Hi everybody,
I have fond memories of HO railroading as a pre-teen and early teen. Never did much more than a typical flat layout on a 4x8 with a few switches and what not. Always dreamed of running two or more locos at the same time. Fast forward ahem years and for some reason over the past 3 or so weeks I've been bitten by the bug again, but this time for N scale. I've bought a few things and I'm planning just a basic 3'x6' layout with a few turnouts, all on the tabletop. Not really planning any scenery or structures. For me, it's always been the operation of the trains. And I hope to run 2 or more locos this time! I have a DC all Kato layout in mind. I'm sure I'm not alone. What some of you guys do with prototype railroads and scencery and recreations is amazing, but I think that's beyond my patience and skills and space. Surely, I can't be alone. Anwyay, I've enjoyed reading what y'all have written. Would appreciate any thoughts.
to the forum Your intial post are delayed in moderation.
I'm not an N scale guy but 3x6 sounds small to me.
Your big block of text is hard to read for some of us. Breaking it up into paragraphs helps.
Armstrong's book Track Planning for Realistic Operation is a must have.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
abowen I've bought a few things and I'm planning just a basic 3'x6' layout with a few turnouts, all on the tabletop. Not really planning any scenery or structures.
Two thoughts...
1. Your 3' x 6' layout in N scale compares roughly to a 6' x 12' HO equivalent (w/o using a calculator). While a 4' x 8' HO layout (roughly 2' x 4' N scale) can be fairly constraining, the significant extra width and length you will have should allow for an interesting layout with moderate curve radii and some space near the edges, etc. I have a 5-1/2' x 9-1/2' HO layout that has been lots of fun and interesting, though I probably crammed in a bit more than ideal. Do consider how much you want to run trains around vs. more realistic "operating" as that will affect your layout plan significantly.
2. No need to rule out things like structures and scenery in the long run. If you have the layout for a considerable time, you may find interest in those things. I built my layout in 2012, getting the roadbed and track down, wiring, etc. Within the next year I added rough scenery (hills & a tunnel) and added some structures. I did not finish the scenery until 2020. I got interested in adding adding to my loco roster and converting locos to DCC and spent lots on time on that for awhile. I build most of my freight cars from kits and added structures along the way. It was a varying path, depending on how my interests and priorities evolved. I don't do any real "operating", usually running trains occasionally but especially when kids are around. My favorite parts of the hobby are related projects.
Have fun, go for what fits your pistol.
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
Hi abowen!
Welcome to the forums, and welcome back to the hobby.
I am working on an HO scale layout that is 5'4" x 12'. As Paul mentions, that is roughly equivalent to a 3'x6' N scale layout.
I want to have some operating opportunities, but like you, I like the watch trains run too. I have a couple of threads going on how I built my layout. If you are interested you can see the condensed version here. It includes a track plan:
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/t/287007.aspx
Have fun with your layout!
Cheers!!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Enjoy your trains in the way that is best for you.
Have fun with your N scale layout. Kato makes good stuff, so it should all work well.
Please post updates.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Hello All,
abowenI have a DC all Kato layout in mind.
abowen...I hope to run 2 or more locos this time!
At this point, you have a choice to make...
Either go DCC (Digital Command Control) right off the bat.
Or, learn about DC Block Control.
It has often been said, "With DCC you run the trains, with DC you run the track."
Begin by doing some research on both systems.
A couple of books I recommend are:
The Complete Atlas Wiring Book, Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc, 2011.
Some have said this book is nothing more than a showcase for Atlas products.
Yes, Atlas products are highlighted but this book is a great resource for DC block wiring. It also gives the schematics of the components needed for block control.
To understand DCC I recommend,
The Digitrax Big Book Of DCC, Digitrax, Inc. 1999.
Again, some might say, "It's just a catalog for Digitrax."
Despite its age- -published in 1999- -the "basics" of DCC have not changed and the information presented is universal across all DCC components.
For approximately $35.00 for both books, it is a great investment in deciding which system will suite your needs/wants before being financially locked into one path.
Personally, had I known what I know now I would have gone DCC right off the bat.
What I spent in DC block control and wiring I could have bought a basic, expandable, DCC system.
Keep the questions and concerns coming and...
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
Hi there and welcome back to the hobby! The introduction of DCC is probably the biggest change this hobby has gone through over the last 30 years. And, if you like operations, you would love it! If you are starting from scratch, consider going to DCC directly. It is possible to convert DC locos to DCC, but given that you want to model in N scale, I would recommend you start with DCC right off the bat. Is there a way you can see and try DCC? Maybe a good Youtube can show you the fun about DCC and sound.
Simon
I would suggest buying DCC-equipped engines, even if you start out with DC. My sense of N-scale is that it's a bit more difficult to convert them to DCC compared to HO, where it's usually just a matter of unplugging a dummy plug from a receptacle and plugging in a decoder. DCC decoders now (and for many years back) are "dual mode" meaning they run on DC or DCC.
Keep in mind you can get a good 'starter' DCC controller (Digitrax Zephyr, NCE DCC-Twin, CVP Easy DCC) for not much more than a top-line DC throttle, and going DCC will make the layout much easier to wire - and to fulfill your goal of running two engines / trains at once.
Welcome to the forums and back to the hobby.
For a layout the size you are considering, have you thought of using a hollow core door as a base. They are light, strong and fairly easy to move and store. You can put one on sawhorse or a table (if you are good and the other half allows.). A 4x8 sheet of extruded insulation foam would give you the ability to have below grade scenic elements and adds little weight. You would have a little left over to stack up for a hill.
You may not be thinking of much scenery now, but if you dabble in it a little, you might catch the bug. I had never done much with scenery, but with a little reading and video help behind me, I think I did quite well. Looking forward to a bigger layout to get back to it.
As for the DC/DCC question, I converted and love it. I can run several trains at the same time and on the same track. Much easier to set up too. One thing I would recommend is to find out what others in you area have. If there is a club nearby ask them or check with the locall hobby shop. The reason is that if you have questions they can show you and if you find working with others in an operating session is fun, you can take your controller to their layout or they bring theirs to yours for some operating fun.
Have fun,
Richard