N-Scale Model Railroads

I'll be back later tonight with pics from my neighbor's lay out, it quite nice. :thumb:

 

i bought a large scale german set when my kids were young. not sure of the scale now. i put it away when they grew out of it. someday they will discover it when they have kids.

 

I've yet to build my own master layout, but I've been involved with large club layouts - mostly HO - for many years, and I continue to operate friend's layouts regularly. I have several boxes of N scale equipment awaiting space in the basement. And time.

It depends what prototype you model, but quality N scale is better than it's ever been. Steam is still scarce - there just aren't as many people around who are interested. The hobby in general isn't as popular as it once was, nor is it any cheaper.

Cut that 4x8 into pieces and make a long, skinny shelf - your railway will look far more realistic.

 

A combination of switching and continuous operation is probably the most satisfying. A 'dogbone' style layout with a loop at each end allows for both, while still making it look like trains are going back and forth. 'Real' railroads don't run their trains around in circles just for fun.

Z scale Kadee couplers will look more realistic than N scale, and far better than the 'dorky' horn-hook lumps of plastic. You can still be active in the hobby without a layout - it sounds like coupler conversions and putting some steam on display, awaiting restoration, will keep you busy for awhile.

 

HO for me.

Tom

 

Have a bunch of old American Flyer O-scale in the parents attic, and my grandfather did a ton of HO, but I don't recall ever working with N. Most of my model railroad experience is from childhood, and I remember not liking smaller scales since it was too easy to break stuff.

 

Certain sounds like chuff and bells can be turned on and off, so I don't see why all of the sound couldn't be switched also. You'll have to check the brand you're planning to use - they have different features. The decoder chips come in different sizes, too. Many newer diesels come with space built in, but N scale steam can be tricky to fit. You can reduce the size of the weight, but then it may not run as well. Have you got a local hobby shop?

 

Having a hobby shop or two nearby is great. Prices might be cheaper by mail order, but good advice is hard to come by that way.

While you're still shopping, something fun to look at is a system produced by Signal Research. It's a fascinating system that integrates block control with signals, and uses no decoders. I hunch it would be cost competitive for a larger layout with many locomotives, but it's overkill for a 4x8 with two locomotives. Actually, DCC probably is, too - the good old Cab A and Cab B might work nicely, and be far cheaper.

 

Have you looked at this site? Lots of interesting ideas for small layouts to be found there.

 

Add another N scaler here. Was very active in the hobby and the scale back in the 80's, but had to pack it all up when my daughters came along - they took over the layout room

The club that I was involved in developed a modular system which was a little different from the N-Trak system. Our modules were generally just different yards with a single track running through. We linked the modules with connecting sections that were just main line lengths, allowing us to string a reasonable set of towns together. We needed modules as we started off using rented halls to meet in - meaning that we had to take everything away with us. Eventually we were able to save up to take a full time lease on some permanent property.

The club is still active here in Sydney - but they have now converted to a large permanent layout (see www.sydneynscale.org.au).

I dropped out of the club when I started travelling for my company - with all the travel, my weekends at home were for the family, not for me to head off to a day at the club, but still keep occassional contact with some of the group.

I found that finding a local club was the best thing for my modelling - it is amazing how much you can learn from others, and pass on some of the things that you learn. Plus, if you have problems with any aspect of the hobby, you can always turn to one of the other members for help.

With retirement only a few months away, I intend to get back into the hobby - will have to convert all the stuff I have boxed up to operate with DCC. The wife has promised that I can have half the garage for a layout area, but this may require a lot more effort to make it reasonably dust free than I am willing to do, so may just setup a small end to end layout in the spare bedroom, and re-join the club so I can get out and run stuff.

If you only have a 4x8 area available, my suggestion is to build it as a 3x8 sceniced section, with the remaining foot hidden by a back scene - and put a set of tracks in that area to hold trains that come onto the stage (the front scene, which can be as detailed as you wish) and then pass onto the rest of the world (back to the storage yard).

 

Sorry this took so long and for the poor video quality, enjoy. This is in a 16'X20' building out back with AC. Conservatively, he says he has $25,000 in cars alone. Inside the mountain is another switch yard with a hundred+ more cars. !!! !!!

 

Can't believe I missed this thread...

I have a double deck shelf layout in a 13'x12' room with HO on top and N on bottom. Started in 06 and has been on hold pretty much since I bought the Prius in 09 (seems I can only handle one hobby at a time ). Pretty much just got the track laid and have done little in scenery. My era is modern and only model Alaska Railroad equipment and scenes. All DCC.

 

Most of my n locos are Kato (about 12 now). I also have a few Atlas. Hands down the Katos are the best. Not one issue with them and they are very smooth. Their HO models are just as good btw.

For some reason I have it in my head the Fox Valley use Kato as a base. I am researching that now.