Bruce, I modeled in N scale about a decade ago. I wish I could find photos of my layout, but I used a 36" x 80" hollow core door for the table top. I had a really nice amount of track on that layout.I was on a budget and used Life-Like and Atlas locos. I picked up some Bachmann rolling stock and it wasn't good, but that was old stock that was probably 10 years old when I got it. Life-Like is no longer at retail, but if you can find it, it should be inexpensive and it works well, at least it did for me. Atlas is good stuff too.I used Atlas flex track and manual turnouts. You can get a lot of track for a little cash going that route. I used a black, sticky, rubber-like base (can't recall the name of it now) to lay the track on instead of cork.On the door surface, I laid a full sheet of 2 or 3" extruded sheet foam, that way I could carve ditches, dips, etc. I also used it to build up the mountains and such. Carved it all with a couple cheap steak knives from the dollar store.For legs on the table, I used 3" pvc sewer pipe that fit into a toilet flange on each corner. I used thumb screws to hold the legs in place, which made them easily removable if I ever needed to move it around easily...which I did the day I sold it. I'll keep digging for pics, but here is a site I used a lot for ideas. There are even 2x4 layout plans. http://www.cke1st.com/m_train2.htm
Before selecting any products you need to decide what time period you plan to model and what level of modeling do you desire. Will it be DC or DCC , can you use the same control system that you use on your HO layout or do you have to buy a new system to power the railroad ?
There are many fine layouts built in N scale in small spaces as well as larger spaces , you have to decide how much space you want to utilize. I'm in the bigger is better corner . A 2x4 means tight curves, 30 inches or wider would give you better looking curves.
You aren't a beginner so do you want handlaid track or manufactured track products ? If handlaying is something you want to try , check out Fast Tracks, they make jigs for handlaying track.
If you want ready made track , I personally like Atlas Code 55 Flex track. Micro Engineering also makes very nice flex track that you can get with either wood or concrete ties. Atlas has some nice looking turnouts in various sizes ( #5,#7,#10 and even curved turnouts ).
If laying track isn't your thing then I would go with Kato track products as others have suggested.
I would stay away from buying a train set unless you like the snap together track that Kato offers, if so , get a Kato starter traing set. Top qaulity engines , cars and track. No wasted money !!
I will assume you want to keep it small so I will suggest you stick to 4 axle engines if you're thinking deisels. Atlas has the largest variety and they are very good runners , you can get them DCC ready or DCC equiped. If you get DCC ready , be prepaired to take the unit apart if you want to install a decoder. If you are thinking 6 axle units , Fox Valley and Kato are the easiest to install decoders in and are also very nice runners. Atlas also has Nice 6 axle units but as stated before , they aren't as easy to add DCC .
Hope this helps,
Craig
Bruce, my reference above on track should have said, "I have used Arnold Rapido, Atlas, PECO and MicroTrains", not Kato. Sorry about that!
Hi, Bruce! Welcome to N scale! My experience, after 50+ years in N (including those early days when N locomotives had 2 speeds, 150 mph or 0), is that Kato locomotives are the smoothest and most reliable. The Bachmann standard stuff is not very good, but the Bachmann Spectrum line is decent. InterMountain and Athearn seem to run pretty well, but not as good as Kato. On track, i have used Arnold Rapido, Atlas, Kato and MicroTrains. The Peco track is kind of clunky (ties are too big, frogs on the turnouts are curved), but it is incredibly sturdy and reliable, the turnouts are available in multiple sizes, including curved, and it is readily available. So, on my 6th N scale layout, which is in progress, i am going with Peco track. I hope some of this helps, Bruce.
Stay away from the Bachmann starter sets. When I got back into N scale last year I bought the Bachmann Christmas starter set. Absolute garbage. The extra money you spend for a Kato starter set will more than pay for itself in reduced aggravation, increased enjoyment.
Bruce,
First welcome to N scale! I am sure you and your wife will have some good fun with this project. As an N scaler myself I think a Kato starter set would be a great way to go and the brand is a favorite of mine. If you should decide go with individual pieces, as far as locomotives you might want to check out Atlas also as they can run about the same price and cover a lot of different time periods and have more railroad name choices and are also a high quality product. I also like Fox Valley. For steam locomotives Bachmann has a good selection but I would pass on their low end train set quality stuff. When it comes to rolling stock there are just too many really good companies to list here and the newer stuff is just amazing. Hope this helps.
Ralph
Alrich's advice is sound. As said before and said again. It not how small can I get away with. Its not how tight of a radius will work. It's not how steep of a grade can I do. The question is how much space can you provide for trouble-free operation of the length of running stock you wish to model. Many super small layouts have been done by modelers using low gear shays short logging cars and short trains Tight radius and steep grades. They look super cool and work great. It just depends what you want.
Hi There
I agree Kato N track is great & easy to use !
I have started 4 layouts in N Scale always using Kato UNITRACK in Nscale .
You could use a Hollow core door for your table top. You could add layers of rigid foam on top for scenery .
Please Note You could use Atlas track & cork if like !
For Engines Go with Kato Or Atlas for first picks . Micro trains has a great assortment of freight cars .
Good Luck ! Have Fun & enjoy working with wife !
CHARTER MEMBER OF THE MILWAUKEE FALLEN FLAG MODEL TRAIN CLUB . I COLLECT HO, N , O-3rail & On30 Trains & run them ! I Use KATO HO & N scale Track . I also Use Lionel Fast Track ! I change track layouts Often !
My N scale layout I built in high school was 3 by 7 feet. You can fit a good bit of N scale railroading into that space.
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You will not need much equipment. I have been away from N scale too long to offer any good advice on that.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
I am quite happy with Kato N scale track, locos and cars, which all are a good value for money. Kato N scale Unitrack is a foolproof and reliable track system with incorporated roadbed. Its rather plasticky look can be enhanced by painting and ballasting.
A 2 by 4 is not really a lot of real estate for a decent layout. It´s less than a 4 by 8 in HO scale. If you can dedicate a little more space it´ll certainly be the better choice.
I mostly work in HO and 3 rail lionel. however the other day my wife surprised me and said why don't we get some n scale equipment and do a small layout together. Wow! I know very little about n scale rolling stock. Was thinking of getting a starter set to begin with. What brand does anyone recommend? Bachmann, Kato? Or would it be better to go to an upcoming train show and get individual pieces there? Also would we be able to have a decent layout in 2X4 or should we go a bit bigger. Any thoughts and advice is appreciated.
Bruce