This is a reply to a past post on portable N scale layouts. I built my portable layout over 5 years ago. I used 2 inch foam with 1 inch by 1/2 inch framing and attached luan for the backdrop. The layout has been to more than 50 train shows over the past years. I did not bother to use legs for the layout but use tables that are furnished at the shows. Dimensions of the layout is 5 1/2 feet long and 28 to 36 inches wide. There is two modules and one stacks on top of the other one. Since I used foam the units are very light. I also used dowel rods to connect them together, the modules have proven to be of low maintenance. The layout is fun to operate - plenty of switching or just run trains in a circle pattern. It has two home made hand held throttles with DC.
All of the buildings are glued down. It takes an hour to hour and half to set up, most of that time is spent on rolling stock.
I have been in the hobby for many years but this is one of the biggest enjoyments that I really enjoy, is showing this layout at all of the local train shows. Good Luck.
Whow, beautiful layout! You set the bar very high.
Welcome to the forums, you are obviously not new to modeling.
Though I have not planned such an extensive layout, it has given me some further ideas. You have certainly given me hope that a small portable layout can be successful. Do you have any hidden staging behind your backdrop?
What type vehicle do you carry your sections in? How many of you travel with the layout to set up and operate?
When I built the first layout it was to show folks that you did not need a large layout to operate or run trains. Over the years N scale quality has improved along with performance. At the shows people often have several questions on how it was built and where did I get the track diagram. To help answer some of those questions I post the answers on the front of the layout. The track diagram is of my own design.
Friends of mine talked me into adding another module to the original one and with a little luck I was able to do. There is no staging on this layout, I use the two yards for that, but it would be easy to do by adding it behind the backdrop. Of course you would have to make it wider to support the track on the backside.
The layout length is determined by our SUV (Suzki XL7). My self a passenger and the layout is the only room that is left. This layout can be operated by two people but if you use DCC you could possibly have three or four.
I have attached the answer sheet that is posted to the layout – hope this helps and good luck.
John
Dimensions first module 5 feet 6 inches by 26 inches Second
module is 5 feet 6 inches by 3 feet total layout is 11 feet long
Layout is foam pink insulation board 2 inches thick
