Benchwork question

[Golfer01]

I want to build the HO layout "East Berkshire Branch" in Nscale.  Is there a way to change dimensions of the HO scale plan to N scale dimensions?

["JaBear"]

Gidday Golfer01,  to the forum.

 

You’ve probably considered this but as the East Berkshire is a walk-in type of layout, any scaling down of the dimensions is going to be dictated to by the aisle width.

 

I see that the minimum radius is 30 inches, which I consider is pretty generous in HO, I gather that 18 inches is considered generous in N, so you could no doubt cut down on the width of the sides and peninsular without compromising aisles.

 

An idea of the dimensions of the space you have available for layout building would be of assistance to those more knowledgeable than myself, to comment on.

 

Have Fun!

Cheers, the Bear.  

[BigDaddy]

This is the plan

[rrinker]

 That already has tight squeeze points in the aisles. One thing to do is build it in N scale in the same space, cutting an inch or two off the radius of the two turnback curves, allowing the gap to get in to be wider.

                                           --Randy

[Golfer01]

Thanks guys!  I'll send photos once I get started. 

[hornblower]

I'll second the idea of building the N scale version as close to the HO scale dimensions as possible.  I'll also second the idea of squeezing down the radii of the turnbacks to increase the width of the aisles.  You'll be much happier with the resulting longer main line runs and the wider aisles means more comfortable operations. If you have never operated a layout like a prototype railroad, find a group in your area and give it a try.  It opens up a whole new reason for designing/building your layout.  One change to the intended track plan you might make in this direction would be a few staging tracks to park trains.  Maybe a few sidings to either side of the hidden track on the right side of the track plan?

[rrinker]

 Just guessing based on the drawing (because I am too lazy to go get the actual article), the bottom left loop is about 24" radius. 20" radius in N scale is still pretty generous, and gains 8 inches in space between the lower left and the peninsula. The peninsula curve loosk to be closer to 25-26" radius, cutting that down gives an additional 10-12", which is sorely needed on the right side bertween the benchwork along the wall and the peninsula. Perhaps a little reworking to keep those two bulges in the track along the walls from being right in line with the widest part of the turnback would make access even better. 

 And if you are not going for modern with long cars and huge locomotives, and no long passenger cars - you could go down to an 18" radius, in N scale that's about 32" in HO, which is still enough to run pretty much anything. And allow the aisles to be close to 36" at the narrowest point - very comfortable. With no real sacrifice in the operation of the layout.

                                      --Randy