N scale layout

[Anonymous]

I'm surrently in the process of planning a 9 X 2 Layout with an additional 2 X 4 on the end so the dimentions will be 11 X 2 X 4 or so (please check my railimages site for the setup.

What I am looking for is a layout to fit in this space... My problem is when I try and do a layout I want to put to much track in the layout and not enough room for scenery.

If someone has a place where I can find a layout of this size please let me know.

Or if someone would like to design me one that would be much appreciated on my behalf.

www.railimages.com/gallery/brianclemente

once again thank you for your support and help.

[Anonymous]

Take a look at mine at this link: http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=31671

It's 10' x 24" wide x 10' long wall mounted in an "L" configuration. May give you some ideas. Dave

[DSchmitt]

Your problem is one that most of us have, and find difficult to overcome.

Beginners (especially) but even experienced modelers often will look at a space and then start trying to fit track into it.

A better way is to determine what the focus of you railroad should be, then set priorities. I sugest using Track Planning for Realistic Operation by John Armstrong as a basic guide. Its published by Kalmbach and available in most train stores.

You have a lot of space on your plan devoted to a yard which would not operate efficiently. If freight yard operations are your main priority get The Model Railroaders Guide to Freight Yards by Andy Sperandeo. Otherwise it is better if the yard is somewhere else that is not modeled.

If you want freight switching do you want way freight operation (fairly long run with separated industries, or a dense industrial switching area.

Passenger operations can be a focal point. A passenger terminal or a though passenger station can make a nice model railroad.

A junction of two or more lines makes a good focal point if you like to be a tower man. There are different kinds of junctions. One type where two line cross may or may not have interchange of cars between them. Othes types are where a branch leaves the main or where two main routes come together.

Once you have determined your focus, you can look at the thousands of track plans that are in books and on-line from that point of view. Try to visualize the actual operation the track plan provides and not be overwhelemed by suggested scenic treatment. Also be aware that scenery drawn on layout plans often won't fit on the real layout. Look at plans in other scales in particulary larger scales. A HO layout for instance may make nice layout in N scale at 3/4 of the HO size or at the full HO scale size.

You probably won't find a layout that fits your needs by will get many ideas that can be incorporated into your layout and also enable you add at least some of yout lower priorities..