new to hobby, and need track ideas

[Anonymous]

Hi, i'm new to the hobby, and probably jumped the gun. i bought two N scale sets. i'd like to incorporate them both onto one set up. i can't seem to find any layout plans for a two train system. can someone direct me to the right place to see some pics of set ups? i'd appreciate it.
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[egmurphy]

Wow, open ended question. Let's start with step one, how big a space do you have or how big a layout were you thinking about? Armed with that info we can probably start to point you towards some sources.

By the way, do you have a hobby shop near you?

Regards

Ed

[cwclark]

one thing for sure...with two trains you are definelty going to have to go to either DCC or Cab Control..DCC uses "decoder" electronics that install in the engines so that you can power the entire layout and run engines individually...Cab control is used in what are called "Blocks"...or sections of track that are insulated from each other so that each isolated section of track can be toggled between two power packs for individual train control...Chuck[:D]

[Anonymous]

the space i want to use is about 8ft by 6 ft...not that big, but that's why i went for N scale...thanks for the replies....

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by etv03

the space i want to use is about 8ft by 6 ft...not that big, but that's why i went for N scale...thanks for the replies....

8x6 is plenty of room to build a big N scale layout. Blocks would work well for a simple started. DCC will ultimately be more flexible but could be more difficult to install in N. Kalbach has several really good books with plans.

[egmurphy]

At this moment I have only one website bookmarked with trackplans. All of these are in N scale, but they are all for spaces smaller than you have. The good thing is that it's much easier to stretch out a plan that it is to compress one. Take a look at some of these and at least you'll get a decent introduction to possible arrangements.
http://www.naisp.net/users/mfischer/m_train2.htm

If you have access to a decent hobby shop that has a selection of books, take a look at the two books by Atlas. One is (I think) "Introduction to N Scale Model Railroading" and the other is "Nine N Scale Railroads". You might pick up some ideas there. My little layout is a variation based on layout N-17 in the second book.

A space 6'x 8' is more than adequate for an N scale layout. But it would be too wide to build a 6x8 table, so you're probably looking at something C or U shaped. Unless you have all around access, you probably need to limit your reach to 3' maximum, 2-1/2' would be better.

Okay, not much to go on, but something for you to start looking at. If I turn up anything better I'll post it.

Good luck,

Ed

[Anonymous]

thanks for the info...i found the one i want to do...hopefully it will come out...i'm sure i'll be asking questions in the future...thanks again....

[Anonymous]

FIRST OF ALL TAKE A DEEP BREATH, YOU WILL DO WELL A 6x8 LAYOUT IS PREFECT, MAKE SURE TO USE GOOD MEASURMENTS AND ALWAYS INSTALL TURNOUTS & CURVES 1ST BECAUSE IF YOU MAKE A MISTAKE IT WILL BE EASY TO CORRECT, AS FAR AS WIRING USE THE "COMMOND WIRE TRICK" HAVE YOUR GROUND AND "HOT" WIRE RUN PARELL UNDER YOU TRACK, THAT WAY YOU WILL NOT ALWAYS DEPEND ON YOUR RAIL JOINERS TO CONDUCT YOUR CURRENT THRU YOUR TRACKS!! ANYWAY HAVE FUN AND DO NOT GET UPSET IF YOU MAKE A MISTAKE SOMETIMES THE BEST LOOKNG LAYOUTS COME FROM MISTAKES GO TO YOUR NEAREST HOBBY SHOP AND ASK ?? THEY WILL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO HELP YOU. WELL FELLOW N SCALER "HAPPY MODELRAILROADING"