n scale layouts

[Anonymous]

i was wondering if you guys knew any 4 by 8 or smaller n scale trackplans..any would be appreciated[:D]

[Anonymous]

i was wondering if you guys knew any 4 by 8 or smaller n scale trackplans..any would be appreciated[:D]

[ChrisB1962]

i studied 'nine n scale model railroads' from atlas and '101 track plans for model railroaders' fom kalmbach before starting my n scale railroad a couple of months ago. most of the 'nine n scale' layouts are 4x8 or less. '101 track plans' has a wider variety of sizes. i used plan #3 as the basis for mr 2x4 layout.

[ChrisB1962]

i studied 'nine n scale model railroads' from atlas and '101 track plans for model railroaders' fom kalmbach before starting my n scale railroad a couple of months ago. most of the 'nine n scale' layouts are 4x8 or less. '101 track plans' has a wider variety of sizes. i used plan #3 as the basis for mr 2x4 layout.

[IRONROOSTER]

Larger scale layout plans can be scaled down. An interesting idea is to take a 4x8 plan for HO but build it in N scale. The usually short sidings and sharp curves become long sidings and broad curves in N. Yards can have more tracks.
Enjoy
Paul

[IRONROOSTER]

Larger scale layout plans can be scaled down. An interesting idea is to take a 4x8 plan for HO but build it in N scale. The usually short sidings and sharp curves become long sidings and broad curves in N. Yards can have more tracks.
Enjoy
Paul

[rkdave]

Ironrooster, I tried just what you suggest: building a 4X8 HO layout in N-Scale, but was not too pleased with the results. A 4X8 HO layout has little in the way of operational possibilities; making a 4X8 based on that track plan yields a large N scale layout with little in the way of operational possibilities.

A better route might be to take one of the MR N scale plans for a hollow core door and expanding them - in effect two 2X8 layouts (or 2.5X8 layouts with a scenic divider down the middle.

[rkdave]

Ironrooster, I tried just what you suggest: building a 4X8 HO layout in N-Scale, but was not too pleased with the results. A 4X8 HO layout has little in the way of operational possibilities; making a 4X8 based on that track plan yields a large N scale layout with little in the way of operational possibilities.

A better route might be to take one of the MR N scale plans for a hollow core door and expanding them - in effect two 2X8 layouts (or 2.5X8 layouts with a scenic divider down the middle.

[AltonFan]

Another approach might be to use the conversion the dimensions listed for TT scale (approximately 2/3 HO) for an N scale layout.

[AltonFan]

Another approach might be to use the conversion the dimensions listed for TT scale (approximately 2/3 HO) for an N scale layout.

[Wdlgln005]

The move to build a Nscale layout in a 4x8 HO scale space should create better operational possibilities. We avoid using 9in or lower curves, keeping them up to 12-18in range. This will accomodate all modern & Eunit passenger equipment. This leaves appox 4 feet to have a larger town/ industrial area with plenty of space for more buildings. 1 siding may serve 2-4 industries. Now you have more business for your switch crew to do, or use more cars to service a larger industry. Try putting a Timesaver puzzle for your industries and you may also need a larger yard area.

Grades will benefit because you only need 1.75 in clearance. A gentle 1.5% grade will do this raising 1/4 in/foot for 7ft.

[Wdlgln005]

The move to build a Nscale layout in a 4x8 HO scale space should create better operational possibilities. We avoid using 9in or lower curves, keeping them up to 12-18in range. This will accomodate all modern & Eunit passenger equipment. This leaves appox 4 feet to have a larger town/ industrial area with plenty of space for more buildings. 1 siding may serve 2-4 industries. Now you have more business for your switch crew to do, or use more cars to service a larger industry. Try putting a Timesaver puzzle for your industries and you may also need a larger yard area.

Grades will benefit because you only need 1.75 in clearance. A gentle 1.5% grade will do this raising 1/4 in/foot for 7ft.

[IRONROOSTER]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rkdave

Ironrooster, I tried just what you suggest: building a 4X8 HO layout in N-Scale, but was not too pleased with the results. A 4X8 HO layout has little in the way of operational possibilities; making a 4X8 based on that track plan yields a large N scale layout with little in the way of operational possibilities.

A better route might be to take one of the MR N scale plans for a hollow core door and expanding them - in effect two 2X8 layouts (or 2.5X8 layouts with a scenic divider down the middle.

Well, sort of depends on what operations you want to do. Run long trains and railfan them, run shorter trains with lots of dispatching, do lots of switching, sort cars in the yard, etc. Some of the plans for HO 4x8 are deliberately simple becasue they are designed for beginners or to give a good/realistic appearance, others are pretty complicated with lots of turnouts, track, etc. Once you know what operations you want to do, any published plan becomes a starting point to be modified to meet those objectives. For a first layout it is probably better to follow a simpler plan to get started. There's nothing like actually building something to see what you would rather have. Then you can modify or rebuild. Sounds like you have some definite ideas on what you want, based on your experience which is good. I'm building my fifth layout and each one has been different as I refine my objectives. Heck I've even changed scales twice. My current layout focuses on a double track mainline loop with a long branchline because I like to watch 'em run. I have no yard or roundhouse because that part doesn't really interest me operationally. John Armstrong's book "Track Planning for Realistic Operation" has some excellent ideas, as well as some smaller layouts.
Enjoy
Paul

[IRONROOSTER]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rkdave

Ironrooster, I tried just what you suggest: building a 4X8 HO layout in N-Scale, but was not too pleased with the results. A 4X8 HO layout has little in the way of operational possibilities; making a 4X8 based on that track plan yields a large N scale layout with little in the way of operational possibilities.

A better route might be to take one of the MR N scale plans for a hollow core door and expanding them - in effect two 2X8 layouts (or 2.5X8 layouts with a scenic divider down the middle.

Well, sort of depends on what operations you want to do. Run long trains and railfan them, run shorter trains with lots of dispatching, do lots of switching, sort cars in the yard, etc. Some of the plans for HO 4x8 are deliberately simple becasue they are designed for beginners or to give a good/realistic appearance, others are pretty complicated with lots of turnouts, track, etc. Once you know what operations you want to do, any published plan becomes a starting point to be modified to meet those objectives. For a first layout it is probably better to follow a simpler plan to get started. There's nothing like actually building something to see what you would rather have. Then you can modify or rebuild. Sounds like you have some definite ideas on what you want, based on your experience which is good. I'm building my fifth layout and each one has been different as I refine my objectives. Heck I've even changed scales twice. My current layout focuses on a double track mainline loop with a long branchline because I like to watch 'em run. I have no yard or roundhouse because that part doesn't really interest me operationally. John Armstrong's book "Track Planning for Realistic Operation" has some excellent ideas, as well as some smaller layouts.
Enjoy
Paul

[n2mopac]

My first layout was a 4' x 4' N scale which I loved and it gave me great detail modeling and operational experience as a beginner. I was able to model a loop with 2 passing sidings, 3 industrial spurs serving 4 industries, a small town and some midwestern countryside including a small creek and lake. Sounds like a lot in 4' x 4' but it worked and was a lot of fun. I even had an odd corner that was a perfect fit for a little league baseball diamond (with game in progress).
Ron

[n2mopac]

My first layout was a 4' x 4' N scale which I loved and it gave me great detail modeling and operational experience as a beginner. I was able to model a loop with 2 passing sidings, 3 industrial spurs serving 4 industries, a small town and some midwestern countryside including a small creek and lake. Sounds like a lot in 4' x 4' but it worked and was a lot of fun. I even had an odd corner that was a perfect fit for a little league baseball diamond (with game in progress).
Ron