Planning a new N Scale layout but I have a question!

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Im planning to rebuild my current N Scale layout that I’ve had for almost 10 years. The way I have it now is just a double track DC line running in a loop so I have 1 train per track running at a time. Its a very basic, simple layout.

I want to try to make a new layout (still DC) where I can use sidings and crossovers to make things a little more exciting.

Since I am still just using DC I want to ask for some advice on how to run multiple trains on one track. This layout will pretty much still be double tracked but will have a set of crossovers, a passing siding and small industrial switching.

Can anybody please give me some step-by-step advice on how to run multiple trains on one track? (I plan on using KATO Unitrack for almost all of the layout if that helps)

Also, since I will have a few industries along the line I would like to know what the best method of manual switching would be. I won’t be using magnetic uncouplers so all of my switching will have to be done by hand. Any advice there too?

Thanks alot!

Brian

2

The short answer is that a forum discussion is insufficient for step-by-step on this sort of thing. We could give some step-by-step but I guarantee they would be inadequit. There are entire books written on this subject.

1, Logically block the track nto sections where each train will be. I acutually like to make more blocks than is necessary to make the operation smother.
2. Insulate the blocks
3. Wire each block to either a DPDT or SPDT depending if you are using common rail or not (another whole book).
4. Connect the two power supplies to the other side of the DPDT or SPDT switches.

This is why people go to DCC, because they don’t want to have to deal with all of this controlling of the track falderall.

So are you using the Rapido type couplers?

3

Thanks for your input!

I see what you mean, a couple helpful beginner tips like the ones you mentioned are great.

and im sorry i forgot to mention all of my equipment have knuckle couplers

4

In N-scale I recommend the magnetic uncouplers. There are the ones that lay in the track and the little sticks with two magnets on the ends. The bamboo skewers used (and I recommend) in the larger scales can easily destroy the N-scale ones.

5

We use the smaller bamboo skewers for N scale with no problems. The Rix Pick also seems to work really well in N scale.

6

You’ll need to add block control switches and wiring. Not rocket science, but not trivial. Fully explained in Easy Model Railroad Wiring, Second Edition (out of print, but available used).

Byron