Hi guys. I abandoned my last thread as I just can't decide on a final layout plan to start on. Every time I think I've got something good, I find an issue that will drive me nuts if I actually build it. LOL Anyway, I'm wondering if anyone knows if any of the old Atlas HO book layouts have been "converted" to n scale? Specifically, I am looking at the Oregon Pass Line, or HO-36 as they call it. This would be just about perfect for my space, and I like the idea of it already being "thought through"... Anyone know of a place on the web that has converted any of these? I've been searching and searching and have yet to find anything. Thanks,
You can do your own conversion - both a "literal" conversion and an adaptation... If you want a straightforward conversion - Nscale is 54% of HO, so either use the photocopier, or sketch something out. If you want to do an adaptation, try substituting the "standard" curves in one scale for the other - i.e. 18"R curves in HO become 9"R curves in N. The problem that I encountered with published plans is they never really reflected what I wanted in the layout, and the Atlas series seem like the old "spagetti". In the end, I thought about the industries I wanted, and what the prototype (CNR in my case) would have done to serve them. I ended up with a much better set of modules that I am happy with. Of course, your milage may vary Good luck! Andrew
I wonder if that would apply to everything covered in that design. i.e. even all the framing dimensions for the benchwork supports, etc. I actually chose that one, because it's actually the least "spaghetti-bowl-ish" layout that I've seen with full plans. Just don't know how well it would all translate. I was hoping somebody had already done all the leg-work for me. LOL
I don't think you'd scale benchwork down directly. Even if you scale the track down directly, you'll have to redesign the benchwork.
I think that you could scale the overall size of the benchwork, but I would imagine that (for example) 16" centres remain 16" centres, and 3/4" ply remains 3/4" ply or whatever. In any case, as Triplex points out, a redesign of the supporting structure may be needed, even if the plan scales well... Andrew
Build N Scale on HO Design If you can find an HO layout you like, just build it in N scale. After getting the basic design, you can widen asiles or add sidings parallel to other depicted sidings to increase car storage. I think you will like the more open feel that the layout will have. You will have larger radius curves and more scenery.
Maybe draw out the space you have Sketch the main line of the plan See what needs adding / adjusting and post here We will be happy to look it over.
Hi Grey, You can see the "history" of my layout design in this thread: http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=79292 I've done even one more revision since then, but never finished or posted it. You can get the idea of where I was headed though in the attached image. That's when I came upon the HO "Oregon Pass Lines" that seems very similar to what I was designing. I like the fact that it had very detailed plans to get me going. Just wish it was in N Scale.
Maybe I didn't say that correctly. I mean to build it in the same space as the HO scale layout only use N scale track.
Nope, I understood. And, it would almost work, except the plan is just a touch too big for my space. The funny part is... at 54% it would be just about perfect. LOL
At the present time I am doing just that. I am converting "The Central Midland" HO Layout #29 Atlas Book#13, to N-scale. I do not have the room . I am cutting it down to 92"x 48" with a 24"x32" extension on the one side. I have got most of it laid out and it seems to be fitting pretty well. Just thought I would Pass This on for thought.
Why not stay in N? Look here at what Dave Vollmer has accomplished on a 36"x80" door. It is amazing. http://kc.pennsyrr.com/layouts/dvollmer/ Some other door layout plans: http://www.naisp.net/mfischer/m_train2.htm#doorplan
Hi Gtr, What are your minimum mainline curve radii? (sp?) this will affect how you design your layout greatly. Someone else mentioned doing a doorpanel layout. There is nothing wrong with doing a smaller starter layout to cut your teeth on. I always lay out track pieces to see how it actually fits and goes together, and do a sort of design on paper then check with track process. I keep a couple standard sized cars around and measure the length of spurs and sidings so I know what kind of trains I can run. I also determine what the length of my area is and then subtract the size of my curves from it to get an idea of the kind of straight running track that switches can come off of is. Just as an example: 2x4 foot layout with 11 inch radius curves. Assuming an inch gap between the curve and the outside edge of the layout and you have two 11" curves plus two inches to spare. It leaves a two foot straight section between the curves. If your Atlas switches are 5 inches long then you find that you are limited to four switches coming off the main with a small section of four inch straight. I will actually draw my plan with dividing lines marking where my curves start and then the switch unit lengths. I find it really helps. Perhaps you can do this with one of your Atlas conversions to see how it fits. Although, I have to say that Atlas plans are ok, but once you get rolling with it, it's just as easy to do your own.
