Small N-scale Layout

[roryglasgow]

I've been tinkering with layout plans on and off for the past several weeks. I have a 2' x 3' sheet of plywood, so I started brainstorming some trackplans that would fit the space. I thought I'd share one of them.

I just stuck the track together on the bare plywood--no roadbed or even nails. It's been a lot of fun. I'll add random cars to the interchange, then deliver them to the other three spurs, picking up the cars that are already there and bringing them back to the interchange. Yes, I'm easily entertained.

Strategically placed trees and roads might help break up the loop.

The whole layout is built with Atlas sectional track. Minimum radius is 9.75". All turnouts are #4.

 

[Tyson Rayles]

"Yes, I'm easily entertained."

That makes two of us Roy!

 

[jon-monon]

I thunk 2X3 was large in N

Count me in on the easy entertainment

 

[roryglasgow]

Well, you could go smaller, but then you'd be getting into the realm of "mini" and "micro" layouts. I saw, somewhere, an N-scale loop that someone made on the top of a coffee cup!

 

[shamus]

Hi Rory,
That looks an interesting layout plan, plenty of action I am sure.
Shamus

 

[screwysquirrel]

Nice

Very simple layout.

a 2x3 N is roughly a 4x6 in N.

Looks like a lot of fun

 

[Tyson Rayles]

"a 2x3 N is roughly a 4x6 in N"

Screwy can you spare me some of your meds man, they gotta be better than mine!

 

[Ralph]

Fun!! That interchange track is just begging for cassette staging ...or expansion later!
Ralph

 

[Urban]

Originally posted by roryglasgow
Strategically placed trees and roads might help break up the loop.

Yes, this can work. Another thing I try to design in is to make the scenery on about 1/3:rd to give the impression the places are further apart than they are.

 

[eatst14]

Rory,

Glad to see you building again, I miss seeing teh construction pics of your old Copper Ridge, and was sad when you had to take it down. I do have one suggestion though, add 6 more inches to make the layout 2x3.5ft. I know space is at a premium at your new pad, but just 6 more inches will allow you to do this:

 

[Nscale4]

I guess I'm easily entertained too!

 

[screwysquirrel]

another suggestion

this is about 3.5 by 2.5, but its a switching layout disguised as a starter oval

Originally a 4x6 HO layout, you might recognize it as the Morgan Valley from Model Railroader and Atlas books

 

[roryglasgow]

eatst14, that's a great idea. With a little creative effort, that could be hidden staging. It would definitely add a lot to such a small layout.

Mr. Squirrel, I really like that plan. I sat studying it for some time. There is a lot of potential.

Thanks for the suggestions!