Hi, everybody.
I have just started building a 2 2/3x 6 5/6 N scale layout based on that build a layout on a door plan in 52 modeltrack plans from Model Railroader, or something like that. I also have a 12x16 HO layout, and, as per usual, would like some tips for creating my first n scale railway.
What can I carry over from HO besides the basics? Are there basics that are different?
Trainboy
i switched over to n over 20 years ago from ho. i havent found anything that is that different from ho. one thing is track and loco wheel cleaning. since the weight is quite lighter in n the locos are more susceptable to the effects of dirty track and wheels. structures and accessories were lacking but there is a lot more available now.
I’m an old N scaler from way back, and/but have just gotten into steam engines in the last several months myself. You might try building a versitile layout that you can change things around on so you can go from one era to another without a lot of hassle-at least that’s what I did after buliding several layouts over the years. And like retsignalmtr said, there’s a lot more out there in N scale now a days than there use to be.
By the way. Having good eye sight helps a lot with N scale, and is probably the main reason I’m having to wear glasses now. Oh well. What else can I say except LOL… Just try and always work under bright enough lights.
“Good luck to you, and happy railroading”
Tracklayer
My advice would be to merge the two scales using forced perspective techniques. I’ve always wanted to do that with more than just N scale structures.
Trainboy, I to am starting in N scale With a 4x8 track plan. N scales appear to be going faster then Ho but it is a illusion, With N you can rung long trains no problem. [;)]
For N scale, if you can keep 15 to 18" radius curves, you will be able to run any passenger & modern freight units. THe ROW is thinner. You only need 2" clearance, but you still need gentle grades.
For operations, think train, not model. Buy 2 GP’s of the same make. Many come with your choice of 2 or more roadnumbers. THen you get the benefit of 2 motors pulling 30-40 cars on straight & level track.
A big constant, is tha Atlas & Kato make the best locomotives. LifeLike may be a close 3rd. Keep your eye on MDC/Athearn as they redo the old rolling stock & release new models. Nscale is a greaqt scale for 1st to current generation diesels. For steam.lease try before you buy. Quality control from Bachmann, Model Power, etc can be spotty.
I already have my locos, all atlas, all BN. 1 RS-11, 2 GP40, and 1 GP50.
My plan is quite large for a coffee table, but small for the space.
This is the first time I have built a railroad myself, so it’s sort of a learning curve so I can do it myself.
It is coming along well now, with half the cover built, the trainboard completely assembled, and the rest of the cover should be finished tonight.
Trainboy
Sorry, the GP50 is kato.
Trainboy