Finally I have decided that my first layout should be smaller. Instead of building my layout in my room I will do it where my shelf is but I will remove my shelf and it will increase the size of my layout.
Here are the dimensions that I plan to use for my layout. Take a look at this picture and imagine my shelf is not there anymore but instead I will build a small desk. This desk will be about 11 feet long and 22 inches wide. It will also be possible to create a small 1 x 3 feet near my window. Maybe it could be my freight yard?
What do you think? I will use a N scale and I don't know if 22 inches wide will be enought for my train to go to point A to point B and come back without going reverse.
hellwarriorI will use a N scale and I don't know if 22 inches wide will be enought for my train to go to point A to point B and come back without going reverse.
I understand that as you want to build some kind of a loop, so you can have your trains circle it instead of reversing at each end.
Well, yes 22" width is sufficient for such type of a layout. The minimum radius (and please understand that as the limit as far "down" you can go) is 9.75" for N scale. That´s not much and if you go down that route, forget about running a Big Boy and 80 ft. cars over your layout. Better to settle with 4-axle Diesels and 40 footers.
Thanks Sir Madog. I was sure the minimum radius for N scale was 11 inches. I think I saw it in a book.
On this layout, I don't think I will be able to have more than one train running at the same time. I will concentrate on a Canadian National freigth train and I would like to be able to do lots of operations.
hellwarior,
No , the minimum is pretty much 9.75"radius, making a circle of about 19.5" in the CENTER fo the rails. It is desinged to go parallel inside the 11"R track.
http://www.wholesaletrains.com/Detail.asp?ID=200452736
If you are going to use 11"radius, you will need wider than the 22"! It will be 22" to the CENTER of the rails, you will need space around each at the edges for the trains. You will need a table at least 24". 25" to be more comfortable.
the 11' length is fine, it is just the width {or depth if you prefer} that you need worrry about.
Have fun, enjoy the hobby!
-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.
Ok thanks.
I think I will have to remove some of the things I said I wanted on my layout since this one is going to be smaller than the first I was thinking about. I want to be able to do some operations. I want a few industries, a little city (I alreadly have the Woodland Scenics Town & Factory kit. I would like to have also some nature (woodlands, trees, maybe a little river) and a small freight yard or something like this to be able to classify my cars.
Any tips or suggestion?
If you can go two inches wider, your choices expand dramatically. I have two shelf layouts, one mounted on kitchen base cabinets and the other on an IKEA dresser, both are 24 inches wide. This (just barely) permits 11-inch radius curves and a lot of design flexibility. One of my layouts is 8 feet long and completely portable, while the other is permanent and over 11 feet long. Both have options for point-to-point, switching or continuous running.
As a construction note, I recommend standardizing on Kato track. It's so much more reliable than other brands and very easy to lay accurately. When you are trying to fit track into a limited space, it's awfully tempting to bend flex track tighter or more unevenly than you should for proper performance.
-- Tom Dove
Bolero Lindy & TangoIf you can go two inches wider, your choices expand dramatically.
Hi Tom. I just took another measure and 24 inches is ok, even 25 but not more. It's just that I stopped measuring after the wall molding. So my layout can be up to 25 inches wide by 11 feet long.
With 25 inches deep I'm thinking that maybe it would be possible to have at least two running trains, one freight train and one passenger train.
What do you think?
Remember long cars don't look too good on tight curves.
If you are operating in DCC it is easy to operate two trains. Does your track plan have a yard that one loco can work while the other is on the main? Also, you would want passing sidings so that the two could meet or pass at a location or two on the layout.
With DC it is possible, I've done it, just a bit more difficult. Your track plan and blocks need to be carefully planned. plus you will need two controllers or one with twin controls.
Have fun,
Richard
Some years, ago, MR ran a feature on a project layout called the "Beer Line", which pretty much sums up your wants. It was in HO scale, though, but I redrew it for N scale, when I was into that scale.
It´s a little wider than your 22"...
Thanks Sir Madog.
What does the red lines means? Is it the backdrop?
The HO scale Beer Line was built in 4 segments, which could be arranged in different ways. Those red lines simply mark the "parting" lines between modules.
If you do plan on return "loops" at each end, your shelf can still be narrowed to those dinensions,, just add 5-6" (extend up to 28-30") at the areas that will need the arc for an increased track radius. You can "arc or trapazoid the "bump outs" and cover w/ facia.
Modeling B&O- Chessie Bob K. www.ssmrc.org
Thanks but sorry. 25 inches wide is the maximum I am allowed to use because I have a long dinner table just near and I need people to be able to move between my layout and my table.
hellwarrior Thanks but sorry. 25 inches wide is the maximum I am allowed to use because I have a long dinner table just near and I need people to be able to move between my layout and my table.
The added few inches of "bump out" would only be needed at the ends just for the track arc. you can still have the bulk of the shelf 20 -23" for the table/ chair clearance. These "bump out" arcs would only be at about 12-14" from the ends at the widest part. This could be done by blocking out and allow a facia to "sweep" the arc. No sharp corners to bang a chair or walk into.
Sorry but impossible to do with my table.
hellwarrior Sorry but impossible to do with my table.
Bummer, guess that narrowed shelf and smaller radius is the only alternative. Better than no layout at all. Compromise, and compromise..but still have fun.
hellwarrior:
also be aware of what type of loco/rr cars you wnat to run!
Big Newer, longer locos,and passenger cars and deep articulated well cars Will not run on 9.75 but may run on 11, just NOT negotiating the curves very well or derailing!.
When I got MOH {My Other Half} a N scale passenger set with a GG1, I go teh bigger curves {for the Under tthe XMas Tree alyout JUST to be SURE they would run in a circle/oval on the wider curves! Aren't I lucky to have an OH who is into trains too? I choose 12.5 radius for that set, but I had a 40" board to work wiht.
If you DO go with the 9+ inches you will only be able to run the shorter equipment on thsoe curves!
Sorry if I have burst a bubble. but to forewarn you is better!