Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

N Scale Test Layout

2016 views
10 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    December 2007
  • 143 posts
N Scale Test Layout
Posted by demonwolf224 on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 8:25 AM

I am building an N scale test layout. Remember TEST layout. On this half of the layout, I am modeling the Haysi Railroad. So here are some pics.

 Nothing is in the storm door box.

Need to work on that rock cut. The shots aren't focused. And the flash is on.

This post has come to you from Lewistown Pennsylvania!!!
  • Member since
    March 2007
  • From: On the Banks of the Great Choptank
  • 2,916 posts
Posted by wm3798 on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 10:20 AM

 A couple of thoughts...

First, it looks like you're anxious to get to the scenery part...  I'm with ya.  That's where I have the most fun.

But by getting too far ahead of yourself on scenery, you'll make the parts you may not like, track and wiring, even worse.

You are off on the right foot in terms of starting small.  The first layout I attempted was way over my head, and as you might guess, never got finished, much less operational...

And here's a tip regarding your presentation...  Clear all the tools and junk off the layout before you shoot your photos, and if you can, erect some sort of view block to minimize the background clutter.  It's difficult to see your work and offer suggestions when there's so much competition for the eye to focus on.

Keep up the good work and the enthusiasm.

Lee

Route of the Alpha Jets  www.wmrywesternlines.net

  • Member since
    December 2007
  • 143 posts
Posted by demonwolf224 on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 2:15 PM

Alrighty, when I get home, I'll get my dad to order my birthday stuff (track, engines, cars) to make sure the layout is 100% operational before I do anything else. But before that, I'll install that backdrop. And Before that, I'll un clutter the layout. Thanx!

This post has come to you from Lewistown Pennsylvania!!!
  • Member since
    March 2007
  • From: On the Banks of the Great Choptank
  • 2,916 posts
Posted by wm3798 on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 3:10 PM

 What kind of track will you be using?

 You might be able to get everything you need in one purchase of an Atlas Trainman set.  It's got the code 65 Tru Track, and the GP-15 engine (Conrail, of course!) is a really superb engine.  The set also includes some freight cars.

Lee

Route of the Alpha Jets  www.wmrywesternlines.net

  • Member since
    December 2007
  • 143 posts
Posted by demonwolf224 on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 3:32 PM

I plan on using micro engineering code 55. To much for a first layout? I have heard of the idea of building your own train set, buy some high quaility stuff, and you have your own personal train set. And about tru track, I never did like the all in one track. You don't get the best ballast job, and it isn't as much fun to ballast if you ask me. Call me crazy, but ballasting is one of my favorite things.

This post has come to you from Lewistown Pennsylvania!!!
  • Member since
    March 2007
  • From: On the Banks of the Great Choptank
  • 2,916 posts
Posted by wm3798 on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 7:26 PM

 You're not crazy at all...  Just take your time and work with the good stuff carefully.  I'm glad to hear your not cutting corners from the start.

Keep us posted on your progress.

Lee

Route of the Alpha Jets  www.wmrywesternlines.net

  • Member since
    April 2006
  • From: THE FAR, FAR REACHES OF THE WILD, WILD WEST!
  • 3,672 posts
Posted by R. T. POTEET on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 3:44 AM

demonwolf224

I plan on using micro engineering code 55. To much for a first layout? I have heard of the idea of building your own train set, buy some high quaility stuff, and you have your own personal train set. And about tru track, I never did like the all in one track. You don't get the best ballast job, and it isn't as much fun to ballast if you ask me.

You are indeed a man after my own heart.

I started using Micro Engineering Code 55 way back in the ealry '80s. At that time it was being manufactured by a firm called Rail Craft . . . . . . . . . . and it was the only game in town!

demonwolf224

 Call me crazy, but ballasting is one of my favorite things.

Take two aspirin and call me in the morning! I absolutely hate ballasting but I have always wanted my trackwork to be impressive so I take my time at it!

From the far, far reaches of the wild, wild west I am: rtpoteet

  • Member since
    December 2007
  • 143 posts
Posted by demonwolf224 on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 10:40 AM

I have a pretty accurate list of what I'm getting for my birthday. Actually, my birthday's over, just didn't find anything untill now.

1 Package of Micro Engineering Code 55 flextrack

2 Atlas Code 55 #7 turnouts.

1 Proto N GP38 (Clinchfield)

2 Freight Cars (Open hoppers)

I belive this comes out to around $92.

I also have a 38 dollar credit slip to my LHS, which will be spent on various things, well whatever I want at the moment.

This post has come to you from Lewistown Pennsylvania!!!
  • Member since
    April 2006
  • From: THE FAR, FAR REACHES OF THE WILD, WILD WEST!
  • 3,672 posts
Posted by R. T. POTEET on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 12:18 PM

demonwolf224

I have a pretty accurate list of what I'm getting for my birthday. Actually, my birthday's over, just didn't find anything untill now.

1 Package of Micro Engineering Code 55 flextrack

2 Atlas Code 55 #7 turnouts.

1 Proto N GP38 (Clinchfield)

2 Freight Cars (Open hoppers)

I belive this comes out to around $92.

I also have a 38 dollar credit slip to my LHS, which will be spent on various things, well whatever I want at the moment.

Regarding your use of Atlas Code 55 switches: I've never looked at Atlas Code 55 track products; the line was inaugurated after I constructed my last -- read: recently demolished -- layout. Maybe it passed me in the dark somewhere but does anyone have any practical experience mating Atlas and Micro Engineering Code 55 products?

From the far, far reaches of the wild, wild west I am: rtpoteet

  • Member since
    December 2007
  • 143 posts
Posted by demonwolf224 on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 1:07 PM

From what I've seen, they go together pretty well.

This post has come to you from Lewistown Pennsylvania!!!
  • Member since
    March 2007
  • From: On the Banks of the Great Choptank
  • 2,916 posts
Posted by wm3798 on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 2:36 PM

 The ME track uses the same profile rail as the Atlas.  There's a small difference in the joiners, but not enough to be incompatible.  The main difference is the ties.  The ME ties are a little flatter and a little longer, and the spike detail is a lot better.  Once installed and properly weathered, it should look just fine.

FYI, I use ME bridge track along with Atlas 55 flex, with no problems.

 

Lee

Route of the Alpha Jets  www.wmrywesternlines.net

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!