im new to model trains and i want to make a n scale layout no bigger than 2 by 3 feet, so i was wondering how much it would cost just to run 1 train. thanks alot. Troy
Welcome to the forums.
Check with your local hobby shop for a good quality N scale starter set that has the type and era of equipment you are interested in. They may also have a book on N scale layouts that would give you some ideas on what you can do in a small space. Also look at a book or two on scenery to get an idea of what can be done with the materials at the LHS. You can also check Walthers.com for all their offerings, but since you are new to the hobby, at your LHS you can see what you are getting and many of them will order items for you with their orders, saving you the shipping costs.
Have fun,
2x3 is pretty tight even for N, but it depends on what you want to do. Since you’re new, I’d recommend getting Kato Unitrack. In that small a space it won’t cost you an arm and a leg and it is nearly bullet proof to get you running trains quickly without problems. Not sure what your budget would be, but get a good quality engine, too, like an Atlas or Kato, and a good power pack. Well worth the investment to save headaches down the road. Good luck!
[#welcome] Welcome to the forums.
“Hard,” is relative, and very personal. To some people, 'Hard," is using dental burrs to carve the Victorian-era architectural decorations on their N-scale models of the buildings of the CUNY campus. To others, “Hard,” is figuring out which end of the hammer is used to hit the nail. Where you fall on the spectrum between those extremes will determine how hard it will be to create a layout.
Even for N scale, your layout dimensions are going to be a challenge. Realistically, if you model mainline railroading all that will fit in your 2 x 3 is a loop, with, possibly, a few stub-end spurs. My immediate reaction would be to go with streetcars, or something similar that would be happy with extremely tight curves.
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - in twice-N scale, 1:80, aka HOj)
My extreme colleagues are forgetting their basic N Scale 101 and without further ado I suggest this site as a starting point.
http://www.naisp.net/mfischer/m_train2.htm
I suggest buying a Atlas train set as well because that will give you the basic loop with 9 3/4 curves to work from.These tight curves are more suited to 4 axle locomotives and short wheel base cars.
thanks to all that replied, im only 14 and have about 120 bucks the reason for a shortage in funds is i recently bought a turtle which wasnt cheap at all. but my dad will do it with me if i get it going. money is erelevent. the reason for the tight space is it will have to go in my room so i dont have heaps of space. i looked on that site and that helped me greatly. i am gonna go down to this hobby shop near me next weekend, i just hope i havent been turned off by then. i have read about 5 or 6 model railroad books about scenery and layouts on google books. anyway i was most concerned about the price and space it will take up, mainly the price. anywho thank you all who took an intrest in my post and i will take all comments and surgestions aboard. thank you,
troy
Hi, welcome to the forums. It’s rather easy to build a small n scale layout, and a great way to practice. as said, drop by your LHS and see what they’ve got and ask a few questions. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions here. It’s not that difficult to plan, and the track can be either flextrack or sectional track. It’s a great way to learn most of model railroading’s skills.
Given your space requirements, it’s easy to have a small N scale layout. If you shop at Hobby Lobby, be sure to get the 40% off coupon.
You may find a LL set with a GP20 or Cliner. Proto 2000 locos like these would be a good place to start. You may find a good loco with a matching caboose & a few freight cars.
You may also find some Bachmann Spectrum traainset with their EZtrak. At HL, you may find other tracks to expand the layout or add turnouts. (The turnouts may need some work to get them to work properly. You will need some files to remove any burrs)
Atlas is making a new line of plastic track. A Trainman set with a GP15 could be great for you.
Kato makes starter sets with Unitrack. This is the best track for small layouts like yours. You may want to change or expand the track.
Athearn makes some sets using EZtrack with their small MDC steamers.
There are many LHS or Etailers for you to shop & compare prices.
2x3 is pretty small, If You look around You may be able too find an old door [for FREE} which is about 7ft x 32 inches. maybe You could store Your layout under Your bed? Once You get a train running You can slowly add buildings and scenery over time. Anyway welcome to Model Railroading. Good luck getting started!
Impossible! An N scale layout will never, ever exist in my home. I’m far too invested in HO. If I start another project my beautiful wife will kill me.
Good god what is there regular markup if they just give out 40% off coupons?
From what I seen slightly above the MSRP found in full price hobby shops.
Troy, if you can eek out another foot one way to make it a 2x4, you’ll open up your tracklaying possibilities quite a bit. When I was 16, my parents were supportive and I managed to talk them into putting it in the spare bedroom and I got a 3x6 space out of it, which is a great start layout for N. Atlas’ book, Nine N scale layouts, is what I used, but I’d still recommend Unitrack to reduce the frustration factor, and get a good engine and power pack. It will cost you, but the savings in frustration will pay off big time.