I'm starting to begin to think about planning to consider building a layout in very limited space- probably one foot by three. Naturally this suggests the smallest scales, but looking at Z-scale prices gives me a strong sense of nostalgia for HO-scale prices! (looks like HO is 1/87th the cost of Z ! ) The layout, ideally- would fit in the space (1x1x3 feet, but the dimensions could change a bit) would be affordable (I am the same bloke who is working on buying a 12"-1' scale Pullman- money may be tight for a while) would have at least one track that could run unattended (so a 100% switching layout would not be the best) So, what would all suggest? I could jam a switching HO layout in, but HO is going to be very crowded in such a space. I've seen articles about N-scale bookshelf layouts- but again they all looked to be either switching layouts (need an operator) or connected to another room (not possible- this layout is going to go into the full-sized Pullman) [ 23 August 2001: Message edited by: Biggerhammer ] [ 23 August 2001: Message edited by: Biggerhammer ]</p>
On a plank 1 foot wide? I could have a turntable and have the trolley revolve, but I don't think that it could make a loop in such cramped quarters.
You might check the Bowser HO trolleys, I believe they will operate on a 5 inch radius, which is what you would need to use. Or, you could join NCat and run operating N scale trolleys, although you'll have to ask someone in that group if there are any N scale mechanisms that will negotiate 5 inch curves. Maybe the Kato 4 wheel German trolley? [ 23 August 2001: Message edited by: Gregg Mahlkov ]</p>
BigHammer, Have you considered mounting a 1x3 foot shelf then hinge an accordian set of 11" x 3 foot planks that would unfold out into the isle to provide a greater operating space? All wiring could be gathered and bundled at one or both ends outboard of the hinges. If you used three hinged planks, then you would have the shelf, with a Piano hinge on the isle side, then (when folded) the next plank would fold track to track over the shelf. The next above would have another piano hinge on the wall side and would fold wire side to wire side, then the last would have a piano hinge on the isle side and again fold track to track, leaving the wire side up. A thin plywood cover protecting the wire would also provide a shelf area to store rolling stock, or a vase of flowers, whatever. You could mount the controls just under the shelf, set back a ways, so you could have two support arms swing out for the folding tops to rest on. When folded up, the arms would add trim to the shelf hiding the controls. Wire the power cord to an on off switch, to hide the power cord when not in use. You may go crazy later, by adding fold out wings to gain a nine foot set of stub yards. You would need legs to support the ends, so mount some short arms on the wall to swing out to support the wing tips. Fold up some paper, then unfold it, and lay in where the track could go realistically. The whole thing could be built and fitted together at the workbench, then mounted in place as a unit later on. Think about it, play with it, there is always a way, and you could have N or HO, after all, you would have 36" x 45" to play with. Get one of the Varney Dockside Switchers on EBay and they will go around a 6" radius slowly, and most 40 foot HO cars will go that. N scale will go even closer, but you would have to use a power truck and mount the motor on it, then fashion an engine cab over it. At any rate, you can have a loop for continuous operation, and hand operated turnouts for switching cars around when you pleased. Seems simple to me.
Your suggestions are more ornate than I had planned to do- I am picturing something that can function as a sort of aquarium when I'm not playing with it. If I start putting in fold-out wings, I'm likely to land in the doghouse. An idea, though- I saw a plan for an 'L'-shaped layout a few hours back- I think that they were designed by The Gauge's Shamus. I'm sure that I could work out an acceptable way to have a corner bookcase, with wings to either side and a bit to widen the usable space at the corner: ------------------------- |-----------------------| |-----------------------| |----------/ |--------/ |------/ |-----/ |----| |----| |----| |----| |----| ------ (pardon the graphics, I couldn't get a pic to display here. Obviously this isn't to scale- each shelf would be three or four feet long by about a foot deep) So, to those who know N-scale- what are the minimum radii for turns, assuming reasonably short equipment? And what would be a good radius for an N-scale 80-foot Pullman? Thank you all. [ 23 August 2001: Message edited by: Biggerhammer ]</p>
Bighammer, I believe the 80 foot pullmans would run half decent on 11 inch radius.. I know thats a pretty big curve but the lenth and so on would be pushing the limits and also 11 inch radius is pushing on your budget limitations on the size.... But if you can do a winged version and fold out the table as said in the past posts you can accomplish it i'm sure. Have fun man.... To small for me when i'm running articuateds!! Big loco's require even bigger curve radii.....
Long time TrainBoarders have seen this before, but I think it's relative to your question. It is an N scale layout built on a three-foot diameter circle of particle board from the Home Depot. This particular layout had a lot of vertical definition so it wouldn't fit under a bed, but I've used the same track plan for other scenes that could slide into small spaces. My favorite storage method is to put an eye hook on the wall of the garage, and a hook on the back of the layout. In fact this photo was taken as it hung on the wall. To run the train, I just took it off the wall and placed it on top of a trash can. I enjoy building layouts more than running them, so I build three of four of these a year and sell them at the GATS shows. This one sold for $400. Not bad for a simple figure eight...
Huh. That's a prett good-looking layout- and seeing as it is in N, can be fairly small as well. It's not what I was looking for- I really do want a bookcase layout- but I think I'm going to add it to my 'think about' file anyway, 'cause it looks like an excellent way to put some fun into a small area without having it crowded.
Short, cryptic, and to the point, I think... what was the point? I assume from this that narrow-gauge N can take tighter curves than full-width N? Can one convert a standard N-gauge to Nn3 by simply replacing the trucks? Thank you.
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Biggerhammer: Short, cryptic, and to the point, I think... what was the point? I assume from this that narrow-gauge N can take tighter curves than full-width N? Can one convert a standard N-gauge to Nn3 by simply replacing the trucks? Thank you.<hr></blockquote> In theory, yes, but since standard gauge cars were much bigger than their narrow gauge counterparts, the model would have some very akward proportions. Narrow gauge N scale equipment is designed around Z gauge locomotive mechanisms and track, so you're right back to where you started, as I'm sure this would be just as expensive, if not more than, as Z scale.
