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N Scale 4 x 8 Layout Planned
Carl has submitted this layout construction question for publication, but it might be useful if he could supply a little more information to help anyone trying to answer his question. Carl maybe you could enlighten us as to the type of scenery, cars you already have and what you have already done. What would you like to do?
Carl asks: “I am limited on space, I have collected scenery, some cars and so forth, but what can I get away with? I have an area 4×8 to start with but that would put it in a corner.”
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3 Responses to N Scale 4 x 8 Layout Planned
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Carl,
4 x 8 would give you the potential for a very large N scale layout. I suggest going to the library to get some model layout plan books or purchase some online to get you started.
Geof
4 X 8 is plenty for a large layout. I am building mine on a 3 1/2′ x 6′ board and I will have over 100 feet of track, 7 side tracks, 2 sidings (off and back on the main line), 3 levels of track. Typically people use 4 x 8 for an HO layout. N is slightly larger than half the size of HO so you could do the same HO layout in N on a 2 1/2′ x 4 1/2′ board.
Find a layout you like (on-line, in a book, from memory of your childhood, etc.) and modify it to fit your desires and available space.
Are you trying to replicate a real rail line? Is your interest in just loops? Do you plan on a theme (mountains, cities, heavy on a rail yard,)?
What sort of layout are you looking at building? If you want just a point to point switching layout I would build a 2 foot wide L shape, 4 foot on the small leg and 8 foot on the long leg. If you are looking at a continuous run you would probably do well to start with a 3×8 hollow core door as your table.
The problem with being in the corner is you don’t want your benchwork to be any wider than you can comfortably reach the back of.