Why N scale and why European?

My particular interests are in the national rail operators of Switzerland and Austria, the SBB and ÖBB respectively, but also Germany (the DB) and Italy (the FS).

Why N scale

Simply because of its potential.  Z is very small while OO/HO0 (or larger) is too big for modelling realistic curves within a finite sized British room.  Even if you have lots of space it just means you can have a huge N scale layout and it's no real excuse for a larger scale! With N you can easily have trains with as many coaches as the real thing, (or about a fifth as many freight wagons as the real thing!) running on huge sweeping curves and past grand and spectacular scenery.  This last point is very important to me.

But it's rather expensive

In my opinion an N scale layout will be no more or less expensive than OO/H0.  Model railways can be an expensive hobby, especially if one wants the most detailed and accurate rolling stock, fortunately then eBay exists to provide second hand rolling stock at favourable prices.  Most of my collection has so far come from eBay.

Why European

I have a few good reasons:

• Firstly the modern European rail scene is healthier and in my opinion more interesting than in the UK.  In the UK the average age of rolling stock is Jurassic.  Yes, we do have record passenger numbers, but also record numbers of people travelling in overpriced discomfort.  I find modelling the UK is depressing. Modelling Europe is uplifting and allows idealisation!
• Secondly as an island nation, you'll never see a TGV here.  Continental Europe has much cross-border traffic and so therefore many more modelling opportunities.
• Thirdly European trains are often beautiful, for example the Swiss Re 460 and Austrian Rh 1016 'Taurus' are both undeniably so.  European model manufacturers compliment this by producing beautiful models - accurate, detailed and well running, high above UK manufacturers' standards in many cases.
• Finally, the alpine scenery of Switzerland and Austria is spectacular.  It goes without saying that all the trains run on time too!