i was just challenged by my girlfriend to build a layout for her appartement. she has some guidelines for me, first it has to be N scale( they are too cute apparently) second, it can only take a 2 by 8 feet . thirdly, it has to be able to accomodate 2 trans operation and fianlly...the kicker: it has to be built ( track-wise) for under 75$. i got a few plans and ideas but id love to hear what you guys think...
Does a "layout" include the trains? If so, the trains alone will blow her budget. I model HO but here's my opinion on a 2x8 N scale layout. 8 foot length will be very nice, however the 2 foot width is going to madate fairly sharp curves. Can you build the layout on a donated door? For a $75 budget, I think your lumber for the benchwork will have to be donated or used from scrap or it will eat into your $75 budget too much.
In 2x8 I'd build on heckuva switching layout. Dunno about continuous run though, you'd be pushing the edges with it. Track-wise it's easily doable for under $75, especially if you buy mail order and in bulk. I assume though that since your GF wants two trains running, she wants continuous-run stuff. Not much else you can do here but a double-oval.
If you can, fight for every inch you can get over the 2 foot wide mark. Actually you can have a very nice layout in about a 2 1/2 foot layout by 8. With 2 1/2 feet your minimum radius can be a bit more respectable (useable). Your $75 budget for track is very tight, so I'd be looking at buying used track and turnouts from LHS's and train shows - reminder her that layouts take time to build. Also, you're going to be spending more money if you want a sceniced rail road (I highly recommend this is a woman is involved - they don't respond as well to the great "plywood centrals" that are out there. I can recommend a scenery kit that is designed for a 4 by 8, but it would be super in your layout space. It is the Woodland Scenic's Mountain Valley Scenery Kit. It has everything you will need for a completely sceniced RR, including ballast, trees, various glues, various grasses, plaster gauze for a mountain plus lightweight hydrocal for rock molds (also included), stains for your rock work, and a basic stain for the entire layout.
On my 18" X 6' 6" I have more than $75 worth of turnouts (Peco C55, $12-$15 a piece). With that budget you will be very limited with what you can do. Scenic mainline run with maybe a siding and a industry or two. With the tight curves the shorter the cars you put on there, the better they will look. If she likes "cute" then steam fits in, as well as being from a time with short cars, but a single engine is a budget buster. You are right, this is a challenge. (Where's my friggen graph paper?)
Now yes, you may need $12-15 for Peco code 55 switches (or code 80 for that matter). But if he goes with Atlas C80 their #4s are $7.50 mail order, and about $2.00 for each piece of flextrack. 15 pieces of flextrack should be about sufficient, and that leaves enough for 6 switches.
just to clarify some thing, the 2 by 8 area is pretty much set. The budget covers only the track pieces of copurse, it doesnt include power pack or rolling stock. Continuos running is pretty much a given, people with no extensive knowledge of train will get boredif they can't see train running along. So far i came up with a modified figure 8 up and under with 2 spurs. cost is so far about 60$ ( using the RTS software and atlas stuff) i figure i can probably either add another supr or double up on one to justify a big industry that need lots of switching or add an interchange spur Or try to double over one of the loop with a crossing. for my curve i drew all 11" inch radius curves but the 2 big curves are a mix of 11 and 9 3/4". as far as the rest goes ( scenicking and rolling stock) it will be added as i go. Im going to the train show in LAval sunday so i might be able to pick up some supplies there. so you have to keep posted i guess. i be glad to see any track ideas you guys might have, feel free to email me also with any ideas/questions you might
well if you can go over to montreal, or on the net, there's a store called Udisco and they sell for very cheap. That's where i get all my HO stuff and i saved about 100$ only for the track + roadbed (4x6 table double crossover, ladder, 2 ovals etc...) Just check out the site. Hope i helped
udisco is wherei get all my supplies, if i cant find it there i got to hobby jonction in dorval...they are he cheapest palce to buy train stuff in montreal...
¸damn right!! but the service is pertty bad, i hate the owners. But what can I do? i cant change em'.
well i dunno about the service,i use to get bad service from udisco until i start to speak english to the guys. lo and behold, they seemd to have opened up a lot..wsell i dont go there for the friendly staff, only for the good prices...
well if anyone is still interested, i managed to score 2 atlas manula turnout (left and right) as well as 2 peco turnout(left and right), lets see them track plans now
