For this layout, I'm modeling the modern era in coastal South Carolina. The idea of using it for an overhead crane is a good one, and perhaps use some of it to suggest that there used to be narrow gauge running on the docks.
I wonder if the person who sold it to you had been experimenting with adding an HOn30 line (HO scale, using N-gauge track as narrow gauge track) to their HO standard gauge layout?
There can be many uses for short pieces of rail that could be salvaged from the N scale track (sectional track I assume). For example I have seen trackside fences constructed entirely of rail - the posts are rail rammed into the ground, the railings are - well --rail welded to the posts. I have seen those at some stations to keep vehicles from driving onto the station platform, and I have also seen "all rail" fences at places where a former grade crossing was removed, and the all rail fence keeps errant drivers from driving off the end of the now-truncated road
I also have seen rail used to protect grade crossing signals from being wiped out by errant drivers, and have seen lengths of rail driven into the ground to protect the edges of buildings from being hit by truck drivers backing up their rigs in the vicinity. Another use for the rails from these otherwise un needed pieces of N guage track.
The rails could also be used as guard rails on bridges or crossings in asphalt roads, or as the special guard rails sometimes seen on super tight curves. Small section rail is used at section houses so that a speeder can be rolled from the mainline into the house.
The N scale track if cut in half down the center of the ties could provide rail and tie for an overhead crane that has flanged wheels at both sides.
The ties could perhaps find a use as landscapers timbers.
I once visited a layout, but took no pictures and can no longer recall where it was or whose it was, with a really neat effect. There was a "dummy" rail line in a valley under a bridge and the track curved away out of sight. But laboriously, the modeler had made the gauge of the track gradually get narrower and narrower, and the lengths and sizes of the ties get gradually smaller as well, so that as the rail line disappeared from view it had essentially gone from HO to N in a neat example of forced perspective.
Dave Nelson
Paul Dolkos mentioned in an article that he put N scale structures in the background to provide depth. Perhaps that's an option. There are quite a few here who mix scales.
Victoria,
I don't know what era you are modeling but two things that come to my mind is either an abandoned narrow gauge line or mine that can use Atlas N scale ore cars as hand Jennies that you could paint the rails rusty and cover the sides and center with weeds which would make a nice scenery detail, or I do believe that you could put it across the back of your layout and with some N scale freight equipment to provide what some call "prospective" scenery that makes it look like a storage line for freight cars off in the distance. I have seen people do this with N scale buildings and it looks really good.
You could also make a small N scale switching layout on just a 1'x 5' board with nothing but track and just one small N scale locomotive and a few cars that can be placed on a table for use then stored when not in use.
Just a few ideas if you wanted to keep the track.
Ralph
I'm guessing that the track you've bought is not new - perhaps either taken-up from someone's former layout, or simply left-over from building a layout.If the HO track is in decent shape, it should be fine to use.If the N scale track is also in good shape, you should be able to re-sell it on-line, or, if you know an N scale modeller nearby, sell it in-person.
Selling such items here is not allowed (it is on another forum to which I belong, though) but you may be able to connect, via PM (Conversations, if your's still works) with others here who might be looking for N scale track. Chances are is that they'll contact you.
Wayne
Hello,
I just bought a box of track for my HO scale layout. However, it comes with some N scale track that I don't need. I don't want to waste it, so what can I do with these items?
Thanks,
Victoria