Hello
Hope everyone is safe and well
I'm thinking of returning to N gauge (kinda regret leaving if im honest)
I switched over to OO and without thinking it through, purchased lots of stock with sounds etc
Thinking I had more space to build a layout at my disposal, unfortunately that is not the case, and my space is very limited
That being said I'm sure I could get something nice in N gauge with the space I have
Even tho I have sound locos in OO gauge, I'm not too fussed about it, so going forward with n gauge, I'm content with either going analogue or digital
That being said, IMO the major downside to N gauge is getting hold of the locos etc
Example - class 411 BR blue grey cep unit
Dapol HST blue/grey etc
And if I do manage to track them down, the price is going to be very expensive no doubt.
Obviously will try eBay & Facebook groups etc, if anyone has any further suggestions where to find used N gauge stuff then I would greatly appreciate it or even anyone know of someone who is looking to swap N to OO gauge
G'day from Australia, Euston, and welcome to the NGF, and welcome back to N gauge! :thumbsup:
My initial advice would be to take your time, look through the forum, starting perhaps with our For Sale/Wanted section (I note you have 34 posts, so you should be able to access that section), and start planning!
I would be tempted to get rid of my OO stuff first, if you're sure you're not likely to return to the gauge.
Good advice from George. Try the ngf links and a beginners guide to model railways. I'm wary of 2nd hand unless a reputable dealer having heard of some buying off the net on a certain site. Maybe worth looking at the reputable dealers shops. I would really plan what you wish to achieve, whether scenic or urban, what space, maybe controls , controller, have I a room, garage, loft space budget? Track plan, it takes time
I'd add to the sage advice so far. Don't be in a hurry to buy your wish-list if what you're looking for is not available off-the-shelf. For example, I waited over a year and bought a CL 411 CEP, new in box, from a seller on eBay. It was exactly what I wanted and I don't think I paid over retail for it.
I'm wary of "too good to be true" bargains (they are) and sellers that don't have a sterling track record. The N resale market is actually quite small when it comes to vendors and so it doesn't take long to whittle the list down to people you trust.
The resale market is well-understood and so you won't find many "bargains" - there are some out there but, as the old saw goes - "caveat emptor" - "let the buyer beware". As long as you don't expect to furnish your stock at knock-down prices and you have some patience then you will be OK.
I've been burned twice - both probably my own fault not following my own advice - I bought two locos from random sellers "as is" although described as running perfectly - each had split gears, but on the upside I have the CL 411 and some other "new in box" stuff which I've been delighted with.
I do know of one modeller who brought off the net, his loco needed new armature, commutator. I would only look at the main retailers and the magazines and make enquiries as to what they stock. Or just buy a set and build upon that
I've bought all sorts (no - not the liquorice ones) off Fleabay but never locos.
I find looking for stuff on Google is incredibly frustrating as you get directed to a site only to find it's not in stock/not available and that just happens time after time ::) >:(
I guess we'll have to wait and see if we can get lucky. You want a 4CEP and I want a Dapol M7 in late crest preferably.
Dapol are re-running the HSTs, so don't pay over the odds for one. The CEP it's just a case of watching for them on the second hand market. set an eBay alert. They do come up.
It's not really any different to OO gauge - some items command huge premiums; it's just unfortunate there are some you want, in general the costs are lower though. At the time the CEPs didn't sell all that well, it's like the market suddenly woke up to them later.
After a break of 18 years, I've also recently returned to N gauge modelling and working on a project. I lost interest when I was younger due to the frustration of only limited products available and at a low standard. Today, is a complete opposite with overwhelming levels of detail and much more options.
- My advice would be to be patient and take your time with purchasing decisions and don't rush into paying over the odds.
- Make a list of what you would like and prioritise them.
- Compare that list to what is available on the market as some products are a lot easier to acquire than others.
- If you would like something that isn't available or very rare to get hold of, actively let the manufacturers know your interest to encourage a re-run or a design consideration.
- Use track planning software such a SCARM to design a layout. Keep saving your work and then re-approach it with fresh and different perspectives and you'll notice improvements gradually taking shape. Take your time.
- Use other modellers for inspiration. There are some fantastic layouts, stock and models out there.
Regards,
Tim
There is a lot of N gauge stock available pre-loved although its price and condition varies a lot. The key is not to get too obsessed with owning a particular item then and now. One will come up and even if you miss that one another will come along soon after. Given the prices of brand new stock there second hand market is well worth a punt.
Kind regards
Paddy
Thanks everyone for the advice and reply it's very much appreciated
I will definitely take on board your suggestions and advice
A couple of years ago I had most of the n gauge stock I wanted to own, and it took me years to obtain some of it
I got swayed into OO gauge, and while I like the vast selection of OO gauge RTR models, I just don't have the space I thought I would of had
In order for me to get back into the hobby of N gauge I would first have to purchase at least 1 br blue grey 4cep
I will of course, check eBay from time to time and set alerts
I have decided to sell the OO gauge stock anyway as I now just don't have the space for it,
Hopefully I can get some luck with the models which interest me in N gauge, as failing that, due to the lack of availability, I will probably end up leaving the hobby altogether
Thanks again for everyone advice :-)
Take your time, draw up a shopping list of what your needs are , start simple then research the retailers that mail order, do exchanges. Good luck
With all due respect if your entire participation in the hobby is predicated on your ability to get one specific model I think you're setting yourself up for failure. Models (in all scales) are decidedly transient. Embrace that, buy stuff when you see it, and enjoy.
If you want to be able to always buy the exact item you want whenever you want then you're going to be perpetually disappointed.
If you're not a member of the N Gauge Society then I suggest you join as (a) it's well worth joining anyway and (b) you could put a wanted ad in their bi-monthly publication and reach folks who aren't on this forum.
I do think @njee20 (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=1147) makes a good point: if your participation in the hobby depends so much on obtaining a few specific models then you're severely limiting yourself. You have to bear in mind that these days so many of our models are batch produced and once they're gone they're gone. UK N is a small market compared to European, American and Japanese so the batches are small. The days of wandering into a model shop and just finding everything you want from a full range of product are over, apart from the basics.
The hobby is such a broad church with so many different themes you could follow and different skills to learn and apply, why limit yourself? As Bruce Lee said
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcQPts3y6V8qbwkraaccqpIGY46Ib9BfV4Fwh0s6jtpzjrpzd1go&usqp=CAU)
PS: I've modelled European stuff since the 1980s, but I waited patiently for a blue/grey 4CEP to turn up on ebay at a fair price, just because they were local to me in my school days :D
I will have a look at the N gauge society thanks for the suggestion
And your completely right in the sense that I'm setting myself up for disappointment as I focus only on some models,
It's the same for me with OO gauge, it may seem strange to you but if I can't obtain certain models, I lose interest rapidly, it's very frustrating actually
I tend to buy my stock before I make a plan or buy track etc, that way once I have the loco/emu I really like, it gives me the foundation to build upon
While I appreciate this might not be the most logical way of doing things, it's something I have to do lol
I fully appreciate that the N gauge uk market is small compared to OO gauge or the European markets, and of course have to be patient when waiting for an older pre owned model to appear on eBay especially for a reasonable price
I'm going to sell all of my OO stuff anyhow, and will continue to look out for some certain models, equally I'm quite happy just to quit the hobby altogether if things don't work out with N gauge
Again thanks for the replys and advise, very much appreciated 👍
With the utmost respect to the readership of the journal and the NGS I wouldn't bother joining solely to put a wanted ad in. If you want to join the society then great, but it's a small readership if that's your sole aim. I'd join all the Facebook groups and ask there first, bigger audience, free and instant.
The blue/grey CEP is probably among the most sought after models going presently. Set an eBay alert, then expect to pay a lot when one turns up. Obviously I don't know what you define as a reasonable price, but it'll be over £200.
This problem isn't unique to UK N though, I'm not even sure it's particularly prevalent there, it's a feature of the batch production of literally all model railways products regardless of geography or scale.
While I appreciate everyone's reply and advice
And giving it some thought, I'm not going to bother with N gauge after all.
Models are hard to come by, and overpriced in my opinion (used market that is)
And while I appreciate some models are sought after and supply and demand etc a 4 cep BR blue grey £200 is a fair price for a used model but not £250-300
I have it in OO scale which I purchased DCC fitted a few months ago for £120
So in my mind for what N gauge offers and what I would like to do, it simply is not worth the money after doing some more research
Sounds like that may be the right decision, but I think it's worth being clear that it's not "models" conecptually, it's the very specific one that you would like. There are hundreds of models out there available for purchase right now, just some are sought after. Lest anyone else stumble on this thread and be put off!
This really isn't unique to N gauge though. Try and get the OO gauge blue/grey CEP now. The only blue/grey ones on eBay are at least £450, from the weathered production run. I suspect someone would part with their N gauge one if you're happy paying £450. £120 is a bargain, don't let that cloud your view of the value of models in either scale.
It's just an inherent 'problem' with reliance on batch production. The only difference with OO is that there is a higher likelihood of subsequent batches, but far from a guarantee.
I fear that, as you said, model railways simply isn't the hobby for you, and that's a great shame.
You'll have to forgive me, I knew your username was familiar, so I had a quick check back through your posting history. This is literally a clone of a thread from a year ago, itself a clone of a thread from 2018 where you said you were moving to OO, that time because you couldn't get a 442.
Clearly there's a consistent theme. Why not just slow down a bit, stop making snap decisions and selling all your stock, and just sit on things while you give it some thought. You started this thread yesterday saying that you regret moving away from N gauge. Now you're saying that actually you're happy to give up railway modelling entirely. That's quite the u-turn.
Lol
Yes that's true, I have gone back and forth between N gauge and OO gauge
And ideally would prefer to stick with OO, but due to the space I'm limited to now which is beyond my control, it's looking like it would have to be N gauge only for the foreseeable
That being said, I'm not willing to pay silly prices on models in n gauge I would like, so I will just quit the hobby, no big deal
My circumstances changed where space now is absolute premium, also when I made this thread yesterday, I didn't realize until last night, that the 8 or 9 locos of interest would be this hard to get or they are far too over priced.
It is what it is, the only advantage n gauge offers you can have a nice layout in small spaces, other than that OO is superior in every way and far reasonable prices too
Looks like your N gauge ruminations have terminated at Euston.
Quote from: Euston on April 14, 2020, 02:45:59 PM
My circumstances changed where space now is absolute premium, also when I made this thread yesterday, I didn't realize until last night, that the 8 or 9 locos of interest would be this hard to get or they are far too over priced.
It is what it is, the only advantage n gauge offers you can have a nice layout in small spaces, other than that OO is superior in every way and far reasonable prices too
What are the 8 or 9, out of interest?
You've mentioned two, one of which is due for re-release in due course.
You're probably right that space is "the" advantage for N, but that's a pretty significant advantage. New prices are cheaper too on comparable models. I've never looked at second hand I admit.
Edit: I've just been and checked second hand prices on eBay, because I'm interested. There's obviously a glut of Bachmann 66s on the market at the moment with the Hatton's model just coming out, and the Hornby Railroad model undercutting it, but they're very comparable prices to Farish ones, £75-£100 in general.
The blue/grey Hornby HST power cars appear to sell for £200-£300. Mk3 coaches are more expensive than Dapol's N gauge ones. The CEP as I've already said, is available for £450. Doesn't feel markedly cheaper.
You sound a bit like a perpetual "grass is greener" person. OO may be right for you of course, it is the most popular scale going - but don't change (again) based on a misconception.
No not at all am I the type of person where I think the grass in greener, that being said, I admit I do get very frustrated and run out of patients at times with this hobby.
£450 for a cep in BR blue grey is just ridiculous, and no way would I ever pay that kind of money, not a chance
With that said, N gauge is not for me, and as such I will leave the hobby, no problem at all.
Fact is, ridiculous prices and availability of models is the issue here and now I'm more informed of this, I would not recommend n gauge to anyone, despite the big advantage if you have limited space
And I disagree with you about prices comparing OO to N gauge
For example - blue grey HST
Dapol N gauge HST. just power and dummy car £250
Older farish HST power and dummy. £100 approx
In OO gauge, you can pick up a Hornby HST for £20
Or a better Lima version for £40
Even a Hornby super detailed HST can be got for around £250
So where the better HST models from dapol and Hornby are very close on price
The older Lima/Hornby stuff is a lot cheaper than the older farish HST
And N gauge overall is just more expensive than OO, but N gauge has the huge advantage with space limitations,
I think £200 is a more than reasonable price to pay for a cep in N gauge
The OO version can be got for around £150 if you look around
As I said before, it is what it is, and for me to buy the 8 or 9 locos/DMUs it would cost around £2000 approximately which is outrageous in my opinion.
Therefore I no longer have the space for OO, so I will leave the hobby, just can't justify the price of N gauge
have you thought of reading or acknowledging your PMs ? >:D
Quote from: Euston on April 14, 2020, 05:51:19 PM
Fact is, ridiculous prices and availability of models is the issue here and now I'm more informed of this, I would not recommend n gauge to anyone, despite the big advantage if you have limited space
That's a shame you've come to that conclusion, but I'd have to say that's a view strongly coloured by the limitations of the particular models you're dead set on owning. Open up to the wider world of the hobby as a whole and it's not like that.
On ebay I reckon on average I pay £50-£60 for as-new locos and around £150 for multiple units from the quality Continental brands, and there's plenty of supply on the used market. I'll agree that brand new model prices have soared, so I don't buy so much brand new these days. I have no hesitation recommending N gauge. The stuff I buy is light years beyond good old Hornby and Lima :-)
There's no point in a tit for tat on various different models, you've clearly made up your mind. But the Dapol HST with two mk3 cosches is £180 new, with a batch on the way. The Hornby power cars are over £200, plus coaches that's c£270.
Comparing 30+ year old models at £20 seems a bit daft, particularly with the old Hornby HST where the mk3 is a comical toy which is far too short, but yes, I accept if you compare apples:oranges OO is cheaper. On equivalent products it isn't. Like I say, not interested in an argument about it, just want to make sure you're fully informed, not looking at headlines. As for the CEP - it's out there. It's over £400. Same as the 450.
You quote that £2000 for your 8/9 locos is "outrageous in my opinion " but happy to pay £250 for a super detailed Hornby HST, in my book of accounting 9 of those at £250 is £1750 shockingly close to your 'approximately £2000"
I think you'll struggle to find a hobby that gives you the entertainment and stimulation of a model railway for less. Unless you plan on buying £5 of marbles and playing on your driveway??? :smiley-laughing:
Quote from: class37025 on April 14, 2020, 06:20:28 PM
have you thought of reading or acknowledging your PMs ? >:D
And what? My opinion deal with it.....
And exmouthcriag - where did I say I was happy to pay £250 for Hornby HST...
And I was comparing the older Hornby HST to the older Poole made farish HST......
This thread is pointless and repetitive
It stops here