Woodland Scenics Layout kits

[jamesbaker]

Has any body built one of the Woodland Scenics Layout Kits?  My brother in law wants to build a small N Scale Layout. This will be his first layout that he has ever built. He was looking at the woodlands N scale layout. So his girlfriend and I was thinking about going in together on one for his christmas gift.

Here is what we were looking at.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXKR79&P=ML

If any body has built one of their kits, then please let me know what you think of them.

Thanks
Baker

[jeffrey-wimberly]

The scenic ridge layout is nice, though a bit pricey. As far as I know, it's a twice around folded dogbone. If they want to expand it, t'aint easy.

[NeO6874]

looking at the picture that is on the towerhobbies site, expansion would be possible from the spur track along the bottom edge.. although it would make for an odd looking expansion (depending on how said expansion was implemented).

Now, this may just be me mis-reading the list of included things, but there's no track....

[Al's B&O]

I just completed building the Woodland Scenics HO Grand Valley Kit.  It is a fantastic way to learn how to build a layout if you are new to the hobby or have little experience.  It provides excellent instructions and most of the materials that you will need.  TainSetsOnly seems to offer the best price because they include shipping.  The kit can easily be expanded by simply adding a turnout. A few things should be kept in mind before ordering the kit:

1)  Benchwork is not included.

2)   The kit does not include tracks and buildings.  Recommended track and building kits are available.

3)   While building the HO kit, I had to purchase additional ballast and foliage.

4)  You are limited to Woodland Scenics Supplies. Obviously you can purchase materials from other manufacturers.  However, this will offset any savings you receive from buying the kit.

  

[ARTHILL]

These seem to be great kits for getting started.

The advantages:

   1. Teaches the good stuff quickly

   2. You get a nice small flat table top layout quickly (yes there are grades made from their incline strips.)

   3. You get introduced to WS and their fine products

The disadvantages:

   1. You could build the same thing for half the price by doing it yourself; if you knew how, and could get the stuff.

2. There are a lot more costs then the basic layout: extra trees and scenery, buildings, track, power, turnouts, engines, rolling stock, people.

The bottom line, I sure wish I could have started with one of those, I would be a lot farther ahead than I am now after 5 layouts and 60 years. If the cost is not the issue, it is a great way to start. If the bug really bites, you can work it in to a larger layout later. There are ways to do that.

  

[jwils1]

You may want to look at this site:

http://terrainfortrains.com/

They don't provide the scenery materials but have several more interesting track plans and many ideas for expansion.  Atlas snap track bill of materials are provided but not included in the price.  Of course you need to also add power supply, wiring, locos, rolling stock, table or benchwork, etc.

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I've been looking at their layout kits, too.   

I have built a couple of layouts 'from scratch', (including a recent small On30 mining scene, which I'll post pictures of soon), but having one 'in a box' appeals as basically I'm not very good at designing one myself!

You can buy the layout kits complete with track, buildings, scenery etc at a saving - it's always worth checking eBay as there are some on there at the moment.

The following sites give detailed information on what it's like to actually build the Scenic Ridge layout:
http://www.trainweb.org/nrmrc/education.html
http://n-scale.tripod.com/a_new_start.htm

Alex.

[jacon12]

It has the track plan already printed on the base, includes 4% inclines and you'll need a low temp glue gun they say.  Hmmmm.... if I were just starting in the hobby and was in N scale, a learning set like this would be very tempting.  They also say it's 'easily expandable'. 

JaRRell

[Bill54]

Funny this thread came up at this point in time because I just logged on to ask simialr questions about the Woodland Scenics Layouts.

I'm thinking about building the N scale Scenic Ridge Layout Kit also.  I found it at different prices on the internet.

Wholesaletrains.com has everything you need to complete the layout except for benchwork and trains.  They sell the Scenic Ridge Layout Kit $203.39, (WDS 1482), ---Town And Factory Building Set $86.75, (WDS 1485), --- Scenic Ridge Track Package $44.86, (ATL2588).  The total for everything is $355.00

Trainsetsonly.com sells the complete package that includes everything listed above as a single package Part number (785-SCNRGPCK).  $370.99

Internettrains.com also sells the same package as Trainsetsonly.com does.  Part number (WOO-ST1482SET) $366.71

Prices do not include shipping.  You also need a power pack, wiring, trains and benchwork.

I know the cost is more than it would be if done from scratch but for someone such as myself that has never done a layout I thought it might be educational if nothing else.

You spend between $350. - $400. and you get everything you need except what I mentioned above.

I already have a bench that I used for a HO test track that is 5'x10-1/2'.  That can be modified to be made smaller to accept the N scale Scenic Ridge Layout.  I also have power packs and wiring.  I just need trains.

So other than being on the pricy side do you think it is a good idea or not?

Bill

[Al's B&O]

Bill,

Having built the Grand Valley HO Kit, I know that you will not be disappointed.  The instructions are escellent and the kit can be easily expanded.  Once you gain the experience from the Scenic Ridge Layout, you will be able to expand it or build other layouts without any problems. I think it is worth the cost.  If you call Train Sets Only, they may include the shipping costs with the price. It doesn't hurt to ask.

 

Go for it.  Good luck. 

 

[Anonymous]

thanks for the site. i will try it.

[jamesbaker]

You guys have been a great help to Bill54, myself and future readers of this forum.

Thanks Alot!
Baker

[Anonymous]

Actually, all Train Sets Only orders over $200 receive free shipping w/in the lower 48.

 

Paul
Train Sets Only
http://www.trainsetsonly.com

[Anonymous]

I, too, decided that building this kit (scenic ridge - N scale) would be a great way to begin learning the hobby.  The instructions are pretty good except for the wiring for the track.  They really assume you know something about wiring a track but if it's your first layout & you've never done any wiring before it's very frustrating.  If anyone has completed this layout & can give me some wiring tips, I'd really appreciate it.

[ARTHILL]

Well, as you are learning, wiring has many aspects. To be really helpful, you need to break your question down into parts. Then several people here can give you good advice.