Hi everyone!
I am interested and ready to start creating my first N scale layout. It will measure approximately 24 inches by 68 inches and the layout will be put against a wall.
I don’t really know where to start because I am a complete beginner in the subject. What I know for sure is that I would like to create a layout from the 1950´s.
For now, I have plenty of time to allow on this project.
I am waiting for your advice on where to start 
I would urge you to pick up Kalmbach’s N Scale Primer as well as a couple other of their soft cover how to books. If not available from Kalmbach, Ebay is usually loaded with them.
These books will last for years, and spending a few bucks on them now could save you a lot in the long run. Trust me on that…
Another book, John Armstrong Track Planning for Realistic Operation.
It’s a first layout. Somethings will not work out as planned, some will. It is far less painful or expensive as the first marriage. [}:)][:D] Both are learning experiences.
I found this on pinterest it’s a HO 4x8 easily converted in N.
It would look nice as a beginner layout.
Welcme to N scale. I might also suggest on YouTube, Ron’s Trains and Things, N Scale Model Railroad How To Channel ( which is an index of most N scale channels ) and a host of others found there dedicated to N scale. Also Kalmbach books has an excellent book that came out not long ago,“Build 3 Model Railroader Project Layouts” that includes their N scale Red Oak layout build from about the time period you are interested in.
Listed in one of the videos that Ron of Ron’s Trains N Things, is mistakes people make when starting out. I wish I had seen that one when I was just getting started.
Also here on this very fourm is a combined “hundreds” if not more years of general modeling experence. It’s a great time to be in N scale (as well as model railroading in general) because of all the great new locomotives, freight and passenger equipment that has been coming out as well as everything else to help in building a layout.
Also MR did a couple of other N scale projects called Canadian Canyons and The Salt Lake Route. Both are more modern but there is methods and techiques that you can still use.
Finally, you already are starting off down the right path by doing one of the most important things, asking questions!
Hope this helps you,
Ralph
I have just put this book on my ne t buying list; John Armstrong Track Planning for Realistic Operation.
Which other books would you suggest me to buy exactly?
And thanks angelob6660 for the suggestion of layout. I think it would be terrific but I know nothing yet. Would you think it will be ok to have a n scale layout of about 68 inches by 24 inches?
Ah sorry, I don’t know why but I didn’t see your comment. I have just added the links you just gave me.
I will try to search the book you suggest.
Thank you very much
You’re welcome. Also another book I forgot to mention is Model Railroader’s “Getting Started in Model Railroading” which gives a great overview of everything.
Ralph
Of course you can have N Scale layout with 2’x5’ foot. Bear in mind you’ll be using 9_3/4 and 10 inch radius curve track.
If you larger engines be on 2-8-0 locomotive for a 1950s layout. You would want larger curves going 12-13 inch radius making that 24 inch into 36 inches.
Finally, I found a larger place for my layout. I have enough room to have a 78 inches by 36 inches N scale layout.
‘Loads of room there’. [:D]
My Sovereign Street section is HO/00 gauge 48 inches by 18 inches. [:)]
David
As a track plan, might I suggest using Google Maps and Historicaerials.com to look at the Ventura County Railroad. Yes, it would require some compression and simplification to fit on a 78" by 36" layout but it offers so much in so little space on a prototypical loop of track. A compact deep water harbor, a Navy Construction Battalion base, an interchange with a Class 1 railroad and lots of other industrial switching. A 50’s era version could reflect lots of military shipping in the harbor as well as a high level of activity on the base during the Korean War. Check it out!
I built a 32x80 layout on a hollow core door. It is twice around over and under with a max 13.75" radius. I can easily run a heavy mountain and 6 axle diesels.
Be sure to allow for access on the far side at least during construction.
CN Charlie
I am with a small train club doing Flyer S-gauge and 3-rail O-gauge. We have a quasi-modular portable layout, but I have run exhibits by putting down a fabric table covering and setting up the Lionel roadbed track to run some trains, with scenery consisting of a few structures and automobile models.
I have been thinking about acquiring N-scale models of some of the modern passenger trains of the 3’6" gauge in Japan as being visually interesting and unique in their styling, but these models are hard to come by in the US. Were I to exhibit such models, I would might use the Kato roadbed track.
Take a look at the Kato modular track-based T-Track modular system.
A Brief Survey of N-Scale Modular Model Railroading - Model Buildings
You could set up your T-Track modules on a table in that space, and you could take your modules and exhibit at a local train show (when we we are past the virus situation)? Or you might meet up with other T-Track N-gaugers and exhibit a larger layout?
An idea to get to the point of running trains without committing to a set track plan until you figure out what you like or don’t like?
Paul
I use the Kato Unitrack for my layout and it works great. It’s made to insure a solid electrical connection when snapping each section together and when switches are closed on a siding or turnout, that section of track becomes dead unless you wire around it. This means you can pull a train into a siding close the turnouts and that train is now without power until the turnouts are reopened. If you are running DC and not DCC like me, this is great. I can pull a train into a siding and close the turnouts and then bring another from the yard by openning another turnout.
This makes things simple on a small layout when it comes to running two trains at once without any extra wiring or switches.
I have ridden passenger trains in Japan and it’s a great experience. They are ALWAYS on time. They take great pride in their ability to stay on schedule and their rail network makes it easy to travel around the country. I purchased a ED75 locomotive while there and my daughter brought me back some subway cars from her travel there. They may look a little out of place on a midwesten layout but I enjoy them anyway.
Ralph
Thanks for the info. Do you have a link for the Kato Unitrack?
Yes, just go to the Katousa.com website and click on N-scale, then Unitrack track/ Accessories and down at the bottom of the list you can even download the track list.
You will find a lot of good information on this website including track plans. I have seen elsewhere that Kato may be coming out with their own flex track.
I have used Kato Unitrack since I started in N scale and I really like it. I would suggest that you checkout “N-scale Union Pacific Evanston Subdivision” on YouTube. This is a large modern day layout built with Unitrack. One of his videos goes into detail on how he attached it to the layout and painted it to make it even more realilistic, even though I think it looks fine.
I think between the Kato website and the UP Evanston YouTube channel, you will get a lot of really good information about Unitrack.
Ralph
In the prototype-for-everything category, I believe the modern EMU cars on Chicago Metra’s South Shore line are sourced from Japan.
Hi everyone. I finally checked again for the room I have available for my first layout.
I have enough room for a 92 inches by 36 inches layout. This layout will be against a wall.
I really need to order my paints if I want to complete one of those structures.
