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N Scale Layout Information
Barrie from Tasmania in Australia posted this:
“I’m wanting to start into N gauge and coming from an engineering background want to build a layout that does more than just go in circles. Basically I want to design a layout that I can work the trains. My preference is moving freight to different places as you would on a real system. I know little about railway administration and dont want to start a layout to find that Ive limited my options due to ignorance. I have spare room that measures 3.5 metres by 3.5 metres which will be the train room. Im hoping that will be enough room for a reasonable N gauge system.”
Barrie, if you look in the right column of this blog you will see a couple of excellent N scale ebooks that will be very useful to you.
6 Responses to N Scale Layout Information
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I’ve seen small “N” scale on a 2 foot by 4 foot base to large layouts that occupy a 20 foot by 40 foot room. I say, think about how much room or space that you are willing to dedicate to your layout. Think of where you want to model. Is it in the city/town or in the country/outback? What type of engines do you want to use, steam, diesel, electric traction or a combination of engines, (generally determines what time period)? After you decide about them, do research about the type of area you planning for, the type of engines and rolling stock used in the time and area that you are thinking of. Then with paper and pencil, rough out different ideas that you want to have in your layout. Don’t forget to consider possible later expansion of the layout. Remember to check the Internet and model railway books for ideas.
After you do that, then consider what you can do with the tools and skills that you have and work out a layout that fits your needs and desires. Then go for it.
Thanks for your helpful comments guys, regards, Barrie.
Build a 2.5 x 8 foot switching layout and build a fiddle yard behind that. this gives the trains a place to come from and go to. If you go high density, you should be able to 25 places to leave cars. Put in a small yard and interchange and you will be busy for days running the layout by your self.
Hello Mike,
Thanks for your tips. I would be interested in seeing a plan of your layout if possible.
Regards,
Barrie
I built a layout measuring 10′ x 4′ which was just perfect because it was long enough to have a decent sized station. Along the long side (at the back) was my fiddle yard, and I was able to run 6 trains at a time. It included a goods yard for shunting, so plenty to do.
Hello Mike S,
Thanks for your reply, I’ve been reading articles about layouts you mentioned.
Regards,
Barrie