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Is N Gauge Suitable for 76 Year Old Restricted to 6ft x 3ft Space?
Howard K asked:
“In my last home I had a big space for a layout and got about a quarter way through constructing a 12ft x 5ft HO layout. Unfortunately I got health issues and so we moved to a warmer climate and because I hadn’t spent much on trains etc I sold everything. That was 5 years ago. Now my health is much improved, but at 76 I don’t want to start a big new project, and don’t have the space. Maybe enough space for a 6ft x 3ft layout at a push. With the smaller space I have been thinking about maybe going N gauge instead, but wonder if it might be too fiddly for my shaky old hands and not so sharp eyes? Has anyone of my age got N gauge? What’s the general view on which way I should go. I do want an interest and want to get back into the hobby. Advice please.”
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29 Responses to Is N Gauge Suitable for 76 Year Old Restricted to 6ft x 3ft Space?
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I am 71 going on 72 and I am still buying for my layout. I have a 12 X 32 ft bonus room that I am building in. I think that you going to the N gauge and a smaller layout would be great. I am a firm believe that your mind has more control over your real health than most people give it credit for. So start planning and buying for that new layout.
I’m 64 yrs old but do think that N gauge is doable on a 6’x3’ space. I have a small 4’x3’ layout with enough points to keep operational interest. The layout is 100% Kato Unitrak; with their tool to load locks and wagons on the track it’s very easy to manipulate the small units. Just have very good lighting. I use bright LEDs mounted in the ceiling. Hope this helps. Mark ??
Mark,
6’x 3′ is enough room to get a reasonable layout on. I have a 6’x 2’6″layout which includes operations and continuous running. A two track layout using flextrack and electrically controlled points. Good planning will get a good layout.
6′ x 3′ is enough to get a double track N gauge roundy/roundy layout plus engine shed and branch lines so should be plenty enough to make a superb layout. The quality of ready to run locos, wagons and coaches is good enough not to give too many problems so with track laid it should not be a problem – go with it.
If you do plan well you can do a good enough to play with it, I am 81 but still enjoy my small layout
I built a fun layout that was only 4X4. Got you a good magnifier. You will need it.
I am a 73-year-old lady and have a 2′ by 6′ 8″ N gauge railroad with a freight line and a passenger line. Started acquiring materials, structures, rolling stock, and engines in the early 1980s. Finally began construction on my layout a year ago and am enjoying the process immensely. Glad I waited because now with the lighter weight materials that can be used to build the layout plus the fact that I don’t have to have carpentry or electrician skills, I can do this easily all by myself!
Hi Howard. This is not easy to answer. Some love N and others HO. I am now 61 and I have done both in the past. But 2 years ago I gave up N because I have problems withthe detailing. My sight is still good but I noticed that I enjoyed HO much better from details of tge engines and also the landscaping. I decided to sell N and stay with HO. Now I moved and have the same space situation like you. So I have to be inventive for a small HO layout. Will see what I can come with. I Appreciate ideas. But definitely in HO. I love the scale also for the vitrine. Greetings Joe
A magnifying hood solves a world of problems, but I would make the layout base higher (or flip up) rather than lower for easier access underneath for wiring. I built a N scale version of model railroaders Turtle Creek on a 5×3 table for my Grandson and he had a lot of fun with it.
I am a 73 year old working in a 9×10 room and just starting an N gauge layout. My first section is 30″ x 54″. My only concern is that this section is against a wall and reaching over the 30″ is difficult. If you can have access from all sides, or at least the 2 longer sides, you should be okay.
Hi Howard. I’m a 65 y.o. modeller with a bung right eye and am building an N Scale Swiss mountain layout on a slightly bigger 4′ X 8′ frame. At our age good lighting is essential for N scale work and I would suggest set track to help make laying track easier. I have done everything the hard way including wiring for analogue and digital. I am getting through it fine. I think you need something to keep you occupied for your own health’s sake. The problem solving will keep you mind active too
Get on with it buddy.
Atlas has a track plan called Scenic and Relaxed that fits a 6’x3′ area. It is a cookie cutter type that will require a jigsaw and some basic knowledge to get it to work. It’s for N scale and has no reversing loops.
It has a twice around configuration with a couple 11″ curves to show off your passenger car fleet. I’ve cut down on the amount of switches, and due to the size, are limited to what kind of switching work can be done. Two engines can be run at the same time, in different directions due to the power blocking and the use of two power supplies. Since it it is only 3′ wide, I’m planning on putting in manual Pico switches in place of all the Atlas snap types due to their failure rates.
I’m 78 and have been working on an N scale layout for a number of years. I have a little more space than you but issues would be similar. Eyesight is OK but my hands are not quite as steady as they once were. I can still solder leads to rails but find I need to brace my hands against something to steady them. I use tweezers (especially the normally closed ones) quite a bit as well as small pliers for handling small parts. That said I see no reason to avoid N scale. It just takes a little more patience. Enjoy.
In my view it would depend on whether you want to use ready to run equipment and pre-built models, or if you want to build kits etc. I am 65 and modelling 009, which is the UK version of HO narrow gauge, of relevance here because it uses the same size of track as n gauge. I am using flex track and finding that a bit of a challenge. If I was 10 years older, I would use set-track rather than flex track. Another tip – definitely get a re-railer to help put the rolling stock onto the track!
Hello Howard,
I am 66 and although my layout is a little larger – I have not gotten all done. But I think this makes good sense as long as you are not freaked out about using an optivisor a lot. I love N Scale as you can do a lot in that size space@
Hi Howard,
I’m 83 and saw a guy that made a N scale layout on the inside of a folding table,legs removed. That got me started, trying to do the same. I might be sorry I saw the video but I like a challenge. I run a G scale in the yard , HO in the house, and ON30 in the patio.
I don’t think a young whippersnaper like you should have any problems ! Have at it !
I’m 68 and currently working with both N and Z scales , fitting small layouts into briefcases and suitcases , working on one now thats 14′” x 17″useing compact oval Kato track , nice and portable for taking places , and easy to store , not to mention I don’t have the space for a bigger layout . I post pictures of it when done , heres what I have so far .
This will be fitted into a briefcase when completed
Howard, 81 & re-started from scratch in n scale dcc @ 79. I was a real “newbie”. My simple 2 loop oval plan with 2 shortworking yards has expanded to include 16 turnouts, a diagonal reverse loop. Never would have believed I could expand my layout like this.
Agree with others; start w simple layout, but one that you could add to .I Started w 3×6 layout on 4×8 base. Recently expanded it to completely my fill 4×8 platform.
Suggestion look @ kato unitrack or similar snap track system. These systems provide all your needs & track assembly utilizes electrically wired feeder joiners (no soldering)! Many free layouts available on line & from manufacturers. Reiterate, start it simple.
Do not know if you are going DC or DCC. You can wire it for DCC, but run it as DC & if you want, have flexibility to convert to DCC. Howard, lots of good advice coming your way. All are saying “go for it”. Many forums available for assistance. You will have many hours of enjoyment. As you can see, as I have, There are great railroaders willing to assist you on your rr journey. Also look into local rr Clubs as way to start. You could do it in conjunction with your rr construction. Great way to gain confidence/skills. Many local senior centers do have such clubs.
Howard, welcome aboard!
Cris
Howard, thank you so much for asking this question. There are many good replies here and I plan on following some of the advise posted, but first I’d like to say it’s great to hear you’re health is improving, I hope one day I will be able to say the same. Like you, I am also age challenged, but have found this hobby (in any scale) to be quite enjoyable even in a small space. I have a little more room, but I am restarting with an N scale 2′ x 10′ bookshelf layout. I like switching operations, but also like running a continuous loop while a very supportive family visits. My minimum radius is quite a challenge for a passenger train, but for freight I am able hide the unrealistic curves behind buildings or other scenery. My layout is “good enough” for me. You also have to decide what is “good enough” for you. You can make a nice HO switch yard in the space you have and the detail you add might make it in a MRR magazine one day, if that’s what you want, but you can also increase your lighting and use magnification to build a “good enough” N scale layout that you enjoy running operations on. It really is up to you.
Hi Howard. Shaky is shaky. N-scale can be a problem in that case. I’m 75 and have some shake in my hands, but not much. My head, however, is a different issue. Let’s just say I don’t have to move my hands when brushing my teeth LOL! I’ve recently re-started an N-scale 4×7 layout that I started with my younger son when he was 6 years old; he’s now 31. The grandkids love the layout. I have a CO2 laser and am enjoying creating buildings, freight platforms and other structures using Adobe Illustrator ported over to the laser. It’s a mental challenge that I enjoy immensely. I use tweezers a lot during constructions and find CA with accelerator a big help in getting things right with patience, then backed up with PVA. If I were to start over, I’d do HO given my shakes. But, N-scale is manageable.
I had a dear friend aged 90 – he had an amazing layout – a model railway in his bedroom and to keep in touch with his beloved railway it terminated at the head of his bed.It certainly kept his mind active in spite of various health issues – especially as his Wife developed dimentia. I was a friend 20 years younger and eventually he built a square table top size layout for me which can be folded if necessary.. I love it to this day – wondeful person and his mind was active until his dying day. He belonged to our local Railway Club of the New Forest- England.The key to a longer life is too keep your mind active – taught me a lesson. Regards Ann
I am 75 almost 76 in September My layout is 3 x 5 feet double track and a couple of sidings will have 2 stations in opposite sides of the layout has a round table an even a small lake…. The picture I attached is from the initial set up… The track is all laid and the electrical connections have been completed…
I have started working on the tunnel that in my mind will resemble Missionary Ridge, Tennessee
My previous train adventure was about 40 years ago to tech my son about electricity that one was 4 x 6 feet and had 4 independent but interconnected circuit that allowed 4 trains to run at the same time I used Arnold Rapido brand (which I have to say was above par) and is missed by many.
I also have Parkinson and other problems that the Veterans Administration has attributed to Agent Orange…
So forge ahead friend don’t be afraid just take you time and enjoy…
how about checking out ho narrow gauge equipment, with smaller radii more could be fitted into the space mentioned also the size of the rolling stock would be more manageable than n gauge. Just a thought, I’m 72 still with HO, but its hell getting old and the mind is still active.Regards to all John
At 77 I understand about the shaking hands, etc., but I agree with Howard and the others: go for it! Myself, I’m 90% finished with a small (30″ X 19″) z scale layout with 3 engines, one includes a point-to-point trolley on an incline. I worked with larger platforms using On30 but found that a smaller scale can be a lot of fun.
Hi, I am 76, 77 next month often ‘play’ with my N guage layout, which I keep rebuilding, also have a OO layout for fun and the grand and great grandchildren. Just do what you are comfortable with. My N Guage is a mere 4 feet x 2 feet. The OO is 5 feet 3 Inches x fifteen inches, and is great fun.
I have a 2 x 3 foot n gauge layout which I am hopefully going to expand onto. I have a double loop with 2 switches connecting the two loops. The inside loop also has a switch with a siding where I am hopefully going to be able to add on using a trestle set and connect onto another larger board or sheet. I am currently 68 years young and use a small flash light to help me get the wheels set onto the trackage properly. Go for it!
I am 64 just retired and building a 4X6 Nscale layout. See pic. I have a figure 8 along with a double oval. I set it up on aluminum folding saw horses and plan to store it by cable and pulley under the floor joists. All my structures are card paper found online. Still a work in progress but a fun project
I am some what in the same situation. About 40 years ago I have packed my scale n tracks and trains because I had a bad illness. It took me about 10 years to get better. And I was happy to live. So my wife and me did a lot of nice things to getter and didn’t think about modeltrains. Last year my wife passed away and in the last periode of her life we talked a lot and had to promise her then I would build a new model railway. And now I have started to build. And I use the a part of the living room. The meaning is that I build a very nice furnitures In which I wil make the trackers, I make a train table of 110 x 250 cm, sorry I am Dutch and live in the Netherlands, that’s why I use centimeters. This table can be tilted up against the wall. Inside a cupboard. On the right side I make a long track with 3 parallel tracks. 2 for the normal trains and 1 as a high speed track. The length is a bit longer then 300 cm. At the and of that a unit with a tracks that go round with a shadow station. The trains can go back to the train table. I apologize that my English language is not perfect. I am Dutch. I can also tell that my age is 80. Best wishes and a nice track building. Robert