I'm a newbie to both this board and model railroading so forgive my ignorance please. I received 2 gp35's and an assortment of sectional track as a gift recently and now it's time for my first layout. Problem: Space, my newly acquired other-half will allow only a 22"x 8' space for this project. I'm hoping with enough flowers and sweet talk to expand this area to 22"x 12'. My question to you gentlemen is what type of layout and or plan would you recommend. A loop type with sidings or a switching type? Is my understanding that these tight curves are not desirable for most equipment? I plan on going to buy more supplies this weekend so any help offered is very appreciated! Thank You
DUDE! You're talking about N-Scale here! I'd kill for 22X8 to build a layout in. I'd say, start small and then work your way up. Once she sees just how nice the model railway looks and how it's keeping you out of trouble at the bars (if you're into that ), then you can try to expand the Right of Way in your trainroom. Go to your local hobby shop and get some books about starting a model railroad. It will have track plans and ideas for you to digest. Enjoy! ------------------ RAILROADING-TO-THE-MAX, Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Style! Brent Tidaback, Member #234
Jerin, I can only DREAM of that sort of space for a layout You have enormous scope for an N scale plan. Get lots of information, look at lots of other railroad models, and choose the features that really interest you, and fit them into your layout plans. In that area you can have main lines AND lots of switching opportunities. Good luck, and let us know how you are progressing. There are lots of knowledgeable folks on these boards to help with any queries. ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.ac-models.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery Alan's European Gallery Alan's British Steam Gallery
Don't let the space you have available get you down. You have plenty of room to start with. I would try to make a long switching layout with that space. Take your time and get input from other modelers. It is your layout build it the way you want. One thing I would do, is don't get the idea of using sectional track, use 3ft sections of FLEX-TRACK for your track work. Use good turnouts PECO, MICRO-ENGINEERING, ATLAS (top of the line type, not the cheap ones) all are good turnouts. Spend your $ on good trackwork from the very begining and you won't have to worry about poor running trains later. ------------------
You guy's ARE kidding aren't you? 22 inches by 96 inches doesn't seem to me like much space to build a layout. Matter of fact in viewing the area she has designated as mine it appears rather small to me.
Jerin, you can get a good layout in that space. Take that 22" and divide it by 2 and you get the maximum curve. C44-9 can take no less than 9". Smaller engines can take 9" with no problem. ------------------ Keep on Track'N Harold Riley www.phcomputing.com
I also am going to start a new layout soon. My wife told me that I could use our bedroom to put up any type of layout that I wanted. Boy, did I start dreaming! I then came to the realisation that I have been out of active modeling for about 15 years, I don't have much money to put towards this layout (new house, new kid, new bills), and I don't want to discourage myself with too much too soon. When I was younger and still at home, my dad built me an 8' x 8' layout that was too much to handle. I didn't have the money to BUILD it. I'm going to start this time with a 12" x 8' switching layout and hone my skills in producing a nicely detailed and well running railroad. I can always make a larger layout later. ------------------
By the way, I think that some of those who posted misread your layout dimensions as 22 FEET instead of INCHES. ------------------ Enjoy! Mark
Yeah, that's what I did. I think I'd want a little more room than that. ------------------ RAILROADING-TO-THE-MAX, Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Style! Brent Tidaback, Member #234 [This message has been edited by Maxwell Plant (edited 25 May 2000).]
Heres my two cents worth. I have been where you are and found that I had a great deal of pleasure from a 12inch by 72 inch shelf switching railroad in HO yet. When I switched to N gauge I couldn't believe the difference it made to what I could do. Now, years later, after many different layouts, I now have the space I always wanted but what I learned on the shelf layout has been extremely valuable. As a matter of fact, my current layout is just a shelf railroad extended. Go for it and have fun. woodwork, wiring,scenery,structures and operating. You can have it all in 22" by 8'. Avoid tight curves, I didn't like them and found they weren't necessary. Robin http://members.xoom.com/Matthyro/index.html
Hello Jerin, Although I model Swiss railways quite a few folks from the US have commented favourably on the way that I have handled the lack of space problem.I say, go with all the positive replies to your query and enjoy yourself. Can I invite you to take a look at my compact n-scale layout at http://website.lineone.net/~john.p.whitby Best wishes John.
I think you may want to negotiate a bit wider right of way. Break out the VISA for those flowers. 22 inches would only permit a radius of 9 inches if you wanted loops at either end. While most n scale equipment will negotiate such a tight radius it does not look very good unless of course you were just going to run SW1200's with 40 foot boxcars. Such a narrow pike would generally only be suitable for a switching type of layout that was linear in nature. WOOHOO I'm an engineer. [This message has been edited by Grantha (edited 25 May 2000).]
Hello jerin, well here is a little more advice , it was passed on to me here at the "Plum-A-Nearly" go to the local hobby shop and pick up the model railroad 2000 track planning mag. it has some great looking bedroom layouts in it ! i personally think that you would enjoy a swicthing layout a lot more as there is much more to be done with one of those , so hope we have helped you some and one more thing , MAKE the time tocheck out and maybe join the local "N" scale model railroad club , as there is a lot to be gained by doing that ! and if there is not one then start one your self! Kevin C.E.O. Plum-A-Nearly Railroad Inc. http://PLUMRRINC.web.com
Thanks for all the help so far! I stopped at the local crafts store on the way home and picked up 9 N-scale railroads by Atlas. I'll check back in after I get a chance to check it out alittle. Thanks Again!
Jerin, I think that if you could negotiate another 2-3" in width (to get to 24" or 25") that would allow you to install an 11" radius turnback loop at either end of your railroad. That's a little tight, but it's better than nothing. Don't use any radius less than 9-3/4", though. You'll be fighting to keep your trains on the track all the time, unless you do a superb job of laying roadbed and track. Maybe all you need is a bulge at each end of the railroad, giving you a dogbone shape. Switching layouts are a lot of fun, but sometimes it's quite nice to sit back and just watch trains run. Pat ------------------ Wishin' I wasn't so far from the railroad...
Hello again friends! After cruising through Atlas's nine n-scale railroads untill the cover is about ready to come off I think I have decided on n-13 The Badger,Blockade and Buffalo. It looks a might busy to me so I will be removing a couple of sidings unless advised against it. The book says that this railroad is only 13.5 inches wide,whoa-ho that means I can still have my loop and switching too! Have any of you built this layout or have any thoughts on building this layout? Thanks again Jerin
If any of you are curious you can sneak a look at this layout plan on the Atlas website under layout plans. Thank U
OK folks I think I have enough trackage to atleast get started now. Does anyone see a problem with laying the track right on the plywood without cork?
Don't lay track directly on plywood! Use cork roadbed, it doesn't cost that much and it deadens the sound of the trains running. How far is Nowhere, Kansas from me? Never heard of that town.
I believe it's just west of Resume Speed. OOPS! That's in Upper Michigan,my mistake. ------------------ Catt!