As seen in the new Model Railroader and videos on trains.com, MR&T Stateline Project for 2022. I have built a few HO scale layouts, but really like the Stateline project and thinking about it for N scale... however:
what are your thoughts about condensing to a 4x8 footprint (from 4x12)
what changes would be required for N scale Unitrack? I've seen some older posts concerning N scale Unitrack turnouts. Is there a preference for #4 or #6? I'd like to run an intermodal, coal train, or Amtrak while a local is breaking down cars, switching industries...
thanks!
I haven't seen the January issue, so am not familiar with the track plan, however, since N is about half HO, it should fit with a few modifications, as the N version would be about 2x6.
Again, since I haven't seen the plan, not sure what you'd have to change to use Unitrack, but I know they have a wide variety of radii to select from. Since you willl be making some modifications you could consider using flex track with cork, where needed, which should match in height.
Since you want to run intermodal and Amtrak (long cars) I think #6's would look a lot better. (Just my thought.)
Good luck,
Richard
Outsailing86I've seen some older posts concerning N scale Unitrack turnouts. Is there a preference for #4 or #6? I'd like to run an intermodal, coal train, or Amtrak while a local is breaking down cars, switching industries...
My layout is N Scale, and I have some passenger cars. They do not do well on sharp curves and short turnouts.
I suggest using the largest radius and #6 turnouts that you can fit on the table.
York1 John
Outsailing86what are your thoughts about condensing to a 4x8 footprint (from 4x12) what changes would be required for N scale Unitrack?
I have not seen the issue yet, so I am assuming the HO track plan was 4 by 12.
Theoretically, it could be made to fit a 2 by 6, but I would absolutely keep the width 30 inches of possible. You will be amazed how much than 6 inches opens up for scenery and flexibility. If you can get 8 feet on length, that is even better.
Kato N scale Unitrack has a lot more available than their HO scale line, so anything should be possible.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
If I'm not mistaken, the Stateline project railroad is already N scale. I think the OP is just thinking about reducing the length By adjusting the plan.
Ray
That's correct. Looking at shrinking it and using Unitrack
I'm not sure it would lend itself to 4X8 tbh. First of all, the State Line Project is designed to be expanded. So they've effectively just built the two return loops and joined them together. It's designed so that you can add sections in the middle to expand the layout.
Secondly, It's not actually 4X12. Each lobe is 4' wide, yes, but they each extend outwards from the "spine" in opposite directions ("peanut" shaped), thus making the whole thing at least 5' wide, or more. They also use 18" radius curves, so even if you were to use Kato 381mm (15") you are going to lose a lot of the length. N-scale on a 4X8 gives you way too much width at the expense of the length (which is why people build N-scale layouts on hollow-core doors instead). The State Line Project is 12' for just that reason - to allow enough length for some substantial straightaways.
To me you'd be better off building on a HCD or building something like the Coalton and Siver Range RR: https://www.trains.com/mrr/how-to/track-plan-database/n-scale-coalton-silver-range-rr/
Passenger trains complicate matters, of course, as they always do. But that's just my two cents.
Mind you, you can do alot with two loops in N-scale on a 4X8! With 15" and 19" curves, for example (381mm and 481mm in Kato Unitrack). And you could easily use #6 turnouts.
smithmanMind you, you can do alot with two loops in N-scale on a 4X8!
My first layout, as a kid, was a 4'x8' in HO scale, with two return loops. Here's a sketch of the trackplan...(click on the picture for an enlarged view)
It should be even easier to build in N scale.
Wayne