Years ago I was very much a model railroader enthusiast in HO Scale. Time and circumstances brought my participation to an end. Now I would like to take up where I left off but space is a major consideration. I was thinking of an approximate 4’ x 8’ table layout and going it in N Scale because you can get a lot of N Scale RR on a table this size.
Steam locos were always my favorites and still are. This time I would like to build a layout representative of the period circa 1860 to 1890 or so. My question is how difficult is it to find N Scale locos, rolling stock, buildings and all the other fixin’s to duplicate this era? Any and all advice and wisdom will be highly appreciated.
I especially recommend that in N scale you use a shelf approach.
Shelf layouts maximze layout space, and depth really isn’t a problem in N Scale. If you had space, you could start off with an N scale 4x8, then exand your layout to take advantage of space around by extending.
Can you describe the space for us? Whether it has defined wall or if its a large open space?
I believe the selection of equipment is going to be very slim. But that could actually work in your favor, less excuse to spend money. I know Bachmann has a 4-4-0 and an assortment of “old time” freight and passenger cars. MDC (now Athearn) makes an Overton coach, baggage, combined, and observation car that would look really good. Oh yeah, they also have really nice 36’ reefer cars.
The best scorce of loco’s and rolling stock are the MDC/Athearn pieces. MDC made a decent selection of 36’ cars (to move both people and stuff), 50’ passenger cars, and two loco’s, a 2-6-0 & a 2-8-0, all 1890’s vintage. Athearn has recently rereleased the MDC 2-8-0 ( they bought MDC out ) and upgraded the couplers to working status. It’s a decent improvement. A decoder can be fitted into these loco’s.
The Bachmann 4-4-0’s (they come in a veriety of paint jobs and two stack arrangements) are not the highest quality, and basically impossible to put a decoder in. Their old time cars aren’t too bad, and the price is right.
MiniTrix made an 0-6-0 with a big balloon stack years ago that was a decent runner, but it does have large flanges on the wheels and will only work on code 70 track or larger (I found out the hard way).
Model Power just released their 4-4-0 and are due to come out with a 4-6-0 soon. These are a little newer then what you are after, but you could backdate them.
There is one other sorce that I know of off the top of my head, but bring your wallet, you’re going to need it! It’s Aspen Models. Here’s a link. (Sit down before you view this page. It’s awesome stuff with a matchig price.)
Thanks to everyone for the much needed advice and information. The layout will be set up in an open area. It couldn’t be described as really large but there will be more than enough room to work on it from all sides,