I'm going to try N Scale

https://www.hogtrainz.com/RESERVATIONSN.html

Excellent prices and service in my experience.  If you are setting layouts up and taking them down, the roadbed track from Kato (similar to Bachmann) works quite well. 

@Landsteiner posted:

https://www.hogtrainz.com/RESERVATIONSN.html

Excellent prices and service in my experience.  If you are setting layouts up and taking them down, the roadbed track from Kato (similar to Bachmann) works quite well.

Anything from Kato is great...in N or HO.  👍

Mark in Oregon

@Mark Holmgren 110217 posted:

I had to take down my ping pong table layout and put the train stuff away.  We needed the space for an office.  While I figure out what to do with the O gauge stuff, I thought's try my hand at N.  I ordered a cheap basic Bachmann starter set and a bit of extra track.  I haven't been able to find a good online resource for N though.  Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks

Personally   I would deal with a reputable hobby shop, and get your self a good set of magnifiers

http://www.sumidacrossing.org/ for N gauge, largely Kato based. Nothing there is for buying, but is a very detailed breakdown of a lot of Kato bits over the years.

Here is a fantastic N Scale Model Railroading Projects & Resources.  http://www.spookshow.net/index.html  Not a dealer but everything else.

@Landsteiner posted:

https://www.hogtrainz.com/RESERVATIONSN.html

Excellent prices and service in my experience.  If you are setting layouts up and taking them down, the roadbed track from Kato (similar to Bachmann) works quite well.

Was not aware of them - thanks for posting.

I've purchased N at good prices from Trainworld. 

Here's a small local guy in central Indiana - although I've dealt with him in person (very knowledgeable and helpful), he also ships and has good prices.  https://www.train-n-connection.com/

@Chris Underwood posted:

Here is a fantastic N Scale Model Railroading Projects & Resources.  http://www.spookshow.net/index.html  Not a dealer but everything else.

I agree. There isn't another site, in any scale,that matches the above. It's truly a remarkable resource... 👍

Mark in Oregon

All I did for years was N Gauge (I had O Gauge as a fifties kid and came back to it a year and a half ago).

The great thing about Spookshow is that he provides the various generations of a particular engine and which ones are reliable.  At the end of each he provides basic disassembly instructions as well.

The cost is about the same as HO and for under $500 engines about the same as O Gauge. 

In terms of reliability both Kato and Atlas have been reliable over the years in my experience.  Many of the older Atlas engines were made by Kato.  In terms of detail the three best in that respect are Intermountain, Broadway Limited, and Scale Trains.   Bachmann's most recent sound equipped (Econami) engines have been pretty dependable and the company is very good about their warranties.  They usually replace rather than repair and often that is with the latest model.

For Command Control you have a lot of choices including DIY inexpensive options.  I built a DCC++ wireless system for well under $100.   Decoders are not cheap and I would recommend buying them already installed.  Finding a place for the speakers is often the biggest challenge plus the frame has to be isolated from the motor making installation difficult on older models.   The best instruction on DCC installation and review in my opinion is Larry Puckett The DCC Guy

The downside of N Gauge is working on them.  They are tiny demanding a steady hand and magnification.   Electrical wheel pickups are sometimes tricky and can cause issues because some of the methods for such are illogical on some models.  Tiny brass tabs.  Over lubrication is a much bigger problem on N Gauge locos than on larger locos.  If it gets into the motor commutators (easily done) it will burn them up.  Also diassembling steam engines without damage is a nightmare.

John

I still have my N scale trains I acquired when returning to the hobby a little over thirty years ago while in Germany, primarily Arnold and Fleischmann.  I eventually moved to Maerklin HO as the price difference between scales was virtually nil and I figured if I was going to spend that amount of money on trains, I’d at least like to be able to see them, right?  (Mind you, this was before I needed glasses.)  O gauge trains have always been a means of “escape” from the scale realism and near rivet counting of the smaller trains… but they take up a lot more room (although not as much as my 1 gauge Maerklin I’ve acquired over the years).  I recently began building a small HO layout, and I’m enjoying the journey:  a lot of the older Maerklin motors are similar to the classic Lionel’s, albeit a bit smaller… and no where near as challenging as maintaining N scale ones.  (I can’t even imagine how the Z scalers manage!)

I enjoy N scale very much.  I have a few boxes of it dating back to my first entry level set in the late 1980's.  Most of my N is from right around the turn of the century and I've had a lot of success with it.  My most recent acquisitions have been Kato models and they are a great value for the quality of detail and their running abilities. 

For what it is worth, my N scale Atlas Trainmaster from 1999 still have better detailing than any 3 rail O scale model I've seen.

Enjoy your endeavor! 

From my previous linked forum, re dcc and n scale:

http://www.sumidacrossing.org/...DCC/KatoDCCDecoders/

...Kato’s newer Japanese passenger trains, most of those made since about 2005, are “DCC Friendly”, which means they can accept a drop-in decoder....

The website is incredibly detailed, but my understanding is that almost everything, if not everything, post 2005 is DCC friendly/compliant. An important note, Kato Unitrack is compatible with all DCC systems.

I have thought about N Scale and having seen some of Broadway Limited stuff it is wonderful until I look at the price and can buy O Gauge stuff for almost the same money. Did N Gauge with my first loves ( we spent almost 8 years together off and on) little brother in high school and enjoyed it a lot.

Any recommendations for an entry level starter set with DCC, lights and sound ?

I do a little bit of N scale. All my motive power and track is kato, as others have said it's reliable and a good value.

My local I O scale shop also has great selection of N scale items too.

But I have also bought some items that I couldn't find locally from https://lombardhobby.com/ they have good selection and prices.

I'm glad to see these responses; on some other sites N scale is often dismissed for being too small... good on you!

Mark in Oregon

My last N scale layout was a shelf type designed for operations.  Populated with Kato motive power and microtrains rolling stock with micro engineering track.  Much of the layout was only 8 to 12 inch wide and built semi modular.   I did have a couple of reversing loops I could connect (back sude of wall devorations) if I just wanted to pour a drink and watch trains.

I stll have all my rolling stock, structures,  and a few locos.   I've aldo been thinking I might use a 12 foot wall and get it going again, perhaps Kato track just to make it easier.

Having read this thread, I will admit to owning one (1) piece of N scale; a Kato single-track through truss bridge that I plan on using upside down on my On2½ layout.

I had an N scale layout for a while. HCD, hollow core door, formed the benchwork. I ran Kato exclusively because that stuff is just amazing. I had an Amtrak P42DC and a string of Amfleet cars and loved listening to it rush along. I did try a Fox Valley ES44AC that was quite nice as well, but made the mistake of trying some European outline stuff. Had a Graham Farish Hall 4-6-0 that was a rough runner, and a GWR 0-6-0 pannier tank that was fussy too. I think when you get down that small trackwork takes on an insane level of importance, as any humps or kinks or even dirt will kill your enjoyment.

In the end it was constantly knocking freight cars off the track while switching that made me bump back up to HO.

@Erik the Newbie posted:

.........but my understanding is that almost everything, if not everything, post 2005 is DCC friendly/compliant.

Usually.  But the main thing as I stated above is to make sure that the motor is isolated from the frame or it will fry the decoder.

John

@Richie C. posted:

Any recommendations for an entry level starter set with DCC, lights and sound ?

Are you talking about a complete set with track and power Richie?

What price range?

John

KATO and Atlas are primo products!

@Craftech posted:

Are you talking about a complete set with track and power Richie?

What price range?

John

Yes - $250-$400

@Richie C. posted:

Yes - $250-$400

Something like this from Kato would only require a drop in DCC decoder, so about $250 in total.

https://www.amazon.com/Kato-US...mes%2C105&sr=1-2

I think sets with DCC are special order only or you can order directly from Japan.

https://www.katousa.com/N/SS-F7/index.html

From a reputable seller I have frequented them very often over the years:

CC$2520Equipped/filter:inventory_level:1:*/filter:dccCC$2520$2526$2520Sound$2520Equipped" target="_blank">https://www.modeltrainstuff.co...20Sound$2520Equipped

Just trains at the moment, no pack + track. There are esulok sound, or just straight preinstalled digitrax dcc.

To be fair, I am a way bit whole lot of uncomfortable about buying a $270 f7a/b digitrax equipped n scale engine. They are waaaay tiny. At least with the kato japanese motive power, you get several cars + the loco/engine, instead of just a very very expensive loco.

@Landsteiner posted:

Something like this from Kato would only require a drop in DCC decoder, so about $250 in total.

https://www.amazon.com/Kato-US...mes%2C105&sr=1-2

I think sets with DCC are special order only or you can order directly from Japan.

https://www.katousa.com/N/SS-F7/index.html

The so-called "drop in DCC decoders" for Kato are not so "drop in".

In addition to that LokSound decoders (unlike the others) require a special programmer which is another $150.

If you are getting Kato, you are much better off getting one with the decoder already installed.

As I showed you above, they are special order.  The alternative is pretty much a Bachmann starter set, but the included power supplies are really bad.  I would suggest piecing a set together if you don't want to special order the Kato starter set.

John

You will probably slightly unimpressed with the Bachmann set. Their stuff is decent starter stuff. Their Spectrum line is okay in N, much better in HO, but still subpar in comparison to others. Kato, Atlas, MicroTrains and BLI are the top dogs in N scale RTR products.

Kato makes great steamers, diesels and streamlined passenger cars. Their freight cars are mostly Japanese prototypes.

Atlas makes great diesels and structures and decent freight cars.

MicroTrains hands down best RTR freight cars and great heavyweight passenger cars. They also make really nice freight car loads.

BLI has some great steamers, diesels and rolling stock.

Try this web-site out for tons of great info on N locos from all the way back to its' origins. N Loco info site.

Model train stuff aka MB Klein is where I purchase a lot of my N scale stuff. Trainworld/Trainland (a forum sponsor) also have good selection and prices on N.

Although there is a lot of good info in this thread, digital control is the kind of thing where it's really valuable to make connections with local hobbyists.  Join the NMRA and attend local functions and/or visit a local club.  There are lots of people who will share what they've done, and it can save you from repeating their mistakes.

For information about servicing locomotives, layouts and installing/using DCC there are many YouTube videos that can assist you, which may be quite critical if there is no local hobby shop nor a club or group that can help you.

Well, here in the central maryland area we ha(ve/d) Model Train Stuff/MB Klein; they were very helpful getting things setup for me with dcc prior to covid. They have track inside that can be used to demo/explain dcc function at n scale. However, since covid, I am unsure if they have reopened the store front for visitors.

I love N scale, even though it seems to get smaller and smaller as the years go by. As others have mentioned, the Atlas and Kato locos are hard to beat for running qualities. The most common engine problem that you might run into is a noisy motor end bearing, which can usually be fixed with a drop of light oil where the motor shaft enters the motor—the bad thing is you have to disassemble the loco to get to the motor. The biggest thing you can do to keep your N scale trains running well is to run them often! If you have to clean your track a lot in N scale it’s almost always because you are over-lubricating your equipment. It’s a myth that N scale requires constant track cleaning or that trains run erratically due to poor electrical contact—if you are having problems with this then something is causing it, because N scale done right is very reliable.

N scale operation is actually very good nowadays—and in fact, the equipment generally tracks and couples and uncouples better than HO and with less overall fussing than HO. N scale equipment is also pretty tough, and will stand up to a lot of handling.

The biggest area where improvement is needed in N scale is in turnout tracking and reliability. Kato track works extremely well, but I recommend the #6 turnouts for best tracking and bulletproof reliability. Atlas code 55 track looks great, but the Atlas c55 turnouts can be very fussy and I avoid them. Peco turnouts work very well, but they aren’t as good looking as Atlas. Many modelers build turnouts using the FastTracks system and these look and perform fantastic when they are properly built and installed.

Two things that are very helpful to think about when working with N scale. Both are often overlooked when people build N layouts. The first thing is layout height—it is amazing how often I see N layouts built with a HO or O scale mindset. If you don’t like N scale you may tend to look down on the scale because you are literally looking down too much! Get that beautiful rolling stock up where you can see it from the proper perspective and it will make all the difference!

The second thing is lighting—believe it or not, N scale is actually smaller than the larger scales 😁😁😁, so you need to have a brightly lit layout to see those trains at their best. Poor layout lighting is never a good thing, but it’s a much bigger deal when your layout is N scale!

Jeff C

Thanks for all of the great feedback! I’m planning on investing in a higher end locomotive if the experiment is a success. I’m blind as a bat and just got my first bifocals so that’s an issue as well. Fingers crossed!

@Mark Holmgren 110217 posted:

Thanks for all of the great feedback! I’m planning on investing in a higher end locomotive if the experiment is a success. I’m blind as a bat and just got my first bifocals so that’s an issue as well. Fingers crossed!

I know they are a little bigger and take up more room, but HO is easier to work on than N Gauge.  Cost is the same.

John

Regarding lighting, it should be noted that Kato has VERY easy to install lighting kits that come in 2 flavors; led1 and led2 (led1 is the older version, and is more warm and orange like incandescent lighting, whereas led2 is definitely bright bright clean light. The lighting kits are cheap and I have yet to find a single passenger car where the (literally) drop-in lights cant be installed.

Wow,  big jump going from O scale to N scale.

Nothing wrong with N scale at all, and I'm rooting for you, but if you suffer from eye strain or migraines, you will not be happy with it.

Mannyrock

@Mike D posted:

You will probably slightly unimpressed with the Bachmann set. Their stuff is decent starter stuff. Their Spectrum line is okay in N, much better in HO, but still subpar in comparison to others. Kato, Atlas, MicroTrains and BLI are the top dogs in N scale RTR products.

Kato makes great steamers, diesels and streamlined passenger cars. Their freight cars are mostly Japanese prototypes.

Atlas makes great diesels and structures and decent freight cars.

MicroTrains hands down best RTR freight cars and great heavyweight passenger cars. They also make really nice freight car loads.

BLI has some great steamers, diesels and rolling stock.

Try this web-site out for tons of great info on N locos from all the way back to its' origins. N Loco info site.

Model train stuff aka MB Klein is where I purchase a lot of my N scale stuff. Trainworld/Trainland (a forum sponsor) also have good selection and prices on N.

I pretty much 100% agree with Mike D on all points. I got back into the model railroading hobby with N scale back in around 1976, and things sure have improved since then.

The manufacturers I would be looking at today, if I was still actively involved, would be Atlas, Kayo, MicroTrains, and BLI.

Trainworld--a long-time OGR magazine and Forum supporter--and ModelTrainStuff (MB Klein) would be my primary sources if I was buying N today.

@Mark Holmgren 110217 posted:

Thanks for all of the great feedback! I’m planning on investing in a higher end locomotive if the experiment is a success. I’m blind as a bat and just got my first bifocals so that’s an issue as well. Fingers crossed!

I think you just gave the most important bit of information here my friend - 'blind as a bat' is NOT a good attribute for N scale by any stretch of the imagination!  Please rethink this and consider going to HO instead. HO may literally mean "Half O" but in actuality, it is 1/8 the volume of O Scale equipment. N scale is likewise much smaller in comparison to HO and you will probably 'rue the day' you move to N due to vision difficulties...

I disagree... somewhat. When I made a brief foray into Z scale, I bought an "Optivisor" and have continued to use it for any and all close up work regardless of what scale I happen to be working on at that moment; so an 0-80 screw looks about the same size as a 2-56. 🙂

If our OP thinks N scale is the way to go, I think he should do that. 👍 I read somewhere that "in HO you model a scene: in N you model a railroad..."

I would still be in N, but I prefer the heft of the larger scales...

Mark in Oregon

@Strummer posted:

If our OP thinks N scale is the way to go, I think he should do that. 👍 I read somewhere that "in HO you model a scene: in N you model a railroad..."

I can definitely attest to this! In a small area, 8x10 I would say, on the floor, I can run out a massive kato unitrack railroad, complete with sidings, bridges, switches, dual track track (bidirectional run of two identical trains). It is pretty amazing what you can do in n.

Take a look at : https://www.katousa.com/track-...12-98-MR-layout.html which is 4x5 feet.

This is similar to one I run in my cat room: https://www.katousa.com/track-...eld-fond-du-lac.html 4.5 feet by ~8feet. Rail yard, bridge, two lines.

I do agree about the heft of O scale though; I really love the size and heft of MTH premier engines; its a real feeling of train-ness. But I cant do anything like the above in a small room with an engine that needs o72 curves!