Any starter sets in H0n2

[TEP 60]

Do any producers ever make any starter sets in H0n2?

[nachoman]

AHM did in the late 1960s. And for awhile, walthers listed a set imported by Roco. Other than those, nope.

Kevin

[nkp174]

HOn2 has the disadvantage of no commercially produced track. Part of the reason many 2'ers have used HOn30 is that they can use N-scale mechanisms (and track).

Sn2 is a more popular scale for 2'ers.

[sumpter250]

In HO scale, N scale track is about 32", Z scale track is about 21". If you want to stay in HO scale, Z track is about 3" too narrow, and N track is about 8" too wide, for 2' gauge.
I have hand laid code 40 rail in Nn3. I would be more tempted to use the Z scale track and mechanisms for HOn2. Microtrains markets Z scale trucks and couplers.
Pete

[jetrock]

HOn2 isn't a starter gauge, really. Roco made the aforementioned HOn30 sets, and several modelers have used HOn30 equipment, mostly kitbashed from N scale track and mechanisms, to represent Maine 2-foot gauge equipment, but for the most part narrow gauge HO is more of an advanced realm. Not recommended for the beginner.

[sumpter250]

but for the most part narrow gauge HO is more advanced. Not recommended for the beginner.

As I mentioned earlier, N scale track is 8" too wide for 2 foot gauge in HO. Z scale track is actually closer at only 3" too narrow. N scale track and mechanisms, used to represent 2foot, is hardly advanced. In reality On30, is really On31-3/4, and even Nn3, using Z scale track isn't "perfect". In the end, the scale/gauge recommended for a beginner, is the scale/gauge the "beginner" is comfortable modeling.
I still have to work up the courage to model my 3' gauge outside frame 2-4-4-2 in Nn3, and I'm comfortable working in 1/700 scale!
I am currently building a couple of refrigerator cars in z scale. My sight, and hand-eye coordination require me to work slowly?, and I wouldn't make this scale my preference?, but I can work in this scale. Detail, isn't as specificly important, so much, can only be hinted at. As opposed to O scale where almost every detail needs to be replicated.(truss rods should be threaded at the ends in G scale)
Track laying.....gets increasingly more nit picky as the scale gets smaller. Hon3, and N scale standard gauge, share many of the same problems. On the other hand, I have seen some horrible track laying in O scale. Modeler's skill in the scale, not "the scale", is and should be the basis for recommendation, including the choice of standard or narrow gauge. I will go so far as to say that most narrow gauge, requires a greater ability to scratch build, as there are fewer kits, and even less RTR, than standard gauge.
Pete