THIS is why...

[Dave V]

Objectively speaking… I agree that N scale has the more realistic scenery to trains ratio.  Absolutely. All of the arguments I used to make when I was defending N scale on the HO-centric Model Railroader forum are still true today. But that isn't the point here. For example, I have always been a big fan of the Pennsy H class consolidations but I bet I will never see them in N unless I roll my own as I did once before...and they still won't have the detail or the sound of what I can buy off-the-shelf.    As for narrow gauge… Even if I had the fine motor skill left in my body to work in Nn3 there is no way that I could approach the reliability, detail, and amazing sound in that scale as I can in the Blackstone ready to run HOn3.  In the end it's all a decision that we have to make for ourselves. My switching to HO is not an indictment of the benefits of N scale.   Rather it's in admission that I can't do what I want to do in N scale.

[mmagliaro]

Dave, I respect your position and I agree with it. 

Sooner or later, motor control and vision will get us all.  Personally, when that day comes for me, I plan to move up to S scale.  Always loved the look of it over all the other just for aesthetics and proportions - the relationship between the rolling stock, engines, and track, just somehow looks right to my eye.

And besides, there isn't a lot of ready-to-run steam in S, so my penchant for kitbashing engines will fit right in.

You are spot on: you don't "owe" anyone anything.  Your trains are your personal domain and your haven.
Good luck to you, sir.  I have always thought your layout and locomotive models were excellent and I look forward to seeing more of you in the HO narrow-gauge world.

[davidgray1974]

Dave,

I'm actually a bit envious of your move out of N scale to HOn3.  Originally I wanted to work in HO because I loved the size and detail of the loco's and the variety of products available, but inevitably went to N due to the sheer scale that could be achieved and available space.  Seeing what the three wise Daves (DSK, Dave Fox and yourself) could achieve in this scale, inspired me to push myself way beyond what I thought I could do.  At this point in the game like yourself, I've invested a lot of time and money into N that I feel I can't justify the move. 

Even though I will miss seeing your work in N scale I can't fault you for following your passion.  Do what moves you and keeps you wanting to go back and do more.  Your work will still continue to inspire myself and others regardless of what scale you work with.  If you force yourself to stay in something your heart's not in, it will eventually show in your work and thats not good for you or others who follow your amazing work.  Looking forward to seeing what you bring to us in the future. 

Just my two cents,

David   

[chicken45]

I've talked with @tom mann and I convinced him to prohibit N scale in the Weekend Updates from this time forward.

[Blazeman]

Understandably, Dave's decision is frustrating to some members here. Perhaps a feeling of betrayal. Dave has shared with us his health concerns that could some day, if not already, affect his ability to model in N.

One point that we are overlooking is a change in Dave's life situation. He and his wife have reached the point where they will no longer be uprooting the family every five years, so now he has a situation most of us have....a residence he can plan on living in for many years.

Consider then he is presented with a new opportunity to restart his modeling efforts. He has been bitten by the narrow gauge bug.  Unfortunately, that segment of the hobby does not translate easily to the scale so many of us practice. I've seen HOn30 layouts that are simply impossible to operate without problems of cars staying on the track (which is N track gauge) even with theoretically better physics (size, weight, mass). Nn3 then really isn't feasible given the challenges Dave is facing in the next couple years.

With a train room and not having to relocate, he can now build a permanent layout with ops possibilities like many of us have.  He isn't proclaiming N is inferior, but simply opting to take advantage of an opportunity he's not had before. That it's a different scale should not be an issue with the group.

Think of the two mass audience N layouts...Clinchfield and Naugatuck. Both were sold off if you will. Now the JD will join those two. The ensuing years have not resulted in those layouts evolving to a larger scale...they're still N.

Relax. Celebrate Dave, Dr. Hotballs, Testiculos Calientes or whatever he calls himself having a new way to play with trains.

[Dave V]

I originally switched to N with the intent of doing it "temporarily" until I left the service and could return to HO.  In reality I came very close to staying in N forever.

I think @Blazeman hit the nail on the head. 

Remember Bernie left N to pursue O scale Civil War railroading.  I for one would have been very sad had he allowed inertia or his fans to convince him to stay in N.  We would have missed out on an amazing and unique railroading experience.

[wm3798]

One thing's for sure.  Whatever you pursue next, be it HOn3, #1 gauge trolleys, O scale operating elevators, or what have you, I'm sure we will enjoy your usual level of compromise, self-loathing and mediocrity we have come to expect.

You GO girl!

(I'm not sure there's a magazine for O scale operating elevators, but you could probably score a cover if there is!)

Mr. Warmth

[Dave V]

Has everyone else's servings of Weldon been extra salty lately too? 

[Chris333]

You know this is why I still get Model Railroader, but not any of the N scale mags. I just like looking at nice layouts and don't really care what scale they are.

All my attempts at On30 have failed because of just how much space there is on a single model. I just want to fill it all with detail. HOn30 is nice though 

[Scottl]

You know this is why I still get Model Railroader, but not any of the N scale mags. I just like looking at nice layouts and don't really care what scale they are.

+1  After the first page, this thread has taken on a surreal quality.  I'm happy to see Dave's next modelling effort, regardless of scale.

[Bendtracker1]

I'm happy to see Dave's next modelling effort, regardless of scale.

+1
I also am watching Mr. Foxx's new build with interest.  Curious as to how he handles the Pros and Cons of the larger scale.
 

[Philip H]

Has everyone else's servings of Weldon been extra salty lately too? 

The only thing that saved me when we kitbashed his windows was the cheese plate.   

[peteski]

Has everyone else's servings of Weldon been extra salty lately too? 

LOL!  Thanks for the chuckle!

[Dave V]

I started this sh!t sandwich of a thread so I'm gonna bury it now.  Everything that needs to be said has been said.