Im thinking about building a N-Scale shelf layout in my room around a corner of my wall. My questions are i have about 2x5’ in one corner and about 2x6’ in the other do i have room to even make a layout? If so what radius curves can i use and how big can i go in terms of loco’s and rolling stock? The biggest loco i would like to have is a SD60M. What radius would i need for the loco to run smoothly? Im pretty sure the track i have from the Scenic Ridge layout kit are 12" radius curves but im not positive. So if anyone can help me i would really appreciate it!
Are you saying you have a corner with 5 feet in one direction, and 6 in the other, and want to stay within two feet of the wall? Assuming you are going to make some kind of ovalish thing, you are looking at 11 inch radius curves right now. The SD60 would go around it, but would really like wider. So, if you can stretch that 2 feet to 2.5, at least at the ends, you’ll be happier. Sticking to 4 axle diesels, and 50 foot cars would work best if you can’t, but the SD’s would find their way around. If you want to run longer cars, you’ll be much happier if you have easments on your curves, even at some loss of radius.
Here’s an example of what can be done in a small space in N scale:
Mine started out as a 2x5 but then I wanted to be able to run 2 trains and be able to turn them completely around from either direction which required a double reverse loop. It ended up as a 3-1/2x5 foot, but now I want to add a yard to the front of my layout. It is fully operational, but I still have a lot to do and I’m nowhere near done. I started with a few pre-built kits just to keep me interested, but now I’m building kits and I have 7 more to go. After that I still have to add the ballast and vegetation. It’s a desert scene so at least I don’t have to much vegetation.
I guess if you just want a basic oval or figure 8 you could squeeze something together, but I don’t think you will be happy with it.
I’m hearing that he has a two foot wide shelf, with five feet on one wall, and six on the other. That’s room to be interesting, I think. Especially if he can get it to 30 inches.
Also check out Atlas N Scale products for Code 55 track, Code 80 track, and Layouts. The real thing to be gleaned is how this website can be instructive to develop your layout to its fullest potential. One caveat for a small layout will be to use diesel motive power appropriate for smaller radius track.
With a 2 ft wide “L” shaped shelf layout, you are limited to 9 3/4" radius curves to get some decent real estate along the edges. 4 axle diesels and 40 ft freight cars would look OK. Short 6 axle diesels such as SD-7’s and 9’s and 50 ft freight cars should be the largest you should go. Larger engines such as SD-60’s or passenger cars need at least 12 1/2" radius. You would want the layout to be at least 2’-4" wide with these curves. Large engines with body mount couplers need at least 14" radius.
I say go ahead and get your SD-60, but also pick up some smaller diesels to handle the day in and day out running. I agree with the suggestion of expanding your return blobs slightly to get a little more radius. If you can swing 30 to 36" along the long side, you can get a nice main line route that can handle the larger stuff, then use the “L” for a small yard or some switching.
Only if you are intending a loop. If a point-to-point, the radius could be very large (mathamatically, almost 60"-- but admittedly, leaving little room for straight track). 14" would be easy.
I have an area on my N layout that is 25" wide and had no trouble putting in a 18" loop. I run my 4 and 6 axle diesels and 50’ cars with no problem. Others I may buy will be used on other areas of the layout if they don’t run the loop.
