New N Scale Layout - Basic Project to Learn the good stuff

redmans

New Member
I've been thinking about building a layout for several years now and after being frustrated with lack of room available for a HO layout, I've decided to go N scale.

Plan is pretty basic, but I had a few requirements.

- A double main line (of sorts)
- Bridges and a river bed (ending in a creek and culvert)
- A small yard and engine house
- Some inclines

Here is the plan...

Board-TrackPlan-NScale-BestSoFarSml.jpg


Exciting stuff I know, but my kids will go ballistic, they love running the little N scale loco around my desk with the set track forming a basic loop.

I had a 2 1/2' x 4' base board built (was going to be a HO module) so I bought some 2" thick styrene foam (hot knife compatible) and laid out the track plan on top.

20080610-TrackLaidoutonFoam.jpg


I've then pinned the 2% grade inclines and risers. The outer track is 1" above the foam base and the inner will be 1/2"

20080610-RisersandInclinesPinned.jpg


Next the outer track was pinned down and adjusted, including adding the viaduct pieces (except not at the right height, so a slight bump up and down)

20080610-Outertrackandbridgespositi.jpg


Lastly a couple of loops with a BNSF GP-9 and some carraiges. (the requisite building shot sign1)

20080610-BNSFGP9makesinauguraltestr.jpg


Over the next few days I will be gluing and forming the foam base on some 3.6mm ply, so the river bed and creek will take shape. I'll also start gluing the risers and inclines in place.

Hopefully I'll have an update after that.

I know this is basic, but it is a start. I'm keen to try my hand at some of the building and landscaping aspects. With any luck I'll be able to learn a few things and apply them to a larger and more complex layout. One which will be more prototypical and realistic in operation. Until then, it is double loop time for me! :wave:
 

alcuin

New Member
Looks great so far. My own layout is just about the same size. Like you, I had put off getting started for lack of space, but I finally got in gear and started building on a scrap piece of flakeboard. Here's how things look so far on mine:
s640x480
 

redmans

New Member
Looks great so far. My own layout is just about the same size. Like you, I had put off getting started for lack of space, but I finally got in gear and started building on a scrap piece of flakeboard. Here's how things look so far on mine:

That looks pretty neat too. That mountain is big! Hopefully not too heavy.

Any chance of a photo from the other side showing the bridge?
 

redmans

New Member
Thanks for the words of encouragement, I've really needed them of late, but things are moving which gets the motivation going!
 

redmans

New Member
OK, been putting a little bit of time towards the layout.

Here are the updates...

Progress on the layout
20080616-RisersGluedandRiveralmostf.jpg


River/Creek/Wetland almost cut
20080616-Riveralmostfinished.jpg


Culvert
20080616-Culvert.jpg


Should have some more shots in a few days!
 

jesso

Member
Looks very nice. I have REALLY got to get me a foam cutter. There is no way that I can cut anything out that well.
 

redmans

New Member
Thanks everyone.

Hopefully some filler from woodland scenics will patch up the risers. In fact I tried the foam putty and found it quite good.

The foam cutter is OK, but can be very imprecise. Although that could also be my fault as I rush things sometimes.

Might attack it again tonight. Following is the update...

Some cork is down!
20080617-FirstCork.jpg


Risers and foam, no putty
20080617-RiserCorknoputty.jpg


Risers and foam with putty
20080617-RiserCorkwithputty.jpg


River after more foam cutting and smoothing with putty
20080617-Smoothingtheriver.jpg


Close up of culvert end
20080617-Smoothingtherivercloseup.jpg


I think I'll leave any more until the weekend!
 

sd80mac

New Member
Nice layout! I like to see what people can do when they are limited to small spaces. I am in the planning stags of a 3' x 4' N-scale. I'm thinking of going with a mix of Atlas code55 snap track and flextrack and a min. radius of either 12.5" or 13.75". I like the pre-formed curves as it takes the gues work out of the equation!

-mac-
 

Biased turkey

Active Member
Nice little layout redmans.
Thanks for posting a lot of pictures to show the evolution of your work.
Will you build some kind of hill on that layout ?

Jacques
 
Top