N scale layout plans

[Anonymous]

I had to move out of a spacious apartment into a smaller apartment. I had an L-shaped 6'x8', but now I will be lucky if I can fit a 3'x8' layout in. I have looked in several books but cannot find a layout I like in that size. Any suggestions?

[Anonymous]

Check out Kato's website the have a section for track plans.

[harrybon98]

try this site some very nice layouts

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

[Anonymous]

You might want to look at some books for HO plans for 4 x 8, 4 x 10, or 4 x 12 layouts...you would either be able to use wide radius N curves, or modify to suit your preference. 3 x 8 in N is about 6 x 16 in HO, so you have a lot of potential.
Good luck & regards / Mike

[Anonymous]

Check your math -
3' x 8' in N scale is about 5'-6" x 14'-8" in HO, NOT 6' x 16'!!

[Anonymous]

If you have to do really tight curves use Unitrack or code 80 Atlas.
http://tnmrc.tripod.com/frame.html
Those guys use to have a 3x8 under construction, I'll keep looking however.

[Anonymous]

Here's a nice one to check out:

http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Island/2589/nmt/layout.html

[Anonymous]

Thanks everybody. Right now, the CEO has informed me that unless the corporation starts bringing in money, the railroad will have to be sold; benchwork, track, and rolling stock! Hope this doesn't happen.
Oh, and Kato's web site is predominantly for using their track.

[DavidH]

I hate to show my age here, but . . . If one reaches back all the way to the first MR project layout done in N, the Enfield and Ohio, which, I think was in 68 or thereabouts, the observation was first made that arithmetic shrinking of HO scale plans would not produce good visual results. That is still true today. I believe the rule of thumb is that an N scale pike should occupy about 3/4 of the space of the equivalent HO plan to maintain a good appearance. Many people including John Armstrong have explained in some detail why this is so and it has to do with relative field of vision as I recall.

[Anonymous]

I agree, David, but remember the original observation was made before our eyes "got used" to N scale. It (N scale) seems to work better with a different type of layout than HO anyway, so you're probably better off designing to the space you have rather than shrinking an HO design.

[DavidH]

You are quite right, Bill. I was only making a general observation that HO plans aren't proportionately shrinkable - the old classic concept that a 4 X 8 HO plan could be built in 2 X 4 in N. As one who tried to do that several times I can guarantee it is a bad idea!