New layout...

Hello all, I'm new here and just thinking about getting into N scale. I've had an HO layout (not really a layout perse since I only ever got the track laid and no scenery) but due to twin 2 year old girls the room the trains are in are needed. I am now looking at a 2 and half foot by eight foot long area to fit my trains. While I could manage an HO layout in that space I like to be able to watch them run around at the same time (and my kids just love it as well) so the move to N scale is being thought about.
So on to my question. I am not a big fan of the scenery stuff (I helped my dad on his O scale layout) and model building is not a strong point for me. However I do love trains, collecting rolling stock and engines is part of the hobby that really calls to me. I am looking at the Terrain for Traims layouts. Specifically I'm looking at connecting the High Sierra and another one to take up my space. I know this is cheating and many might get on me for not really modeling but it seems to really fit my bill of being able to get a layout up and running, having some operational interest, a little modeling here and there and obviously have trains running in no time. So has anyone had any experience with this system or heard anything horrible about them or the company? Thanks in advance for any info you might be able to provide. You have a great website here full of some very helpful links and som very inspiring pics. Keep it up. No matter what I decide I will be a regular visitor now that I've found ya.
Thanks again and have a great one.

 

I just came to N scale this fall after a long hiatus from HO. Today's N scale is nothing like the old days. There's some nice stuff out there and even some (not all) of the less expensive brands will run well for you.
I have no experience with the Terrain For Trains system but in reading about it on another thread it sounded pretty nice, but pretty darn expensive. If scenery ain't your bag, though, I guess it could be worth it. Nobody should pick on you for 'bailing' on doing it yourself. This hobby has many facets and not everything is for everyone. I'd rather eat worms than solder wires, myself. Know and accept your limitations, but don't be the least bit fearful of N. I'm having a ball with it.

 

Thanks for the encouraging words. It's hard to get around how tiny the N scale is after working with HO for the last couple of years, but I've heard nothin but good things about the N scale products from Atlas, Kato and a few others so I'm looking forward to getting started.
Building up terrain is just, for me really tedious. I have very little patience and want it like the pros the first time out. My Dad had no problems with tearing out half of his scenery on his O scale and starting over. Not me, the fun for me is running the trains. A few buildings here and there is all I can take for now. Maybe later as I get older and the house gets quieter I'll have more patience for that kind of stuff. We'll see.
Thanks again for the encouraging words.

 

I was just surfing through N scale websites to see the diversity of models available and a question popped up. Is there a maximum or minimum radius that engines can take. As an example I'll have to use HO, the Rivarossi Big Boy won't work on 18" curves (or even 22" curves I think). The bigger newer engines won't look right or just plain won't look good on 18" curves either. So in HO for the small 4x6 plan it's usually older engines like RS-1's or early Geeps. So is their an equivalent in N scale. I think the smallest I see in smaller modules is 9 and 3/4's or 11" right? Which enignes will work on these. Will I have to stick with the HO rule and use older rolling stock (ie. 40 ft boxcars instead 50 footers) and older engines or can I get away with the Dash 9's or bigger engines? Thanks for your help with these questions. I'm really glad I've been able to find this forum so when I go into the stores I'll at least have some starter info.

 

Welcome to the wonderful world of N scale. I can appreciate wanting to avoid what you are not good at and don't enjoy (for me it's tearing into the guts of my engines). However there is an old exspression that what we fear the most is a clear indicator of what we need to do next.
With that said, I am not the biggest fan of Terrain for Trains. Yes it works, and it is expandable, and it is very easy. Because of how it is produced (vacuum formed plastic) it's not always consistant. Being removed from it's mold hot it may distort some during cooling, leaving road bed uneven and sections maynot fit together exactly. I have heard complaints the the hollow shell can be quite noisy when trains are running. While the concept is fabulous this is something you may want to inspect before purchasing, which is difficult with mail/online ordering. I have modified a preformed styrofoam base (Faller or Noch, I'm really not sure, I rescued it from a trash pile) that has worked rather well. WoodLand Scenic has a kit (Scenic Ridge) that takes you through the step by step proccess of layout construction that while is a bit more involved than Terrain for Trains, the results are more "pro" than toy like.
Just another oppinion, take it for what it's worth.

[ 15. January 2004, 18:46: Message edited by: BALOU LINE ]

 

That is too sharp.

The modern Kato and Atlas six axle locos CLAIM to be able to negotiate 9-3/4" curves. While I've never tried this....even if they're capable of doing it they're probably going to derail the car behind them....and they certainly won't LOOK good doing it.

I too recommend 15" as a minimum if you can fit it in....but bigger is certainly better.

 

Thanks for all of the info. I will have to go back and mull over it a bit and see where it takes me. I had wondered just how well the molds would hold up so thanks for the caution. It's all still a month or two off (gotta wait for the ol' tax return.) so I'll continue to investigate. Thanks again.