N is too small for them to see. HO scale currently has better options on a lot of things and is easier to work on. I use N scale because of limited space. Great video Jimmy. -Tim

Yes N you can on the classic 4x8 sheet of plywood. But HO is really the perfect scale. It’s small enough to still handle and work on no problem but also big enough to still see the details on N you really have to get up close too see detail it’s there but HO just opens the scale up a little more. Especially when you come to decorating the layout with scenery and buildings HO shines.

I've been with N pretty much because of space as I can keep the gear in a small box compared to HO. I even messed with Z when I was stationed in Germany. But now that I have a house and am getting back into the hobby, I'm buying mostly N as it's gotten better since I've been gone. That being said, HO has still been right out in front and Z has been getting detailed and digital. I have ideas and each scale could fit.

Most of the RU-vidrs I follow are n scale guys but in my case I went with o gauge. While not ideal for smaller layouts, in my case the larger cars and engines are easier for my son to handle. We started with Lionel ready to play and o gauge was a good transition for him. As his hand motor skills develop I can see us moving to HO. Black rifle guy here but I recently tried McDonald’s ground coffee and was pleasantly surprised.

Just found your channel and love it. I have been wanting to get into building a layout but can't seem to decide on what kind of layout. I am really drawn to passenger trains and was curious if there is a particular company that has a better selection of passenger trains and maybe even putting a subway or elevated line with it. I think I want to run N scale but HO is a close second. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

Awesome video, Just starting out, what set would be great in HO to purchase, TY

My take is HO scale if your starting out. N can be tag$ .saying that we have started buy G lol. Tim's just milk. Enjoyed as always🚂🚃🚃🚃🇨🇦

I wish TT scale was more popular, it seems a very good compromise between N and H0! Having italian coffee Lavazza Qualità Rossa prepared with a moka machine.

Setting at Hampton inn drinking some light brew Columbian coffee ☕ waiting to hit the Lansing Michigan train show 🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃. Can't wait to see what I can find that I don't have. Posting video of it later to.

I Started in Ho Then got into N Scale But Love em Both. Won’t change it for Anything.

I know this video is older, but to anyone reading this N scale can also be used to test something in a small space you plan to build in a bigger space in the future. For me that is the PRR in1950s Cleveland. I'm going to do it in N and eventually in 3 rail O. Also I am drinking old reliable Folgers Classic Roast.

N scale uncoupling is super easy-but the secret is to not use a pick. That works in HO, but less well in N. In N scale use a Phillips head jewelers screwdriver. The Phillips head screwdriver works fabulous-just put it down between the couplers like a pick and twist.

I wish that N scale came with as wide a variety of box cars as HO does.

I do both HO and N scale....pricing is about the same for both whether it's DC/DCC or DCC with Sound

HO or N??? Compromise and get TT! :D :D :D

I went from HO to N scale. Unfortunately I found N scale too small to work with. So went back to HO. yes, it takes up so much room that I've gone for an ambitious around the ceiling layout.

My wife and I have N and HO. For the most part I am N scale. One other consideration is cost. N scale is often as, if not more, expensive than HO. But for me, space was a major consideration. Further my mother really liked N and as silly as it is, it pleases me to model in N in memory of her.

I've honestly primarily been a G guy. I've found that G scale is super-reliable, super-rugged, and counterintuitively a really good bang for your buck. Sure, unit prices are much higher than either HO or N (though the gap's starting to close - an N-scale Bachmann 4-8-2 Light Mountain with DCC and Sound costs as much as a G-scale LGB Chloe or Field Railway Steam Locomotive), but for an equivalent sized layout you're buying a lot less equipment - less track, less rolling stock, and definitely less motive power - so the costs just don't pile up as much over time. Maintenance is less too since everything is sealed and runs on bearings. I have worked with both HO and N in the past as well, though, and while a few years ago I would have recommended HO, I now actually side with N on the grounds that you can get more into less space and the quality of the equipment is now on-par. I'm going to mention my thoughts on O as well... honestly I can't group "toy" style O-27 and scale O together, they're completely different animals. O-27 is definitely more of a nostalgic, collector's and "lets play trains" side of things. Just to clarify, I mean that in a good way, not the "militant rivet counter" way. It's a great way to go big in a very small space. Scale O... is a dying scale. The problem is that not only are the minimum radius and layout size requirements ridiculous, but it doesn't even have the unit price advantage over the much more practical G-scale anymore. Heck, in some cases O-scale prices are comparable to 7.5" gauge rideable "miniature" trains _for equivalent models_ (particularly with the bigger diesels), and if you have the space you can definitely build a 7.5" gauge backyard railway that can actually be ridden and used to transport goods for less than a viable scale O layout. It's getting ridiculous. MTH has flat-out bowed out of the market, and I don't blame them. If O as a whole is going to thrive, it's going to be in the form of O-27 and in narrow gauge. O narrow gauge is yet another completely different set of beasts, because On3 is niche due to track availability but On30 is relatively accessible due to running on HO gauge track. Honestly, both can be looked at more like HO than O since their space and minimum radius requirements are more like HO. Great if you want something a bit bigger equipment-wise than HO, with lots of nice detail, but without the ridiculous space requirements of scale O. Coffee... either the local CREDO coffee shop on the ground floor of my apartment or a Japanese canned coffee from the fridge.

It was such a hard decision, so I decided to become a bi-scaler! I do N Scale and Ho Scale! Eventually I want to incorporate both scales, in a perspective railroad layout! I've already got matching Great Northern GP9s and Santa Fe F7s, in both scales! Eventually I want to custom paint a GP35 or GP40, to replicate the Puget Sound & Pacific engines, I see locally. (PS&P is owned by Genesee & Wyoming, so it shares paint schemes with Indiana & Ohio ((I&O)), San Diego & Imperial Valley ((SD&IV)), and at least one line in the New England area). I love cars, trains, planes, and ships!

The thing I like About Ho and N Scale I get to Flip- Flop Buildings for the Looks on both Scales.what looks good or not.

I once had the choise between n ans h0 and i picked H0 because i had the choise between two starter packs and i wouldnt get more than that. With n Scale i wouldve had a very small Layout as a kid

I am planning a model railroad and this is my main question for myself. So I think I am picking HO.

With N and HO what size of space would you recommend? Thank you for this it was so helpful!

I enjoy TT scale (1:120), it's a sweet spot between HO and N, what is not so sweet is the limited stock in that scale.

I Run Both Like em Both they Keep me Busy And keeps me out of those Bars.Same with my Wife is The Same And proud of her.

I envy USA 'N' scale modellers. Over here in Britland, our real-life trains are the size of your subway trains, so N-scale stock almost disappears. It's a pity that TT/3mm scale never really took off here, because then our TT stock would be about the same size as your 'N'. 😃

The amount of detail in HO scale is what led me to ultimately choose HO over N scale. I don't have that much space, but I love when model stuff has a lot of detail.

I am Drinking Lavazza Intenso fresh ground, with cream and one sugar. I am An N scaler, as my father was an N scaler and he gave me my first locos. I naturally carried on in this scale and I enjoy working with it. I now have about a dozen locos, and about a hundred items of rolling stock.

I personally prefer HO, but I plan on modeling both. I do have a bigger collection of HO locomotives/rolling stock, but I don't have the space to use it yet, so as of now I'm collecting until I have the space. I do want to make a portable N-scale layout that can split in half and fit under a twin bed so it can be out of the way when I'm not using it. I think collecting for both is good, you just need to spend wisely. Oh, and I don't drink coffee, if necessary I drink Coke XD.

I am in the process of creating a model railroad and I am stuck on the HO-N scale. This identifies a lot of the issues I am grappling with. In addition, I am finding that N scale does not have the locos to support my era/locale. HO does, but because size is an issue, I will have to compromise in other areas. Every time I think I have made a decision, I come across something that muddies the brain. :-(

Why not both? And consider modeling dioramas, modules and smaller layouts. This can allow for the flexibility between modeling for detail and modeling for more track. Thanks Jimmy, now for more coffee...and trains.

I am starting out in HO, as I inherited my Dad's HO stuff. Can't wait to get trains running! Thanks for all you do to help us "beginners" out.

A co-worker showed me his nscale locomotives & I was hooked-in my 40's. In my 70's it's becoming frustrating with needing to wear magnifiers to work on stock. I have too much to get rid of, so I I'll need to pay someone to do tasks I am finding too time consuming & cumbersome to perform. N scale is great at saving space. HO scale has a greater availability of products.

COST is a major disadvantage to both. Prices are insane compared to what they used to be. Thanks Joe... I do BOTH, in addition to G scale. Not that I have huge layouts like John Armstrong or something...

N is for artists and O is for engineers, HO is for those who want to be both or can't make up their mind. You can leave off more detail off in N without it being noticed, say anything smaller than about 2" in reality (that's about 0.15mm in N).

I am there myself, Marklin HO or Fleischmann/Trix N scale.

My answer: neither scale. Go with TT (1/120) Scale, it is easier to work with than N, and can fit more in the same space as HO.

You Start either Way you want. When I started In Ho It was A Single 4x8 then Moved Didn’t bring the Table Then Moved up And Didn’t Have a Layout Later in Life Dad and I Went To a Hardware Store Bought 3 4x8’s wow Did that Look Huge then Dad Bought me Some Trains then I was hooked then I got Married Then I Got Married she Got into Model Rail Roading she Started in Ho Then We had Ho Then we Started to get Into N Scale So Now we Have Ho And N Scale And Proud of Both Scales.

@DIY and Digital Railroad I'm facing this very question. HO or N Scale. I have a lot of HO rolling stock, but it's all DC. Ironically I have more N Scale track. I want to try learning DCC, just so I can run two or more 🚆 trains at once. So I'll have to buy a lot of stuff to get my next layout started. I only have 4' × 8' area to play in. For that reason I was thinking of N Scale DCC. However the resurch I've done lately, alot of features I want such as live smoke and ABC braking and sound all in one don't seem to exist. But I'm finding these features in HO. So now I don't know if I want a layout with more track per space, or less track with all the features? It's funny I stumbled on this video when I did. I was minutes from attempting to create a video on this subject asking for suggestions.

I'm debating changing from N scale to HO scale simply because the variety is larger in HO scale. I have come to like the BCOL cowls and CN cowls but no luck finding any in N scale, I've also come to like the CN and BCOL Dash 9 CWLs and the same problem occurs. I can't find them in N scale. Though I do not have the space for an HO scale layout I don't have the room for an N scale layout either. I have come up with and Idea for a project in the future to pursue, I was thinking of doing CN MacMillan Yard to CN East London or even more if I have the room (CN Halton, Oakville, Dundas and maybe parts of the Strathroy and Chatham Subdivision). Right now it's quite far fetched and I know it will cost a lot of money, but I hope to join the army and then the railroad two well paying jobs and good pensions. This idea is still being considered and processed but I hope I can go forward with this plan.

For me N is more exciting. You get pretty much everything you get with HO such as sound, lights etc. But it is more exciting to see small train with flashing tiny headlights running in and out of tunnels and over high bridges etc.. Little fairytale.

Hey Jimmy I know this is t the right video to comment but I'd like to get your attention . The DCC ++ video is great but one of the links for parts doesn't work any longer. I would like to use your suggestions for my system. Thanks for your help.

Hi DIY and Digital Railroad, I have a few questions, what are your thoughts and opinions on lubricating model trains? I'd like my trains to last a very long time so I'm sure it'd be a basic up keep. The reason I ask is I've heard different opinions and I've even grew up with a Lionel that was not lubed and still runs pretty good. Please let me know your thoughts. I do enjoy your videos as they are inspiring me and makes enjoying the hobby better. Thank you, Cheers!

I model HO Scale. Why? 1) Its the scale my dad modeled and I inherited all his stuff. 2) Its what the local club models and I wanted to bring my trains to their layout 3) Its easier to find the road names I want to model in HO Scale than any other scale. I wanted to model O Scale but I did not have the room. I thought about N Scale to save even more space but my reasons for HO scale won over a smaller footprint.

On N scale you start to reduce more details. In H0 some modellers are weathering their rolling stock and buildings. N scalers do this less often. My preference would be H0 and I want to see all the bents and rust cars and locos do have after 15 years in service.

Digital uncoupling is both available in N and HO scale... Switching operations are very good with digital uncouplers. Also, from my experience, uncoupler tracks (both remote and manual) work better with N scale compared to HO. The main drawback of N scale is the cost... Overall it is way higher than HO scale. More and complex scenery = higher costs. Also, track layouts tend to be more expensive in N scale, at least from the European manufactures. The main advantage of the N scale is the space.

I had both N and ho but came to a good combo. Hon30 is a 2' or 30" narrow gauge. I can have a nice layout in a small space but still have the bigger details.

I too have asked this question. Once sold most of my HO gear to go N. Soon regretted it. I do love both so I have replenished my HO stash. My solution: ( I have plenty of basement space so room is not a problem.) I am going to incorporate a slightly elevated area at the end of my HO layout to build my N city and track. It will be a " Forced Perspective" as in Diorama modeling. So the smaller buildings, scenery and trains should look as if they are farther away...if I do it right. Hopefully! Has anyone out there done this successfully?

In my case Santa decided for me, N. My granpa did HO . But me with 5 brothers N

Im renovating my hoise so I would get extra room with 4,5x4m I think thats 15x13 foot? I still cant decide is it enough space for HO scale? I would love to have more detailed and immersive scenery.

Thanks for the advice! I’m an HO Scale Amtrak modeler and I’d love to have a 20-car passenger train, but 20 cars in HO is too long for comfort. For longer trains, I’m definitely with you on N scale.

If you’re unsure, do both. But like you said before and what most of us have experienced, always start small, try a little bit of everything on small layouts for each, that way you can see what works the most and what doesn’t. Cheers!

how is the community coffee? i keep seeing it on Amazon, its a bit more than ..average . ive yet to try it

Ive had N scale steam engines have piston rods brake cause they got a piece of hair in it, never had it happen in HO scale

Seriously, I used to have an HO and a O scale at my previous house, but we moved, there’s not much room, and now, N

how can I make an HO scale sand quarry. any suggestions? I want trucks able to climb out of the quarry.

I've always liked watching N scale trains in action but I'm an HO guy.