getting started

[Anonymous]

I have decided to build a small n-scale layout for my first attempt at model railroading. However I am having a hard time planning the actual layout. Any good resources available, I've been looking hard but nothing quite right yet.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[BNSFNUT]

There are many books with layout plans. Check with your local shop.
If you want to design your own plan there are several books on planning but one of the best is the book by John Armstrong. Remember you can take any printed plan and change it to fit your needs or take the stuff you like from several plans and combine them.

[egmurphy]

Try this place for small N scale track plan ideas:

http://www.naisp.net/users/mfischer/m_train2.htm


When you say 'small', how big (or small) are you talking about?


Regards

Ed

[Anonymous]

thanks for the input.

My local hobby shop is more concerned with stamps and coins, the next closest is more concerned with RC, so i have to travel an hour at least to a couple of good ones, but thats more than a little inconveniant.

I have an area of about 30" by 84"

[tstage]

tondogg,

Since you have a computer, go to the ATLAS web site (http://www.atlasrr.com) and download their RTS (Right Track Software). It's FREE and you can set it up for N scale.

Think of it as a virtual "unlimited" box of train track (don't we all wi***hat were a reality), where you can "snap" together and design your plethora of layout ideas right on your own computer and print it out. It uses sectional track (i.e. straight, curves, turnouts, crossing, etc.) that is available from ATLAS. Even displays the part #'s for you. (If that annoys you, you can always turn it off in properites.) ATLAS track is good quality track and considered ubiquitous in the model railroading world. It's definitely worth playing around with and might help you come up with some ideas.

If 30 x 84" is going to be your table size and you haven't built your table yet, some guys highly recommend just using a flat, hollow wooden door - one that is easily obtained down at your local home center (e.g. Home Depot or Lowes). It's lightweight, fairly inexpensive and very sturdy. Just don't forget to lock up when you are done. Seriously, a 30 x 80" door will run you about $20 -$25. A door and a couple of saw horses and - PRESTO! - instant train table. Worth considering.

Extruded foam insulation (EFI) is also a great way to go. You should build a frame around the outsdie of it though to protect the edges. I used EFI to build my train table. It's VERY lightweight and you can just push rail spikes down with your thumb to hold the track in place while you try out all your layout ideas. It holds the track very well. Only for temporary purposed until you glue the track down more permanently.

Hope that helps...

Tom

[egmurphy]

That space is made for a hollow core wood door type layout. They come standard in 80"lengths, with varying widths from 24"to 36". Should be able to find one at Lowes or Home Depot. Light and stiff. With sawhorses or a tabletop you've got instant benchwork.* You can even tilt it up against the wall when not in use if the space has to be shared. Put a layer of extruded foam on top and you're off to the races.

My N scale layout is on a 36" x 6'-8" door. It's a work in progress, but here's a shot of it.


You can see the edge of the door, and the layer of foam. The foam was cut "cookie cutter" fashion to serve as the track support on the grades. The door is sitting on a table (visible at right side of the photo).


(*) Obviously you can make better benchwork if you want to, but this would be the easiest way and should be fine for a starter layout.

Regards

Ed

[Anonymous]

thanks again!

As it happens i work in a door factory and have access to all sorts of doors and foam!
I built my bench work from 1 x 4 lumber used in building our pocket door frames.....just trying to find a good source for an actual track plan. I have browsed many plans but would really like to see actual photos, like the one above.

Thanks again