OK, Here is the Toughest Question I can Possibly ask, I have an Area, 1.2m x 70cm. I have an ICE2 Train that cannot go around Directly opposite Corners, What possible N-scale Layouts are possible given the Size Restrictions. At the Moment I have a standard Oval Track and would like to Improve it into a Great looking Table Top layout.
Magnat, greetings Welcome to trainboard and the club Now, this challenge you have posted is a real tricky one, but very possible You will obviously want a main line run to allow the ICE to do its stuff, but you need to break up that oval so it wont look like just a tailchaser. 1.2 x 70 in old dimensions is about 4 feet x 2 and a bit, so the ideal would be to look at something in HO of about 8 feet x 4 feet and try to do something similar. (In fact although N is half HO, it generally needs a bit more than half to do it right.) Now, one link I have which you may like is :- Jims Track Plans For what you want to do, take a look at Mineral Mountain Railroad.. but dont put in the branchline.. the gradients on that would be awful.. but do put in the tunnel with the hidden staging in it... This tunnel, would make a wonderful scenic feature at the back of the layout, and would really break up the roundy-roundy aspects. Theres also some space at the front for adding some industries to play trains on... and you will need that to retain the interest. By my calculations, you would get that into 1.2 x 70 just and would make an excellent model railway for you. Anyhow.. good luck, and remember.. its not the size of the model railway thats important.. its how much fun you have playing trains on it that counts Regards
Magnat 1978, Another possibility is in the Chesapeake Harbor Belt HO 4x8 layout by Iain Rice in the supplement polybagged with the Feb. MR. I am modelling this in HO, but it would fit your size in N. Rather than modelling the water in the middle you could put a mountain there, or a view block, or tall city buildings, which is what I plan. Here is what I have so far: I'm doing this on a severe budget and have less than $80 invested so far.
I have Upgraded Size to 2.0 x .60cm (6ft by2ft) In order for me to go longer I had to go narrower. Since I have an Intercity Express, Should I go for an Urban setting or Semi Rural as scenery? I am so new to this Hobby I feel like a fool asking silly questions that puzzle me. What is Foam Board ?? Can I use real water ? If I should not then how do I get the Water Effect ?? What Bridges would look the Best and How do I set them up ?? [ 10. February 2004, 09:05: Message edited by: Magnat1978 ]
Magnat 1978, I'm no pro, but I would advise against real water. In small quantities it doesn't look right, and it evaporates. There are lots of ways to model water - search for threads here. A lot depends on what kind of water you want to model. A placid lake, a windswept bay, or a babbling brook? The bridges question is similar. What era are you modelling? How long do the bridges need to be? As for your setting - what do you want to model?
I am Trying to Model a Nice looking layout, Preferably a Country scene, so Tunnels and Bridges are a must. It wont be a Politically Correct layout as I highly Doubt an Intercity Express would be seen out in the country.
