My views on N gauge

austinbob · January 03, 2015, 09:01:58 PM

I've been fiddling around with N gauge for nearly two years now and would like to post my opinions/experiences in changing from EM gauge to N gauge if anyone is interested.

The main reason I changed from EM to N gauge is because of not enough space to run realistic trains on EM gauge in the space I had available. N gauge made it so much easier to design a layout with more realistic train lengths and more scenic breaks.

The positives of changing to N gauge were.
1.   Good level of detail in modern Locos and rolling stock – better than my eyes could ever resolve right now.
2.   Good range of locos and rolling stock from Farish and Dapol with excellent detail and realism.
3.   Brilliant for maximising use of space and running realistic trains
4.   Excellent support from the retailers I have used. Ehattons, Gaugemaster and my local model shop Alton Model Centre in Alton Hampshire (highly recommended)

The downside is – in my experience (not every loco but too high a percentage!)
1.   Badly adjusted pickups.
2.   Poor slow running in some instances, particularly kettles, although some are very good.
3.   Loose NEM couplings.
4.   Intermittent/jerky operation.
5.   Noisy operation
6.   Badly adjusted quartering on kettles
7.   Valve gear and link motions locking/falling apart – Kettles
8.   Eccentric wheel sets – mostly diesels.
9.   Lack of complete kits for locos and rolling stock – the range for 4mm is very extensive.

In general inadequate quality in around 50% of the locos I have purchases.

Despite all this I think I have made the right decision to go N gauge and I am thoroughly enjoying getting my new layout planned (and hopefully working soon). I just wish there was something that could be done to resolve the totally unacceptable quality issues with N gauge.

I also would like to say that if it wasn't for the advice, encouragement and support from this forum I might have given up on N gauge a while ago with all the problems I've had.

port perran · January 03, 2015, 09:37:45 PM

We have , of course, been through most of the negative points before (often several times).
I'm glad however that you are sticking with N gauge. I for one like the ability to be able to model with reasonable accuracy and to make a reasonable size layout in a small space. I think that for the majority of modellers (me included) it's important to create a feel for the scene that you are modelling not absolute perfection.
The problems around locomotives is something that I feel that manufacturers need to address and take seriously. I for one, would forgo some of the absolute detail for more reliable running. Although, having said that, I have about 25 locomotives and I'm only really unhappy with about 4 ( 2 steam and two diesels) of them. Maybe I'm just lucky in that respect. I'd be happy to pay an extra £5-£10 per locomotive for good performance.
I'd second your point re good selection of stock available and I also think that the availability and quality of scenery is improving all the time. That is with the possible exception of ready to plant buildings (which doesn't bother me as I make mostly my own or use kits).
Overall,I'm very pleased with N and think we can look forward to more improvements in the future.
Just my thoughts and ramblings !

austinbob · January 03, 2015, 09:48:52 PM

Quote from: port perran on January 03, 2015, 09:37:45 PM
We have , of course, been through most of the negative points before (often several times).
I'm glad however that you are sticking with N gauge. I for one like the ability to be able to model with reasonable accuracy and to make a reasonable size layout in a small space. I think that for the majority of modellers (me included) it's important to create a feel for the scene that you are modelling not absolute perfection.
The problems around locomotives is something that I feel that manufacturers need to address and take seriously. I for one, would forgo some of the absolute detail for more reliable running. Although, having said that, I have about 25 locomotives and I'm only really unhappy with about 4 ( 2 steam and two diesels) of them. Maybe I'm just lucky in that respect. I'd be happy to pay an extra £5-£10 per locomotive for good performance.
I'd second your point re good selection of stock available and I also think that the availability and quality of scenery is improving all the time. That is with the possible exception of ready to plant buildings (which doesn't bother me as I make mostly my own or use kits).
Overall,I'm very pleased with N and think we can look forward to more improvements in the future.
Just my thoughts and ramblings !

Thanks for a very balanced response. After a lot of remedial work most of my locos are working fine. Its just a real shame I should have to fiddle with them to get them to work properly - don't you think?

MalcolmInN · January 03, 2015, 09:59:25 PM

Quote from: austinbob on January 03, 2015, 09:01:58 PM
if anyone is interested.

Yes, I am, thank you for posting your thoughts.

In my case I have had a 100% failure rate

but as that was only 1 model bought and returned some would say that is a poor statistic with an error bar as long as your arm

(that was an attempt at humour in case anyone was about to jump on me !)
So new thoughts are always welcome while I bore everyone with loadsa questions while I make up my mind what to do next !

It may well be the case that negative points ( and positive ones as well ?) have all been gone over before but new models (and modelers) come along all the time so new views are good.

Just another ramble

austinbob · January 03, 2015, 10:42:39 PM

Quote from: MalcolmAL on January 03, 2015, 09:59:25 PM
Quote from: austinbob on January 03, 2015, 09:01:58 PM
if anyone is interested.
Yes, I am, thank you for posting your thoughts.

In my case I have had a 100% failure rate
but as that was only 1 model bought and returned some would say that is a poor statistic with an error bar as long as your arm
(that was an attempt at humour in case anyone was about to jump on me !)
So new thoughts are always welcome while I bore everyone with loadsa questions while I make up my mind what to do next !

It may well be the case that negative points ( and positive ones as well ?) have all been gone over before but new models (and modelers) come along all the time so new views are good.

Just another ramble

I really don't want to appear negative. Modern N gauge has a lot going for it and the look and feel of current locos and rolling stock is excellent. I've encountered quite a few problems with locos (none with rolling stock of any kind) and have had to fettle locos to get them to work to the standard I think is acceptable and have returned a few for repair/replacement. Mostly things have worked out ok but I shouldn't have to go through this hassle to get good quality locos.

I'm gonna make a new years resolution here. I will not post any more complaints about loco quality because everyone has heard it before!! BUT I hope people will campaign with the manufacturers to get the quality we all deserve. We are a captive audience - I hope the manufacturers will not take us for granted.

Happy New year to everyone.

MalcolmInN · January 03, 2015, 10:47:09 PM

Quote from: austinbob on January 03, 2015, 10:42:39 PM
I'm gonna make a new years resolution here. I will not post any more complaints about loco quality because everyone has heard it before!!

Eh ! ?
That isnt what I was asking you to do !!!

austinbob · January 03, 2015, 10:56:49 PM

Quote from: MalcolmAL on January 03, 2015, 10:47:09 PM
Quote from: austinbob on January 03, 2015, 10:42:39 PM
I'm gonna make a new years resolution here. I will not post any more complaints about loco quality because everyone has heard it before!!
Eh ! ?
That isnt what I was asking you to do !!!

I know that MalcolmAl - but I imagine most people here know my views about poor loco quality and there is no point in repeating those views ad infinitum. I will continue to hassle the retailers and manufacturers to get good stuff but will stop boring this forum with the same old complaints! Lets hope the new year brings some improvements. We're off to a good start with the new Farish Duchess which was superb out of the box when I received it - and also the 4f which has had good reviews.

Rabbitaway · January 03, 2015, 10:57:04 PM

Hi All

It would be interesting to get a comparison on loco running qualities from our 00 friends!

I have an oval of 00 track for my daughter and we have three locos, two cheap 0-4-0, one is good and one so-so and a little L&Y pug is an awful runner

austinbob · January 03, 2015, 10:59:03 PM

Quote from: Rabbitaway on January 03, 2015, 10:57:04 PM
Hi All

It would be interesting to get a comparison on loco running qualities from our 00 friends!

I have an oval of 00 track for my daughter and we have three locos, two cheap 0-4-0, one is good and one so-so and a little L&Y pug is an awful runner

Yes, that would be interesting. You'd think that as the locos are so much bigger it would be easier to get them to work properly.

MalcolmInN · January 03, 2015, 11:05:42 PM

Quote from: austinbob on January 03, 2015, 10:56:49 PM
I know that MalcolmAl - but I imagine most people here know my views about poor loco quality and there is no point in repeating those views ad infinitum.

Ok,
but as I said, new modellers (and for that matter new forum members) come along all the time
and if existing members stop posting for fear of repeating to other existing members then one ends up with either a very quiet forum or a very elite club
, , , or a forum that is so 'up itself' , , , no names no pack drill , , , but I can think of two. (edit, at least ! )

Agrippa · January 03, 2015, 11:11:36 PM

Some interesting points, firstly support from retailers mentioned , plus others should
be uniform across all scales and products, probably it is. The detail on recent models is
very good, however this should not be at the cost of poor running or reliability ,if
manufacturers spend more on improving detail on bodies, but skimp on reliability
or running qualities they have to fix these or make refunds which may cost them
more in the long run , especially if buyers give models bad reviews .

Poor running of steam locos is often mentioned on the forum, perhaps the
minute size of valve gear and conrods makes this inevitable unless heavier
and less realistic components are used , also unreliable pickups
which are a real pain.

One point about N gauge is the question of kits, there are the brass type
kits involving soldering etc which are quite daunting in a small scale
and the less detailed Peco type kits , easier to build at the expense of
authenticity though I enjoy putting them together.

I think your post gives quite a good summary of the situation, if more
Hornby models in N appear and DJM stuff materialises things may
change. Not forgetting Union Mills who work to a tried and trusted
formula.

austinbob · January 03, 2015, 11:12:40 PM

Quote from: MalcolmAL on January 03, 2015, 11:05:42 PM
Quote from: austinbob on January 03, 2015, 10:56:49 PM
I know that MalcolmAl - but I imagine most people here know my views about poor loco quality and there is no point in repeating those views ad infinitum.
Ok,
but as I said, new modellers (and for that matter new forum members) come along all the time
and if existing members stop posting for fear of repeating to other existing members then one ends up with either a very quiet forum or a very elite club
, , , or a forum that is so 'up itself' , , , no names no pack drill , , , but I can think of two. (edit, at least ! )

Point taken - thanks

MalcolmInN · January 03, 2015, 11:46:29 PM

Quote from: MalcolmAL on January 03, 2015, 11:05:42 PMor a very elite club
, , , or a forum that is so 'up itself' , , , no names no pack drill , , , but I can think of two. (edit, at least ! )

PS.
I suppose I should say, in case anyone was thinking, no that isnt sour grapes nor a result of exchanges elswhere !
one I am not even a member of, just dont like the attitude of the owner(s) and minions.

Right then, I suppose I'd better shut up now as well, boring everyone with yet another opinionated new(ish)comer

BobB · January 04, 2015, 12:45:40 AM

It has only been a few years since I moved from OO to N gauge and for a brief period I did have both.

I run models of diesels and both gauges have run very well with the exception of Hornby's ex-Lima bubble car 121's and 101 dmu's. It should be pointed out that those OO models were a very old design.

So, in my experience N is better than OO but because I exclude steam outline my comparison is probably not representative. I would point out that a problem in OO is easier to fix !

acko22 · January 04, 2015, 01:15:26 AM

I have had OO before and have had problems with locos etc which I expect with N gauge which I have moved to mainly due to size available for a layout with what I want.

The only negative I have found between the 2 scales has been the limited numbers of Electric Locos / EMUs out there. But it is one I realize I would have encountered all along and have to work around (in some cases with a hit on the wallet).

N gauge is more specialized to adult rather than OO which is more friendly to younger users I had OO stuff since I was 4 (now 29 well physically anyhow) but there tends to be a rather cautious approach by the mainstream manufactures to going for these types of trains.

Now from what is said about sales of say the Dapol 86s and the class 380 Desiro sets been not as good as was hoped it has made them shy away from producing other Electric trains which I can understand, the issue with that is like I say N gauge is a more adult scale and therefore something more realistic is wanted so people will not want to get other Electrics if they can't get the accompanying RTR electrics such as class 92, 304, 323 sets etc.

I just hope that in the coming time that maybe the mainstream manufactures will take a gamble on the long term and start looking at more modern and less numerous trains that we have on our railways today, as after all none of us are getting any younger and I would like to model what I remember from may youth which doesn't involve steam, and finally begin to balance things out.