hi
i’m new to model railroading,but have always had an interest
i’m looking for a n scale layout for about a 30"x120"-132" space,would like to have a little bit of everything!
thank you for your time!
Welcome to the forums… I know others will jump in with a lot more info and questions to ask you, but I’ll be the first to get my feet wet.
Do you have a specific locale you want to model?. You say a little bit of everything, but can you be a little more specific. Do you like coal hauling up steep grades, or maybe deep woods logging? How about passenger ops? Do you prefer a lot of switching jobs, or a large loop to watch trains go in circles? Maybe both? And then theres the questions about time frame… Are we talking steamers, or diesels, or both? And then theres the questions about rolling stock and equipment. Larger steamers and long passenger equipment will nee larger radius curves. But older equipment, like small steamers, some diesels, and 40’-50’ rolling stock can negotiate tighter curves. There is a lot to think about when getting started. I’m sure someone will have links to many starter guides for you to browse through. Good luck and remember the main thing… Its your RR and you can really do what you want, and have fun doing it.
i didnt expect a response so quickly…so i thank you
i would like tighter curves,a trainyard area,some industrial and a passenger line
i definitely would like some switching jobs,but not so complicated i cant build or operate it
i’m just not sure where to start…thats why i came here
i got some books for christmas…which i am reading now
thanks
Find a copy of John Armstrong’s Track Planning for Realistic Operation. Even if prototypical operation is not an interest, it is a definite first read for starting out.
Beyond that, search here or on the internet for (a) shelf layouts and (b) modular layouts.
Good luck
Alan
Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you have a good deal of space for a moderate N scale layout.
Have you built one before? If not, I’d recommend starting with a smaller layout so you can learn without investing a ton of money, and make mistakes that you can correct for next time.
If you are a little famliar, then you need to work out how you want to build the layout. One good starting point is do you want to lay the track with flex track, or use KATO Uni-track, which comes pretty much pre-ballasted. It is probably good for a newer modeler.
What era do you prefer? Steam? 70’s? modern?
What area of the country? west? Pacific west coast? East coast? Prairie? Appalachia?
Do you have a specific railroad in mind?
thank you for all your interest…its giving me more confidence
i really dont think my layout needs to be prototypical…i just want to have fun
i’m 43 years old,ive been a carpenter for 25 years, so benchwork not an issue.i live in saugerties,ny.
however since i dont need to be prototypical,thats probably not an issue
i’d like a trainyard area with turntable?..or to complicated!!a town area with lots of lights and scenery,and some industrial…
looks like i’m getting more books!!!
i appreciate anyone and everyone who is giving me a little of their time
Turntables take up A LOT of space. Depending on what you what size engines you are using, there are 2 different scenarios:
smaller turntable (90 ft)with a small engine house that doesn’t take up too much space.
Or larger turntable (130 foot) with large roundhouse that takes up huge portion of your layout. (this would be appropriate for larger steam, like articulated and 2-10-2’s, etc…)
If you have the space, you could always put the turntable/roundhouse (if you want a large one) on a peninsula dedicated solely to the roundhouse.