I need an N scale Primer

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I did it again. I leaped without looking.

I got a deal on a CSX Spectrum GE Dash 8-40CW Diesel on eBay and I got a few cars:

“N Scle lot of 3 box cars, a tanker and a caboose. The trucks and Rapido type couplers are all in good working condition. The white box car has knuckel type couplers, they look like “Unimate” type but I am not sure”

It looked like they had metal wheels so I took a stab and won.

So I have a train. Period.

It suddenly oocured to me that I knew nothing of N scale. so I have a bunch of questions. Please don’t feel like you have to answer all of them, just take one and go with it.

I have a 6" x 8’ switching layout in mind. If you are interestedit is #8 in the 101 Track Plans , "Port Ogden and Norhtern RR. And it looks as though I could add #6, The Switchman’s Nightmare, to the yard side of #8 seamlessly without mcuh alteration. So:

What track should I use? I’m figuring flex, but where I’m leaning towards 83 in HO, I haven’t a clue in N.

I’m not planning to spend a lot of time developing a model on the N scale (right away anyway, so I’d like to save some money on turnouts. How are the Atlas? Are they relative to HO and I am going to be disapointed in anything but tortoise powered Pecos? What about hand throwing? Are they too small and just better go home to MOMs.

I’m assuming if I run a Digitrax Zephyr on my HO unit a stray wire might ht the N layout and power that as well.

Are the couplers the same in N. Kadees rule?

If I do cookie cutter in N, how thick should the plywood be. It can’t be too stiff a requirment, we’re only talking ounces of weight.

Who makes the best metal wheels. Part of the reason I went for his lot is I could see metal wheels on the cars.

Can you give me a short version of the CSX prototype–maybe one paragraph. Is there a relationship with Conrail? What does this have to do with Hogwarts?

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I can answer one question at least. MicroTrains couplers are the N scale equivalent of Kadees.

3

Conrail was part of the menagerie of railroads that made up CSX in the beggining. Along with Chessie, Seaboard and the others. You may still find a few locos painted in the blue conrail scheme, lots of cars out there still painted conrail as well. As for what it has to do with hogwarts… Perhaps CSX provides all of the disgruntled employees (im thinking of that fireman in the 4-6-0[:D]). Could we have another CSX fan in the making here???

4

I got it becase it was cheap and I like the color scheme. I also saw a yard full of Conrails near by so I figured that I could throw a few Conrails in and not feel out of place. I wanted diesel layout but didn’t want to change the direction of the Hogwarts. Now I need a switcher. It never stops does it.

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Chip,

Welcome to N. The Specturm 8-40CW is a decent locomotive, in my brief experience with it. Particularly for the money. I have a couple in a box somewhere, remnants from when I was focusing on making the Bunter Ridge a 1998 era operation. I’m told the newer ones (last 2 years or so) are DCC friendly, but what exactly that means I do not really know. That definition varies.

Some answers: Track. I use code 55. It looks better than the normal code 80. I used Atlas flex and turnouts in my staging area with good results and satisfaction. Last I checked, Atlas flex was less than $2 a section at Standard Hobby. Atlas sections are about 30" as opposed to 36". I’m switching to Micro Engineering for the viewable part of the layout because they offer it pre-weathered and I have too much track (mainline is about 9 1/3 scale miles) to spend a lot of time weathering it. I’d rather limit that to the turnouts. My turnouts are Atlas and Peco. I liked the Atlas well enough, but their options are limited (5s, 7s and a wye). In short, Atlas is fine.

Switch Machines/Throws: I have only three in use right now, all Atlas code 55 under the tables. They are okay, but I will probably switch to tortoises and Humpyard manual throws. I assume the Humpyards work, but will find out the hard way. I know people are using Caboose Industries ground throws in N.

Digitrax Zephyr should work fine, although I’m not sure how easy the conversion of the Spectrum 8-40CW will be, particularly if it is the “old” style.

Couplers: Micro Trains (once part of Kadee) are the standard by which the others are judged.

For plywood, I’m using 1/2" as subroadbed. Cookie-cutter might be different. I’m always hesitant to use less than that, though, due to potential warping/sagging issues.

Wheels: I’m looking at the same thing. I’m leaning towards Atlas metal replacements, which are considerably less money than NWSL. I asked a question out here about

6

Atlas code 80 is the long-running standard and is pretty much bullet-proof. They recently released a code 55 line that looks very nice but is not entirely compatible with all locos & rolling stock (particularly those older ones with deep wheel flanges). Peco code 55 is another popular line, and is compatible with everything – but is also pricey when compared to Atlas. Micro Engineering has their own line that I get the impression is for the more serious modeler (finicky).

I have a layout with all Atlas code 80 (mostly flex). Their turnouts are fine and have stood up to a few years of use so far. I have operated on layouts with Peco code 55 and they are great too. As far as what you will be disappointed with – that all depends on your expectations. If you are a seasoned modeler that demands the best, then go with Peco or Micro Engineering.

Can’t help you on this one as I run in DC.

In the N-scale world, Micro Trains (the sister company to Kandee) makes the standard quality knuckle coupler. However, Atlas now has Accumates and Kato has their own knuckle coupler – all which will work with MT’s and each other. Accumates are the most prevalent after MT’s, and they are pretty good

7

Thanks,

This is a good start.

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Spacemouse,

My current scale is frankly A (Armchair), but have spent considerable time trying to choose between N and HO.

In my researching N, I’ve checked out the San Diego Society of N Scale layout (in person, and on the net)

Their website is www.sdsons.org

They have a lot of good N scale info on their site, including thier track specs, etc.

If you want to be blown away with how impressive an N scale switching layout could be, be sure to check out Bill Denton’s Kingsbury Branch:

You may want to get your hands on the MR issues featuring this layout. Here’s his website:

http://www.railsusa.com/cgi-railsusa/links/go.cgi?id=1408

(I hope you’re able to check it out - accessing the site seems to be hit & miss, and I’m having troubles linking to it directly - maybe someone else could help out here - you NEED to check out his layout if you’re checking out N scale switching layouts!)

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For prototypical looks at a reasonable price, Atlas Code55 is the ticket. Otherwise, best value if Atlas Code 80.

Yes. Best bet would be to run the power from the Zephyr to either a terminal block (run both at the same time) or a switch for running only one scale at a time.

Micro-Trains couplers “rule”. They are an operating knuckle coupler, essentially scaled down plastic Kadees. MT was started as the N scale line of Kadee, but is now a completely independent company. Rapidos are not knuckle couplers, do not look like anything real railroads have used, and are becoming less and less common.

Best? Probably Northwest Short Lines. However, metal wheels are far, far less common in N scale than in HO. With the exception of Kato, AFAIK no quality freight cars are produced today with metal wheels.

10

Sounds like you have one of the Bachmann sets. It may have come with their own EZtrak. For a temporary loop layout, it will work fine. THey don’t have a lot of track accessories, so will most likely go with Atlas flex or Kato Unitrak. THe Bachmann turnouts will need some work with a file to get them to work properly.

THe cars have Rapido couplers. MTL is the standard. Inorder to convert them, you will need to make the MTL bolster hole larger to fit on the Bachmann cars. Then you can get Atlas or MTL cars to go with yours. Bachmann is behind the times with their Rapido couplers, but you may find paint schemes not found by other makers.

THe best locos are made by Atlas, Kato, and LifeLike.
Don’t feel bad about starting with Bachmann. Their customer service is very good. THey are the largest seller of train sets. THeir Spectrum line is much better than their Standard line. Welcome to Normal scale trains!