How big is too big for an N scale table

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hello,

I have been looking at different track plans and i have cam up with the idea of using a dual track loop on a hollow door and add on a yard for operations (based off of the Pennsylvania RR Juniata Division track plan). I was wondering, would this be too big for a table layout? If any of yall ask for room size, its about 14x12 with bedroom items.

Thank you!

2

While I’m not an N scale modeller, my observation is that good things have been done on a door.
However, to answer your question “How big is too big for an N scale table”, one of my considerations for any layout design is reach/depth. While it depends on layout height, I’ll use 36 inches, though I prefer 30 inches for track depth. Further depth may be added for scenery, though as most scenery is added after the tracks have been laid, it depends on the individual as to what they’re prepared to work over.

½ [2c] Cheers, the Bear [:)]

3

I have an N layout in a bedroom (although there’s no bed in there at the present time).

My table is L-shaped, and is 36 inches wide. That is probably too wide for me except that I mounted the table on wheels so that if needed, the entire table can be pulled away from the wall and I can go behind it.

The hardest part to reach is the corner of the L.

I see no problem with your door layout size. Enjoy building it, and if you can, we’d love to see pictures of your progress. Many of us like seeing photos of work in progress.

4

thanks for the reccomendations! I will happily post photos on here when i get to my door, in which i will get to eventually.

5

Thanks for the reccomendations! I will put these into effect when designing and building my layout. I will also post photos on here when i get to the door layout!

6

An alternative would be an around-the-walls layout. In N-scale, just using 12" to 24" wide shelves would provide plenty of space for track and buildings, and allow for a backdrop behind the shelf. You can widen out out to 36" at each end of the layout to allow for 15" radius loops for continous running - a “dogbone” or “waterwings” layout design.

Be sure and check out Kato Unitrack too.

https://katousa.com/n-unitrack/

7

You are asking me? hehehe…

NOTHING is too big for a railroad, says the LION with 14 scale miles of track!

8

STRATTON AND GILLETTE layout number one was an N scale layout built on a door measuring 30" by 80".

There were never any problems from using a door. All my turnouts were Atlas with the switch machines on top the layout.

-Kevin

9

How far can you reach and still work on your layout?

I am building an n scale layout now, on 1x3x8 longitudinals with 43 inch cross braces. It is a modified old Atlas plan (N-17) widened and elongated to make it less compacted.

At 43 inches wide, it gives a 22 inch reach from either side, with 19", 17" and 15" radii, all switchws filled in with flex track. That depth allows you to work your layout without dropping the old tummy onto your work! (over-reaching)

This is based on the Conway Scenic RR in New Hampshire, with Boston and Maine locomotives. (B&M originally owned the trackage, as did the Maine Central)

The tracks are on 2 inch foam insulation board. (look at Batman’s benchwork) It will feature the Saco River, cut right into the foam base, you do not need deep cuts to form streams, creeks, or rivers.

I do not spend $30.00/$70.00 on buildings, I make my own from cardstock. I have a rotaru cutter for that which enables me to also cut ouw window and door trim, I use Testors window maker to fill in the window panes, and end up with very decent looking buildings, sized to fit where I want them and with out that plastically look.

If I had the room, I would do an around the wall shelf layout, but unfortunately that isn’t the case,

Good luck on your build and enjoy yourself.

10

I would love to see pictures of these projects if you want to share.

-Kevin

11

I am building a new layout and will post pics for you as soon as I start the buidings.

Check out ScaleModelPlans.com

12

DonRicardo and OERRFailR…

Each week Kevin (or others) starts the thread Weekend Photo Fun on this forum.

It’s a perfect place to put pictures of your layout. Nothing needs to be finished or perfect. We love all pictures of anything to do with layouts.

Some of the expert modelers post there and will inspire you to work on your layout!

13

My wife asked me how big a basement I wanted when we retired. I told her 10,000 square feet should be adequate. I got 1000 square feet.

14

This is good advice for anyone needing to budget for the next year. Ask for ten times the amount you need, and they’ll feel they’re doing you a favor giving a tenth.

Just make sure you use all 1,000, or it will slowly be appropriated for other uses.

15

I am only able to reach about 2 - 3 feet at the max. I figured I can put a L sape layout big enough for a loop and a yard section

16

For what its worth…

In my experience, having two 11x15 “round the room” layouts, 36 inches was the max reachable distance. That said, I had 2 carpet covered cubes that I would stand on to reach the furthest 8-10 inches.

For the corners, which were beyond comfortable reach, I made certain the trackage was “perfect” (no turnouts) and the out of reach scenery was done before doing reachable scenery. This worked out great, and stood the test of time.

I’m not saying this was ideal, but to get the set up I wanted, this was what I did.