I really want to get into Model Railroading but I just havn’t got the room.I bought a HO scale set ( the flying scotsman) but now i have discovered that i dont even have room for a 4x8.
I am thinking about giving it up or getting a smaller scale. If i get N Scale the problem is that they only seem to have extremely expensive sets or sets with EZ Track.
My final idea is to buy a Box of track that makes a certain layout.The problem with these is that they are very expensive and only have track (no wireing)
Any advise would be greatly appreciated on finding room for my layout.
You may not have the room for a 4X8,but what about 3X8 or 3X6 for instance?In N you could have something quite interesting within these dimensions.Or yet,an L shaped layout?And if switching is your interest,a shelf layout let’s say 18 or 24 in. deep could fit your needs.You could also design a layout that slides under your bed or folds vertical against a wall when not in use.If you search the web,you can find a lot of layout ideas for small rooms.Atlas do have some interesting plan featured on their website.
There’s no magic formula nor standard plan that will fit everybody’s needs and/or desires and it is up to you to determine what your desires are and work out a solution with the possibilities you have on hand.Visiting NMRA’s website could also help you considerably in this matter.
Well N scale winds up the choice of many people who are space challenged (like me).
I don’t know where you live (there’s nothing in your profile) or whether you have access to a decent hobby shop, but I would advice you not to buy a packaged set to start out. I’d buy the pieces separately, choosing a moderately priced loco, some cars, and good power pack (one made by MRC, for example).
You can design your layout and then buy just the track you need using Atlas sectional track, and not purchasing a prepackaged selection of track. Get some cork roadbed to go with it and you’re all set.
As far as wiring, for a small, simple layout with one power pack (running one train at a time) all you need are a pair of rail joiners with wire leads soldered on and a small roll of wire to connect to the power pack. You can make it as complex as you’d like, but you can certainly start out this simply.
Lots of N scalers build their layouts on hollow core wood doors. These are a standard 80" long and come in various widths from 24" up to 36". They are very light but very stiff. If you keep your layout on one level (or don’t construct much in the way of mountains) you can easily stand the layout up against a wall to store it when you are not working on it.
Take a look at this website to get an idea of what you can construct in N scale in a relatively small space. This site has track plans for spaces starting as small as 24" x 48". http://www.naisp.net/us
HO is generally easier to work with and cheaper to purchase. I would also buy in pieces and not buy a set. You might think of a nicely detailed HO switching layout, say a small bay scene
Kristian, A year ago I was in your shoes. At first I looked at “N” scale as a compromise, because of space. But in time with proper track and equipment, I’ve become very enthusiastic about “N”. It is a scale that allows for a decent operation in small spaces, and eventually very nice layouts in even a modest space. As long as you stay away from the bottom of the barrel type equipment you’ll be very satisfied. My experience with “N” so far has been much more rewarding and reliable than a previous attempt with an HO layout made from a Tyco train set. Ask questions, I’ve had nothing but great learning and sharing from this and other forums. Welcome… Dave
If you have a little bit of money, check out z scale. Makes N look huge. You can have a huge layout inside of a briefcase. It isn’t inexpensive but what a layout you could build in a 2 x 4. We have two train shops in town with z scale, 1 has a lot of cars and engines, even buildings.