Hello everyone, I would like your opinion on my first ever N scale layout. The layout size is 2'-6" x 4'-0". To tell you the truth I didn't do much planning before laying the tracks, but I looked at a lot of different plans on the internet and in 101 track plans by John Amstrong. I used Atlas code 80 sectional tracks. Nothing is fixed and I plan on using cork as the subroad bed. View attachment 46110
I'm not big on micro layouts, but ... it looks like you should be able to have a fair amount of fun with this, and that's all that matters. I like the track in the lower right, which will allow you to expand if you should desire. Is this your first model railroad of any kind, or just your first N scale layout? Either way, this looks like a nice way to get acclimated. Good luck and welcome aboard! Jim
Nice layout scheme. The two inside spurs at upper left could both be longer if they attached to the oval mainline route where the single spur is connected in the opposite direction. Even better, if they could come off the inside track of the passing siding, you would be able to switch those two tracks using the inside track of the passing siding, while another train ran continuous around the loop mainline on the outside track of the passing siding. Your passing siding can also be used as a runaround. However, all your spurs except one are "trailing point" spurs for a train running clockwise. You don't NEED a runaround except to switch the single inside spur at the top right of the plan.
I would say it has a lot of operational potential, assuming you're looking at it mostly as a switching layout? It does seem to beg to be placed in an urban environment.
For a first time, it is a really good start on a layout that is easy and compact, but will allow you to run, switch and get some experience with the various activities in model railroading.
Good starter design. If you could add a scenic division of some sort in the middle, doing would aid increasing a feeling of distance.
Any thought of a small yard? 2-3 turnouts and tracks parallel? Engine facility? A small plan means you get to concentrate on basically one feature -- a TOFC yard, a dock scene, industrial area, or passenger operations. If you know what you like and want to run, it helps in designing the plan.
I like it. The siding on the bottom is good for expansion. The sideing before the passing track on the top could be reversed and used as a possible expansion or longs siding with more industries.
Great to see! I have a fairly small layout myself and it is a revision of another small layout and it was a revision of a huge layout. Personally, I find small layouts that I actually get to complete, more entertaining than the huge plywood prairie layouts I never seem to get finished. My new, new layout is completely enclosed but made with the intent to expand. Looks like you have the same thing going. I can't wait to see it finished!
