I’m new to N (previously a G guy, out in the backyard), and I want to build a small switching yard that I can play on. I have a 6’ x 1’ board that I want to build this yard on, so I can move the layout around the house, put it on the dinning room table or down in the basement. I’m not planning on any scenery, just the tracks, this will be a first go and I want to get a good feel for working with N.
Questions are what kind of track and what kind of switches?
Just to get an idea of sizes I bought a few pices of Atlas Felx Track Code 55, but I hear that the code 55 isn’t compatible with the Micro-Trains flanges (true?)
Should I not worry about this or move up to higher code?
What size switches should I use?
This will be a very small layout, so I’m thinking a number 5 would be my best choice? What are the draw backs to the smaller switches? Will they still run most rolling stock?
Again, I’m just building this layout as a kind of test run in N, but I also want to have some fun switching around rolling stock.
Any input would be great, thanks for your help,
Macguy
Like you, I’m running a small (6 x 2) layout in N with lots of switching. I use Peco code 55 flextrack and Peco Streamline turnouts. The M-T flanges are fine with this track–no problem at all. Peco doesn’t number its turnouts; I use their “small radius”, which give me flexibility in a small space without looking toy-like. Again, I have no problem running 50-foot cars, and longer, through these–they’ll even take my RDC!
I was in there on Friday, they have an excellent selection of rolling stock for N.
Checked out Van Hobbies on marine, not so much N stuff.
[/quote]
I know what you mean, Macguy. I’ve shopped around the Vancouver area and on the Island–you won’t find many places locally that can top Central’s selection (no, I don’t work for them!)
Actually, Micro-Trains wheelsets come in two sizes. One is the standard, large flange that is occasionally referred to as “pizza cutters”, and is included with all of their cars. They also have a low-profile wheelset (conforms to RP25, I believe), which they are beginning to package with their cars in addition to the large flange wheelsets, they also offer them separately, and they offer trucks with low-profile wheelsets in the “-1” packages (the “B” packages refer to brown instead of black). Wheelsets included with recent Atlas, MDC, Intermountain, and such equipment are sized inbetween the two Micro-Train sizes.
The MT large flange wheels work with Peco code 55 track because Peco cast the inside spikes shallow enough that they do not interfere with such large flanges. As I understand it, though, the MT large flange wheels DO NOT work with Atlas code 55 track. All you should need to do is replace the large wheelsets with the low profile wheelsets, and you’re off and running.
Some prefer the larger flanges, as they are less prone to derailment… But some of that depends on how well your tracklaying prowess is, and some depends on the type of track you’ve installed. For example, Atlas code 80 track has bigger flangeways and gaps, so the smaller flanges would pick at them much easier. Atlas code 55, with it’s smaller flangeways and gaps, should work better with the low-profile flanged wheelsets.
Being a starter layout intended as practice as much as anything, you might find it easier to get used to the small scale with code 80 track. It would be cheaper too. But a beginner who doesn’t rush himself shouldn’t have a problem using Atlas code 55. That’s all up to what you feel like.
Thanks jschuknech, like I said I bought a little of the 55 and have been playing around with it. I bought a few switches and connected them all up and what not.
What you said about the flanges is exactly what the guy in the hobby store told me when I went in a few hours ago. He says that I would probably only need to worry about buying flanges if I had any old stock with the larger flange, since I don’t have any old stock this wasn’t an issue. Also, like you said, the newer cars come with both wheel sets.
The biggest thing that I’ve had to deal with it getting used to such a small size! I’m used to G, and all of a sudden I’m working with these tiny tracks, and I have to be so much more carefull.
Anyway, I’m working on a 6"x1" board, and am already thinking about adding another one… I can see this project just might start getting a little to big if I’m not careful. [:)]
And if you do find yourself picking up an older piece from a show or ebay or something, it’s good to know that it’s a simple thing to upgrade.
I use delayed uncoupling (with undertrack magnets), and nothing I’ve tried other than MT couplers work that way, so I use MT couplers exclusively. When I detail my engines, I install MT Z/Nn3 couplers for a closer to scale size, and they work just fine with the standard N scale couplers (even with the delayed uncoupling).
Now, if you don’t need delayed uncoupling, versions like Atlas’ Accumate couplers work together pretty well.