Thoughts on N scale VS HO scale layouts

[ednadolski]

IF you build to a HO scale layout level, you will have incredible turns. 22" radius in HO is moderate, in N, it is prototypicle!

Yes, but you actually have to build it with the 22" curves.   Often the broad curves are traded off to fit more layout into less space, which is fine if that's what you want, but the point is simply that some tradeoffs are always needed regardless of scale.   Another example of a trade-off is sound, which is considerably more limited in N scale.

(FWIW, a 10-degree curve is considered sharp for the prototype, but it still scales out to a 43" radius in N scale.)

Ed

[Bremner]

(FWIW, a 10-degree curve is considered sharp for the prototype, but it still scales out to a 43" radius in N scale.)

Ed

yes, BUT a F7 can make a N Scale curve with a radius of 20.55" (real 276').

[MichaelWinicki]

I'm not big on the "Do one layout in one scale underneath and another in the other scale up above."

I'd pick one scale, put your heart, soul and wallet into it, take your time and do a layout that challenges you to create something that you'll be pleased to operate and proud to share with others both in and out of the model train community.