I've recently moved and have had to rethink all of my layout plans. I need a plan for an N scale Unitrack layout 30" x 11.5', with no grades. A yard/staging area would be nice, I don't plan on doing any operations. I'd basically like to just watch long coal trains run. I can't think of anything interesting to do with basically a big oval, and I need guidance. Thanks for your help.
I'm disabled, and would have a difficult time reaching the back if the layout were any deeper. I have 3 consists: BNSF SD70s with 16 coalporters, an Amtrak Superliner, and a couple of BN SD60s pulling various freight.
Can you have a 30 inch deep layout that sits out in the room with access from both sides? You could have a double-sided layout with a ridge down the middle dividing it into two long scenes. A multi-track yard on one side could serve primarily as staging, but be scenicked as a small yard. The other side could have a coal mine and a track or two for making up mine runs. Scenery could fall below track level here and there so you a sense of altitude WITHOUT any actual grades.
No, unfortunately it has to be up against the wall. I'm thinking that at a minimum, I could do an elongated Carolina Central plan that's on the Kato website, but that doesn't seem very interesting.
My 2 cents: Double line (opposing trains are a MUST IMHO) Some small structures (as indicated) Enlarge the ends for dogbone as far as you feel comfortable extending them (even if it means shortening the width to allow access from the ends)
I'll agree that double opposing lines would be more interesting, and that's what I'll start with. That's the neat thing about using Unitrack, I can always make changes. I'll rethink not wanting grades, even a small one using the Woodland Scenics risers would add some variety. Can't certain DCC decoders or their settings keep locomotives running at a constant speed regardless of grade? Thanks for taking the time.
Doug, I when I'm looking for inspiration for a new plan I often check out Robert's N scale at http://raybob.boche.net/ go to the gallery/layout pages for his N scale layout. He currently into Z you can find him in the Z section here at trainboard. Also Check out Mad Mike's site for plans http://www.naisp.net/mfischer/m_train2.htm. Any of these can be expanded on. Looking forward to you work..
The DCC feature is called Back EMF. Some decoders provide this. It may be called by another name in a maker's listing, so you may have to learn to decode the decoder's feature set, but the capability is there in some decoders. However, if you are in sight of your trains at all times and the grades are not severe, the gain with back EMF is probably not much of a benefit. You'll learn when to crank the speed up a notch or two pretty quickly if you feel the need to. I would suggest considering a grade as you could get a cross-over in which would increase your layout and operating options. You have the length to do a two percent grade with ease.
If you only have 2 loops, I would not bother with DCC. Also, instead of grades, just elevate one track 1/4" or 1/2" IMHO
Based on what you own and like to watch run, I'd suggest a double track oval or dogbone but with a removable divider down the center along the long axis. That way, you could stage / hide trains behind the divider, but yet reach them from the front by removing the divider, assuming your disability allows you to physically do so. I did something like that on my first N-scale layout. I used 2-inch thick foam for the base and cut a slot down the middle. I inserted a piece of thinner foam vertically into the slot for a divider. I did scenic the divider in, but I could have easily left it unattached to anything so it could be slid out. You could do the same with a foamcore, styrene sheet or hardboard divider. My personal preference is to not watch trains run in circles, so the central divider is a favorite approach. With 11 feet of length you could easily put a yard or industrial area at the "front" for switching. I think you have a lot of potential there. Good luck!
