hello:
I am new to the forum and am looking for some good 4x8 n-scale layouts.
I would ultimately like to be able to run at least 2 trains (DC) at the same time and possibly move up to running 3 or more (if I go DCC). I like to watch trains run and would only want a small portion of the layout dedicated to operations.
Can anyone point me to so good resources for layouts in this size? Many thanks in advance.
Check Atlas. They usually have sectional track plans for different sizes. There are also books at your Local Hobby Shop with layout plans for different sizes and such.
Here’s a website with a lot of small N scale track plans. Mosta re a lot smaller than you want, but you’ll get some ideas. You can always make them larger by adding some straight track in the middle of the curves. It’s easier to expand plans than it is to shrink them.
http://www.naisp.net/users/mfischer/m_train2.htm
Another website with small plans include:
http://www.thortrains.net/
And possibly:
http://members.shaw.ca/sidneymicro/
http://www.nevard.com/modelrailway/arne_wharf.htm
http://members.aol.com/vollmerdp/myhomepage/Trains/DavePRRmain.htm
If you are interested, Atlas has a free track planning software program (RTS) that you can download from their website. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that commercial programs have, but the price is right. I used it to plan my small N scale layout. The RTS Download is in the menu on the left side of the page.
http://www.atlasrr.com/
Regards
Ed
Consider HO plans up to 6 x 12 many of them could be reduced in size to make nice N 4 x 8 plans.
For the utmost decadence, consider finding a 4x8 HO plan that you like and simply lay N scale track verbatim. You’ll have nice broad curves and lots of space for scenery.
Check www.trainplayer.com. These layouts can be in N if you want them to.
– Jim
Jim T
The web Site you quote goes to a hosting service!!!
Do yourself a favor and don’t build a 4x8 plan if you can help it–there are much better ways to put an N scale plan in the same amount of space that a 4x8 eats that will look better and be easier to work on.
Hi,
You can get a whole lotta railroad in 4 x 8, but running trains (e.g. sheet of plywood) can be challenging, especially if you need to reeeeeeeeeach across the table.
Check out 101 Track Plans by Linn Wescott (sp?) All plans are in HO, just divide the benchwork dimensions by 2 to obtain the size of the railroad in N-Scale. Great book with all types of plans and supporting data for each plan.
John Armstrong designed an awesome 2-level 4 x 8 for N-Scale. Included a helix to the lower level with enough lay-over to store over 100 cars.
I highly recommend researching all suggested planning references noted. Also, consider what the purpose of your railroad is. What industries does it serve? Do you like continuous running, switching, both? Freight, Passenger? What era are you modeling? Think about what you want your railroad to do… and you will be able to locate plans that will help you to acheive your goals.
Good luck and have fun…
–Ed