I have really enjoyed seeing the Virginian layout come together. I’m new at modelling a layout because as a kid my Dad did not have time for a full HO layout.
MRR has done such a thurough job of going step by step on the Virginian that I feel ready to tackle it but with one MAJOR change. I’m going N Scale because of space available. There will undoubtedly be hundreds of unknown issues as I progress but the layout, none the less, is already in progress. I will not likely label everything as the Virginian but the scenery looks so familiar to what I have grown up around here in Central-Western Missouri that I think its just what I needed!
The Kitbashing and many of the techniques are untested but with patients and the really well done tutorials on nearly every subject dealing with model railroading I’m sure I’ll get 'er done. I’ll put up progress photos when they are available and hope that some of you following the progress might be able to put in your two cents on issues I run into. Thanks!
Standard U.S. N Scale. I think there are a lot of cool things to do with it and I’m trying to make an exact scale replica of the Virginian H.O.
Quick question from anyone out there though, do you think I’d be okay with code 80? Or should I splurge for code 55. This is preference from experience only, all my pizza cutter wheels have been replaced and I shouldn’t have a problem running code 55 but code 80 is easier to find and a little cheaper right now.
I think for the sake of appearance alone, it’s worth using Code 55. I too will be building an N scale version of The Virginian, using Code 55 track, but I will double track the mainline loop. I’ve been eager to get construction going, and now that spring is here and I can comfortably work in the garage, I should be starting on the frame this weekend…
Best of luck Frank! Thanks for your thoughts on the track. I think code 55 does look more realistic but maybe that’s why its almost a dollar more per 36" section here in the states. Are you doing a full 4x8 or are you chopping it down like I am?
I’ve drawn up a track plan for an N scale version of The Virginian to fit the dimensions of the MR project layout, that is 3’10" x 8’. The future home of the railroad will be in a finished basement that is shared with the rest of the family, so that is why most of the construction will take place in the garage over the spring and summer. Cutting off that 2 inches in width will make it easier to eventually move the frame down the basement stairs.
I plan on having a double track mainline with 21 1/4 and 20 inch radius curves while the branch will have 18 3/4 inch radius curves up to Green Hill. Building an N scale copy of the HO layout will allow for much more relaxed and realistic scenic effects, some more structures and a few more switching opportunities without looking cramped. I’ve also moved the layout into the present, and while no specific area is represented, the overall theme will maintain an Appalachian setting.
Eventually I plan on expanding the layout from Green Hill around the basement walls, adding 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 foot sections as time and finances permit (or how well negotiations will go with my better half!) so the branchline will service several additional coal loaders along the way. I’ll be documenting the construction as I go, and I’ll probably start a new thread to show my progress.