I'm just starting the production of my first railroad and I plan to update at least weekly on my progress just as an example and for suggestions and criticism. First, I found a simple setup off of the Kato USA website and bought the track for it and set it up: However, that wasn't enough and while there we (me and my dad) bought a DCC controller and decoder for our new locomotive... here's some pics... The controller: My new Atlas GP-40-2 SP Bloody Nose locomotive: My new Atlas SP caboose: After getting it all up and running (you can tell by the lights on the train): Anyways, after all the wiring and putting the DCC decoder in the loco, we decided that for such a great controller and DCC setup, our layout was way too boring... So we are currently deciding on a new layout that isn't too far out there, as we are beginners, but that would allow us to play around a bit more with the controls and programming and such after we're done with the landscaping, if you will. If you go to www.katousa.com and click on Unitrack at the top and then click on N scale track plans in the left scrollbar menu and go to Cheap & Nothing Wasted II, you'll see the layout we were thinking of converting to. Any recommendations??? I'll keep you posted... Mobern
Glad you are getting started with Unitrack... I think you will like it. The Cheap and Nothing plan is a good one, but I would like to make this suggestion if you have the space..... cut the layout vertically down the middle, then add some 020 pieces in each track to widen the overall plan. It gives the trains more spaceto stretch their legs, and it gives you more room for scenery if you choose to really build out your layout. One of the great advantages of Unitrack is that you can really experiment with the track plan on the fly. Let us all know how you progress!
Mobern: You made a wise decision to plan your layout with Unitrack. It was also wise to use DCC. Have fun with the Digitrax Zephyr command station. Stay cool and run steam.....
I see that you have made excellent use of the dining table. At the beginning, many of us have done the same. Congratulations on getting started! Sounds like you're enjoying the experience. Keep on going! Boxcab E50
Welcome to one of the most awesome hobbies in the world. You will always find the best advise here at the trainboard. Everyone here has helped me with great idea's about doing my scenery, and I've seen photos that inspire me to do more. Have a great time with your new layout Mobern!!!! fotobob my rail images
Thanks everybody for the welcome and enthusiasm. I'm looking forward to all your input as I get this project going a bit more. These past couple days I've just been looking around at many different layouts and imagining what would really be the perfect one. If only I had more space! I'm just craving for a setup with like 20 turnouts so I could control and program a bunch of different trains to run at the same time with this cool DCC setup. Ya and to think I was originally planning on keeping it under 4 feet in length... well, thats what I call wishful thinking... It'll probably be around 6 feet long after I decide on a layout just because I need the space to get some height going so I can work in the mountain features and two tunnels right on top of each other and stream coming down the mountains and the roads and shops and trees and... Ooooo! I'm excited! Anyways, I think I'm gonna go down to the train store tomorrow to pick out some more track and I should have some more updates and pictures by Thursday! Thanks everyone! Mobern
Mobern: Have fun at the LHS tomorrow. You can build a very nice layout using a 36x80" door. Stay cool and run steam....
Mobern - Welcome to Trainboard! The plan you have chosen is a good one to get started with. Power Steam Guy suggested a 80" x 36" hollow core door. I strongly encourage you to explore this possibility. It is: Strong and light - Makes it easy to move out of the way. Cheap - Easy on the wallet Easy to build on I'd also suggest 2 inches of blue or pink insulating foam on top of the table. For more plan ideas take a look here: http://www.naisp.net/mfischer/m_train2.htm The one down side to the above site is it does not give you the kato track pieces. . Still, the plan you have chosen is a good one that will allow for running of trains, switching and scenery. Enjoy
if your LHS is anything like the ones around here, they are all MSRP = expensive. if you are going to start a larger layout with buying a lot of switches, bridges, track, etc, I'd plan it out, then order that kato unitrack from one of these 2 very low price places: http://www.wholesaletrains.com/NProducts2.asp?Scale=N&Item=kato http://www.toytrainheaven.com/.sc/ms/cat/N%20Track--Kato They both have super low prices on unitrack. you will save a lot, as well as on local sales tax.
I agree with Kozmo....all the LHS in the Twin Cities charge full rate for everything. It is most certainly cheaper to plan everything out first and buy from a discount reseller. Of course, if you are like me......I have been in the planning phase for some time now. The advantage is I have been revising my plan allot since construction was stalled due to a shortage of funds (and buying loco after loco ). The down side is, I too have a loop without much operational aspect.....it can get dull running trains in circles. But it is better than nothing. The bottom line is work at your own pace. This is a hobby and if your are having fun doing what you are doing.....then all is good. If it starts feeling like work.....take a break
Welcome to the trainboard, Mobern! I too agree with a door layout. It makes the benchwork a snap. Also I don't know what you are thinking in terms of scenery and subterrain but I would look into the Woodland Scenics products. As far as making the layout interesting I like to think in terms of operations. Give the trains something to do besides just going round and round. Have a mine that supplies a factory that ships out product of whatever on whatever kind of car. A diesel facility that needs sand and fuel. A couple passenger stations for a local commuter train, etc. Then set up some different scenerios for an operating session. Good luck and keep us up to date!
Sorry I didn't get to posting yesterday... thats why I'm here now. So, believe it or not, but I'm taking your advice as far as buying track off the internet goes... I figured I could save just a little under 50% going that way. So thank you everyone for that life saving tip. Here's whats new: I picked up some foam from the LHS (same price as over the internet) and I plan to use the Woodland Scenics aproach layout wise. Here's the risers, inclines, profile boards and foam sheets. I also have the tools and supplies but no pic of them... I also went down to home depot to grab a plywood base. Its 5' X 3' oak. It had to be so small just because of storage reasons.... Here I'm putting foam cushions on the bottom of the wood so as to not harm the table and a lot of them so the wood won't warp: Then here's the wood on the table all ready to go: And with some of the old track pieces I had in the above picture to show how much extra room I have now that the board is 5'. Here's the layout I'm planning on with the exception of the middle which might have to be altered to make room for any buildings or roads I want to put in... Here's the key as far as height goes in the layout plan. Red = 2" high Orange = incline from 2" to 3" or from 3" to 2" black = 3" Green = incline from 3" to 4 " or from 4" to 3" Blue = 4" Thats all I got time for for now. Thanks! Mobern
Mo: Those are very steep grades for the space you have available. I would suggest using a 2% incline . Stay cool and run steam....
Mobern, I agree with Bob there. 3% might be a bit too much given the space you have there. 2% should be more appropriate. Here's my 3' x 5.5' (beat you by 6" ) layout that I'm working on. I use 2% Woodland Scenic and I just barely made the bridge height.
BTW, there will be 2 industries in the middle (there's a branchline under the mini-landscape module) and a mountain in the upper right corner.
