I am posting this on both the general and layout forums in order to get as much input as possible.
I have an HO layout in my basement that a health condition will prevent me from accessing in a few months. In order to continue with my model railroading hobby; I am considering building a long narrow N scale layout to fit on one wall in my bedroom/office. I have a 17' wall space to use. The shelf layout must be reachable from a desk chair. Since it will run over the head of the bed; operational reach is limited to about 7' on the left hand end (the rest will be viewable rail for operations ).
I am looking at something fairly simple - as long as possible continuous run loop with some simple switching to add a little actual operations. I would like to keep the cost down; however, cost is not a major factor. I need to do the basic scenic work in my basement workshop and then move the layout to the upstairs location for final detailing.
I can get the layout below out of one sheet of plywood in two 8' sections to be joined together and mounted to the wall with angle brackets (about 34" above floor ). I can get the basic scenery done while my health permits (especially the right side which will be unreachable for basic scenery work). I will be able to reach the left side for work in place. The layout shown is a rough approximation. I will use flex track with peco #6 turnouts (flipped with a finger - no switch machines). Minimum radius shown is 11". I have a Zephyr DCC system on my workbench witch will be moved to this layout. The layout shown is 16' long with 26" width in the two end sections with about 8" width in the narrow section. I am fully capable of doing all of the construction work; I am asking for help on the N gage equipment issues.
Setting will be western/mid-western open space. Time period is diesel era - no specific time period (should be relatively modern though). I want a road freight loco and small switcher for "yard" use.
Other than being western/mid-western, I don't care about road name. I will get about 20 mixed freight cars to use. All locos and rolling stock must be RTR with factory DCC (sound in the road loco would be nice; however, it seems to be non-available ). Buildings and scenic items will be added as necessary and are not specific yet ( probably a mix of kits and scratch built ).
My reason for posting is that I don't know much about N gage equipment. What brands of loco's are considered most reliable and good runners ? What about brands of rolling stock ? I figure that I have enough time to build the layout; but not enough to worry about loco's and rolling stock (therefore RTR loco's and rolling stock). I understand that there are coupler issues in N scale - is this true ?
I will walk into Caboose Hobbies, in Denver, to purchase most items - any brand (or specific) recommendations for me on loco's and rolling stock to buy or to stay away from ?