as someone who started in nscale for the same resasons you want to change (more stuff in a smaller space) Im definitely feeling the limitations of it as far as detailing goes.....nothing ever feels realistic looking enough on my layout, and to get it any better Im just about reduced to using magnifying glasses, and tweezers.....Id have to say n scale in my opinion is not for a beginner, but since youre not a beginner Im sure youd have a better idea what to expect and not hit so many snags as I have, but I agree with madhatter, build a small layout first and see if you like it.....if youre into super detail, you may not...on a side note, Ive noticed that all the catalogs I get, or all the ads I see in mags for cool new locos, everything is always listed just as HO which is kind of a bummer, you see all these great things you cant even use...