Quote from: BobB on March 28, 2014, 10:26:54 AM
N steam outline models seem to be troublesome, the modern outline are a lot better.

Whilst a lot of detail is now standard on rolling stock and scenic items, it is often a bit over-scale.

I'd contend both these points - the steam models in production now are the equal of OO for finesse, running and detail.

The issue often faced is QC of the manufacturing - something that OO has also suffered.

Cheers,
Alan

Thanks for all the replies on this, folks. I reckon I've got sufficient funds for a simple 'loop and two sidings' through station, plus a couple of locos and coaches and a few wagons, so I'm going to give it a go. Depending how I get on, I can then make the decision on whether to sell my 'EM' stuff to fund further developments.

I've always wanted to model a simple GWR country through station and N gauge is the only way I'm ever going to do it!

It will be steam outline and I was interested in the comments about the reliability of these models. Having bought two Dapol panniers, neither of which worked as well as might be expected, I'm rather cautious myself. However, I just bought a Farish 3MT from DCC Dave which runs very nicely indeed (thanks Dave), so I'm thinking that quality secondhand is the way to go on this (and it's cheaper).

I bought the track, and the wood for the baseboard, this weekend so will hopefully be able to post some photos soon!

Kev

Glad to hear you're taking the pluNge, Kev
You can always ask folks on the forum if they have any particular stock you may need.
I have quite a few bits 'n' bobs of GWR

Go GWRKev! 

Hello Kev, 
8 x 2 is small, but yes you could build a nice layout in that space, certainly more than the shunting yard you currently have.
Knocking off 2 feet for the return curves, assuming medium pointwork and suchlike would leave you with room for a station capable of holding 6 coach trains, although longer non stop expresses could be run of course, possibly a branch line, a goods yard - you can do so much more with N when it comes to it. If it's to be a steam age layout you might even put in a small shed for the branch loco or station pilot engine, maybe both!  I'm beginning to think of tearing out my present, quarter built, layout and restarting with what I suggest here!    Or maybe not!
That's my suggestion, what I might do, not that you have to of course. But it does show the possibilities.
Modern N stock is far better detailed than OO of even a few years ago and equally reliable.
Best wishes,
Greg.