Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

N scale micro layouts thread

115721 views
75 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Smoggy L.A.
  • 10,743 posts
Posted by vsmith on Tuesday, August 26, 2014 1:58 PM

Hmm...Wonder how far the OP ever got on his Micro-layout Question

 

 

...and No, I still dont have 500 N scale building kits Dunce

   Have fun with your trains

  • Member since
    November 2013
  • From: lake placid,n.y.
  • 47 posts
Posted by STANLEY O MONTGOMERY on Monday, August 25, 2014 6:18 AM

SmileI have kato small curve track pieces and able to make a loop with sidings on a 13inch wide x 4ft long piece of foam, area enough for fun, anything is possible.

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Smoggy L.A.
  • 10,743 posts
Posted by vsmith on Monday, May 6, 2013 10:57 PM

Burlington Northern #24

hahahahaha that looks crazy, when you building it?

As soon as I collect about 500 N scale building kits MischiefWhistling

   Have fun with your trains

  • Member since
    June 2012
  • 2,297 posts
Posted by Burlington Northern #24 on Monday, May 6, 2013 10:39 PM

oh, nah I got my little 2' x 2' and my 4' x 6'. yeah I could do a stub ended layout but I'd have to get real creative with the track plan so loco's don't get trapped in the ends. 

SP&S modeler, 1960's give or take a decade or two for some equipment.

 http://www.youtube.com/user/SGTDUPREY?feature=guide 

Gary DuPrey

N scale model railroader 

  • Member since
    June 2012
  • 2,297 posts
Posted by Burlington Northern #24 on Monday, May 6, 2013 10:36 PM

Sir Madog

Burlington Northern #24

How big is that layout ulrich? (my imperial measurment mind can't put the MM together at the moment Laugh).

That'd be a great layout especially if I do get back to the BN(I probably will only after I get the pre BN). One could do the wyoming coal fields, the cascades, chicago, and seattle.(not in that order though)

Gary,

this layout is only about 2´6" by 6 .

wow, that thing would fit perfectly in the corner of a room. 

SP&S modeler, 1960's give or take a decade or two for some equipment.

 http://www.youtube.com/user/SGTDUPREY?feature=guide 

Gary DuPrey

N scale model railroader 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, May 6, 2013 10:26 PM

Burlington Northern #24

How big is that layout ulrich? (my imperial measurment mind can't put the MM together at the moment Laugh).

That'd be a great layout especially if I do get back to the BN(I probably will only after I get the pre BN). One could do the wyoming coal fields, the cascades, chicago, and seattle.(not in that order though)

Gary,

this layout is only about 2´6" by 6 .

  • Member since
    June 2012
  • 2,297 posts
Posted by Burlington Northern #24 on Monday, May 6, 2013 6:40 PM

hahahahaha that looks crazy, when you building it?

SP&S modeler, 1960's give or take a decade or two for some equipment.

 http://www.youtube.com/user/SGTDUPREY?feature=guide 

Gary DuPrey

N scale model railroader 

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Smoggy L.A.
  • 10,743 posts
Posted by vsmith on Monday, May 6, 2013 5:49 PM

I'm trying to get up the courage to built a new micro based on this:

It would be in N, not my usual G... good lord in G I could simply move into it Mischief

   Have fun with your trains

  • Member since
    June 2012
  • 2,297 posts
Posted by Burlington Northern #24 on Monday, May 6, 2013 12:42 PM

How big is that layout ulrich? (my imperial measurment mind can't put the MM together at the moment Laugh).

That'd be a great layout especially if I do get back to the BN(I probably will only after I get the pre BN). One could do the wyoming coal fields, the cascades, chicago, and seattle.(not in that order though)

SP&S modeler, 1960's give or take a decade or two for some equipment.

 http://www.youtube.com/user/SGTDUPREY?feature=guide 

Gary DuPrey

N scale model railroader 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, May 6, 2013 11:43 AM

Something different:

Could easily be adapted to be more "American". Interesting feature is the four different faces!

  • Member since
    June 2012
  • 2,297 posts
Posted by Burlington Northern #24 on Monday, May 6, 2013 9:41 AM

SpaceMouse

A while back I was between layouts and I felt I needed to build something. So I designed this 1891 mining layout in HO for a 4 x 6 space (roughly  2 x 3 in N-scale).  It is set up for two locomotives: one to switch the mine; one to pick up cars and set out empties from points yonder. 

The track that is not attached was going to be under construction for future expansion. Come to think of it, half the reason I designed this was to take a stab at hand-laying. I still have the rail and ties.  Nevermind. 

nevermind what? it looks cool, you could take a shot at it. 

SP&S modeler, 1960's give or take a decade or two for some equipment.

 http://www.youtube.com/user/SGTDUPREY?feature=guide 

Gary DuPrey

N scale model railroader 

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Rimrock, Arizona
  • 11,251 posts
Posted by SpaceMouse on Monday, May 6, 2013 8:17 AM

A while back I was between layouts and I felt I needed to build something. So I designed this 1891 mining layout in HO for a 4 x 6 space (roughly  2 x 3 in N-scale).  It is set up for two locomotives: one to switch the mine; one to pick up cars and set out empties from points yonder. 

The track that is not attached was going to be under construction for future expansion. Come to think of it, half the reason I designed this was to take a stab at hand-laying. I still have the rail and ties.  Nevermind. 

Chip

Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.

  • Member since
    June 2012
  • 2,297 posts
Posted by Burlington Northern #24 on Sunday, May 5, 2013 10:53 PM

yeah, I tried smooth it. I was thinking of styrene this time around, I'm not sure if there's a craft store around here.

SP&S modeler, 1960's give or take a decade or two for some equipment.

 http://www.youtube.com/user/SGTDUPREY?feature=guide 

Gary DuPrey

N scale model railroader 

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: upstate NY
  • 9,236 posts
Posted by galaxy on Sunday, May 5, 2013 8:12 PM

You can use a variety of things for a crossing.

~ you could use spackle compound {designed for drywall fill-ins}

~ you could use plaster of paris {available at crafts stores like AC Moores and Michaels}

~ you could use Sculptamold [available at crafts stores}

~ you could use balsa wood sheets cut to fit the track and the lead in and follow up ramps.

~ Heck, you could use play-doh if you wanted! {flour and salt and oil and water will make your own{recipies on net}...brown food coloring will make it look like dirt. Intense blue will make it look black}

Any shapable, formable substance that will last and firm up will work. Just be sure to note that you cover the tracks with tape when making the center piece and allow for flanges to run through!

Geeked

-G .

Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.

 HO and N Scale.

After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.

  • Member since
    June 2012
  • 2,297 posts
Posted by Burlington Northern #24 on Sunday, May 5, 2013 1:50 PM

so What should I use to make a crossing?

SP&S modeler, 1960's give or take a decade or two for some equipment.

 http://www.youtube.com/user/SGTDUPREY?feature=guide 

Gary DuPrey

N scale model railroader 

  • Member since
    June 2012
  • 2,297 posts
Posted by Burlington Northern #24 on Monday, April 22, 2013 4:49 PM

Ok so the track has been glued down in 4 places, anyone got any suggestions for a good railroad crossing/ road material? I'd use WS smooth it but that stuff caused me more trouble than it should've.

SP&S modeler, 1960's give or take a decade or two for some equipment.

 http://www.youtube.com/user/SGTDUPREY?feature=guide 

Gary DuPrey

N scale model railroader 

  • Member since
    June 2012
  • 2,297 posts
Posted by Burlington Northern #24 on Saturday, April 20, 2013 11:36 PM

I'd have some Z scale but I feel I'd spend more money than I already shouldn't, speaking of spending I purchased a railpower 1300 for my little 2' x 2' while I wait for the area where I'm going to build to get fixed.

SP&S modeler, 1960's give or take a decade or two for some equipment.

 http://www.youtube.com/user/SGTDUPREY?feature=guide 

Gary DuPrey

N scale model railroader 

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: upstate NY
  • 9,236 posts
Posted by galaxy on Saturday, April 20, 2013 7:54 AM

Update:

I think I have a  made a decision after some research.

I can get all i need  to get started in Z scale for about $200, so I will save save save and get what I need.

That would include: track oval, power, loco, 3 or so RR cars, to start with. They will all be of the same livery HISTORY, though not all of the same era. Shame I cannot find all to be of same era. but...I like the B&C&O, CHessie, and CSX anyway.

The loco is a CSX for $89.

Then, I will explore the attache case or underbed storage unit as a base for the Z scale!

Underbed gives me more room as I go.

Now i just need some money!!! {soon}

Geeked

-G .

Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.

 HO and N Scale.

After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, April 19, 2013 1:10 PM

vsmith

Sir Madog

My N scale micro layout:

Confessions of a mediocre model railroader

If you are looking for food for thought on micro layouts, try searching some of the UK based railway modeling sites - they are champions of building small, but intriguing layouts over there!

Geez, Ulrich, if thats mediocre, I'm doomed! WinkLaughStick out tongue

Actually, it is much easier to create a nice looking scene on such a small module, that to scenic a complete layout. If you have a good eye for scenes and scenery, you won´t have any problem at all. The nice part is, that you don´t lose a big investment, should you be unhappy with your achievement. The only difficult and cumbersome task is to ballast the track.

I am a mediocre model railroader - I can´t solder, I hate wiring, I am lacking the dose of patience and persistence you need building a "big" layout, I change directions while building a layout, I am not firm in using power tools other than a drill, and I have no money to speak of for my hobby. If that´s not mediocre, than I have to recheck my dictionary Smile, Wink & Grin

  • Member since
    June 2012
  • 2,297 posts
Posted by Burlington Northern #24 on Friday, April 19, 2013 12:47 PM

hmmmm, well I wouldn't mind using Kato's track, the small design would be great for a short line local operation with a through freight. I agree Mr. Smith, I'm not entirely sure what mine is if Sir Madog's is "mediocre." I thinks it's amazing, far better than what I can do.

SP&S modeler, 1960's give or take a decade or two for some equipment.

 http://www.youtube.com/user/SGTDUPREY?feature=guide 

Gary DuPrey

N scale model railroader 

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Smoggy L.A.
  • 10,743 posts
Posted by vsmith on Friday, April 19, 2013 12:42 PM

Sir Madog

My N scale micro layout:

Confessions of a mediocre model railroader

If you are looking for food for thought on micro layouts, try searching some of the UK based railway modeling sites - they are champions of building small, but intriguing layouts over there!

Geez, Ulrich, if thats mediocre, I'm doomed! WinkLaughStick out tongue

   Have fun with your trains

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, April 19, 2013 10:20 AM

Gary,

I still have this layout. I have recently added two more modules to have a passing station, but I won´t be adding more modules (for the time being).

There are some pros & cons for this way of building a layout.

The pros are:

  • it is a layout concept which allows you to grow a layout to any size you want, step by step
  • you always have a "finished" looking layout
  • building the "benchwork" requires hardly any skills other than being able to make square cuts
  • the cost for each module is fairly minimal
  • wiring is no effort at all
  • assembling the layout is easy, if you don´t have a permanent place for it
  • truly portable

The cons are:

  • you are tied to using Kato Unitrack (which I don´t see as a disadvantage), which is rather expensive
  • track plan can only be rather simple, best is a "straight forward" design in the true meaning of the word
  • you need a flat surface to put the layout on, best is a shelf

  • Member since
    June 2012
  • 2,297 posts
Posted by Burlington Northern #24 on Friday, April 19, 2013 9:29 AM

that looks amazing Ulrich! I'm going to have too try that sometime. Do you still have the layout?

SP&S modeler, 1960's give or take a decade or two for some equipment.

 http://www.youtube.com/user/SGTDUPREY?feature=guide 

Gary DuPrey

N scale model railroader 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, April 19, 2013 3:10 AM

My N scale micro layout:

Confessions of a mediocre model railroader

If you are looking for food for thought on micro layouts, try searching some of the UK based railway modeling sites - they are champions of building small, but intriguing layouts over there!

  • Member since
    June 2012
  • 2,297 posts
Posted by Burlington Northern #24 on Thursday, April 18, 2013 4:16 PM

looks awesome, I have a train of USAF traincars. I'd do an airbase but, I'm not sure how much the Airforce used rail.

SP&S modeler, 1960's give or take a decade or two for some equipment.

 http://www.youtube.com/user/SGTDUPREY?feature=guide 

Gary DuPrey

N scale model railroader 

  • Member since
    August 2002
  • From: Corpus Christi, Texas
  • 2,377 posts
Posted by leighant on Thursday, April 18, 2013 1:41 PM

This is not what you asked for, but... I splurged and went to 24 in by 36 in for an operating and scenic N layout.

  

  • Member since
    June 2012
  • 2,297 posts
Posted by Burlington Northern #24 on Thursday, April 18, 2013 9:33 AM

sound interesting, have fun!

SP&S modeler, 1960's give or take a decade or two for some equipment.

 http://www.youtube.com/user/SGTDUPREY?feature=guide 

Gary DuPrey

N scale model railroader 

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: upstate NY
  • 9,236 posts
Posted by galaxy on Thursday, April 18, 2013 4:36 AM

Hi gary

I thought about the attache  three ways:

one} I could do N scale in a case, but I could not get a tight oval unless I used flex to create about a 5.5"R circle {for a two wheeler loco and cars IF I can find them}.

two} do a scene without a complete circle...like a town scene or an industrial scene {probably more the case for a RR siding{s}}. Maybe a saw mil, or a meat packing plant...dunno.

three} go to Z scale {oh the horrors!!!}

 

AN attache case is about 13x18x4" {epandable to 5" high}.

A Portfolio case for ARt, however is a 24x 36" proposition! so with some stiffener in it, I could do some real damage!!!

I think I threw out the GOOD shoe boxes to make vingettes in, BUT....OHHH OOOOOHH OOOH...there are plastic shoe boxes AND plastic UNDER BED boxes of good sizes!!!!!! OOOH  OOOHHH...NOW I am excited, too!

som many possibilities.

I DO have n scale stuff already, so that not a problem.

i have to go investigate now...

later!

Have fun!

Geeked

-G .

Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.

 HO and N Scale.

After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.

  • Member since
    June 2012
  • 2,297 posts
Posted by Burlington Northern #24 on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 3:30 PM

galaxy

Burlington Northern #24

No Galaxy, it wasn't you it was the other fellow who mixed up the scale that the layout and myself are in.  

Oh, {slaps forehead}
 
Bang Head
 
I see now I reread agian, I see I got confused. In my older age is easy to do!
 
I still wish you luck and you have actually invigortated me to dosomething small N cale, even a "shoebox" or "attache case" layout mini.
 
Have a  great night.
 
Geeked

Laugh whoopsy daisy, feel free to share it in here I'll change the title to N scale micro layouts.

SP&S modeler, 1960's give or take a decade or two for some equipment.

 http://www.youtube.com/user/SGTDUPREY?feature=guide 

Gary DuPrey

N scale model railroader 

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!