Need Kato Nscale track plan for Woodland scenics Grand Valley layout

[4Bree]

Hello!

For sanity's sake we bought a preform woodland scenics grand valley layout kit...

Before I reinvent the wheel, I thought I would ask you all if anyone has created a Kato Nscale track plan for this layout.

Im a newbie, and started this fabulous hobby as a grasp onto reality as I trench through med-school... Any help would be appreciated!

Bree

 

[cuyama]

Welcome to the hobby and to the forum. Is it correct that you want to use the Grand Valley package with N scale track? If I recall correctly, the Grand Valley layout is sold only as an HO layout for a 4'X8' overall size. Is that what you have? I don’t know that the plan has even been offered specifically re-sized for N scale – but I may simply not recall correctly.

Consequently, probably no one has ever laid out an N scale layout for the same roadbed arrangement (with KATO Unitrack or anything else). So you are on your own there. Note that elevations and clearances can change a lot in N scale -- you don't need as much clearance and the grades would be less.

If you are planning to build in 4X8, there are many alternative N scale track plans that will fit in the same space, many of which would offer more long-tern engagement and enjoyment than the very limited Grand Valley layout. You can use some of the same Woodland Scenics materials for N scale; others (like the roadbed) would be oversized for N scale.

Good luck with your layout.

Byron

 

[bearman]

You have already bought the Grand Valley preform????????

[4Bree]

Thanks for your reply... the reason I asked is because there is an N scale coversion to the scenic ridge layout. But I appreciate your time in responding. If I come up with a plan I'll post... you never know...

[4Bree]

yes,

And i know its probably crazy BUT... without sounding overly self-assured, I have been called "extremey" creative. My hubby and I reeled in the reins of my imagination by choosing a preformed structure so I didnt turn my beginner hobby into a grand feat...

 

[cuyama]

4Bree

Thanks for your reply... the reason I asked is because there is an N scale coversion to the scenic ridge layout.

The N scale Scenic Ridge kit is actually mostly different components to build a layout that is re-proportioned for N scale -- so it's not the same as what you are proposing with the HO Grand Valley kit that you have.

In particular, the HO scale Grand Valley kits include wider and steeper risers than you would need for N scale, wider tunnel portals, wider roadbed (which you actually don’t need for Unitrack at all), etc. So there will be some components that are oversized for N scale -- or not necessary.

But there will be other materials that you can use as-is.

You probably already know that it is not pre-formed in the traditional sense of the plastic molded layouts of the past, you must build up all the landforms and the track locations, etc. from foam raw materials.

Good luck with your layout.