I have purchased a bunch of N scale things all under the premise of Christmas gifts for my 6 year old daughter. My wife says if it keeps me around and gives me time with her she doesn't care what it costs! Yes... She has a sister but she is married too! Lol Okay..... Here is a basic plan and I am looking for some experienced modeler to give me a layout design to start with. I have played around with AnyRail and I really don't trust my ideas yet. Here is some ideas I have and maybe we can get some pictures shown or some drawings done to help me along. 1. Kato Unitrack 2. Bmann 2-8-0 DCC and Bmann 2-6-0 DCC 3. Bunch of Pullman Heavyweight cars 4. Winter and Mountains theme 5. Digitrax Zephyr controller 6. Ability to run two trains at the same time if possible 7. Tunnel 8. Climbing circle around mountain 9. Trains passing in opposite directions at some area 10. Firgure 8 and outside loop 11. Mountain river through it? 12. 12 radius turns minimum but expert advice here. 13. I have room for 4x8 but I want something small and simple to start with so I don't get more than I can handle on the first go. Maybe a HCD size or even a 3x5? 14. Something easy enough that it can be finished during the winter months of long evenings. I am thinking winter theme because I am painting up a Polar Express train and want a second freight train of logs or something like that. Help me please...... Thanks
There have been several nicely done winter scene layouts shown here. One is an HCD done by HemiAdda2d. You can probably search up his posts, and even find some views of that layout uploaded on our RailImages site. There was a really nice article some years ago, in Model Railroader Magazine, about creating a snow scene. Can't find it right now. Rats.
Thanks...... I have been scanning through here but I always like direction. After a lot of scrolling I get dizzy and motion sick. Sorry...... Sometimes I let people show me and saves me endless hours of no results. I will search for the layout you mention
Likely not something to be accomplished by this Christmas but do consider T-TRAK as a modular standard for your layout. It can be easily rearranged, fulfills your two train desire, expandable, most importantly - easy to store and transport. For more information check out www.ttrak.org and then ttrak.wikidot.com to see some finished modules as examples of what can be done. Welcome to Model Railroading!
Although I can't fault you for wanting one, winter adds a whole nother layer to the complexity. I still haven't gotten up the nerve to attempt an NTRAK module with winter, let alone a complete layout. It's also much harder to find scenery materials for snow, and much harder to keep everything clean.
I just finished this, any questions just ask! http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?161624-Winter-micro
I appreciate your advice. I can see how it would be complicated but I was thinking it would be a way to make less ground details and speed things up. I guess I am thinking wrong. I have found a couple of YouTube videos showing how to make a winter scene and I can see how it can be complex. Great little Z layout...... Awesome job you have done! Thanks for sharing with me
Okay..... Over the weekend I have made a couple of sketches best I can with Anyrail. Please don't laugh..... I am still learning to use it. I have a simple quick design and one that is a little bigger.
The most recent issue (Jan/Feb 2015) of N-Scale Railroading has a great article on Mike Danneman's Moffatt Tunnel in winter. Lots of pics. In SleeperN06's thread about using caulking for snow banks (here), TB member Graff posted a pic showing how he used baking soda and PVA (variation on Elmer's white glue) to make a snow-covered building.
Thanks for the help........ I will look at the link. Baking soda...... Awesome idea! I was trying to figure out a simple way to make snow. I know marble dust is one way
Okay...... Went to the store and picked up some WS Ballast material. I got some fine gray and medium gray blended....... And neither look right. Just checking it didn't look right. The fine gray seems like the right size for N but just too dark and consistent color. I like the blended mix but the medium size doesn't fit between the ties and doesn't brush out.... Just kinda rolls down the track. The color looks good but too big. Suggestions??
Realize that WS sizes are based on HO scale, and plan accordingly. As for your current dilemma, perhaps try tinting with a wash, dry brushing, etc. some variation into the fine ballast.
In reality, most ballast is too large for N. Woodland Scenics is well known, but there are other brands available. And they offer many shades. Your retailer may not stock them all.
Ummmmmmmmm....... I had thought about walnut shells but didn't want deterioration. Update..... I did find some fine light gray and fine tan and along with the fine gray I have the mix looks very good to me. I am in the middle of making a mountain right now and need to paint track before I am ready to ballast. I still have time but the track is laid out and running good. I still have a bump or two on switches that need tuning but my girl is loving the process as am I!
