So my fiancé got a new bookcase and she said I could do a layout on top if I wanted too so I'm thinking of doing a n-scale layout. The top can hold a layout of prob 3-4 by 1, maybe could do up too 1 1/2 but 2 may be too big but not ruling it out. So anyone got any small ideas, no real n-scale knowledge. This is going to be a side project to my main HO layout.
In N scale, one foot wide, even 18 inches wide, will be a back-and-forth switching layout with no continuous run, even for short switcher, 40 foot cars. I have a layout 2 feet wide by 3 feet long with continuous run and switching possibilities.
Given your size limitations, you're down to two options: a switching layout (no continuous running), or a trolley/traction line. Anything but the smallest switchers will look absurd (and likely not run well) on curves that will fit on a 12- to 18-inch deep layout.
As I mentioned I may be able to go 2 feet it won't be a horrible overhang. With 24 in does that change anything? I wouldn't mind a continuous loop with some industry spots if it worked. Still unsure of what line I'm modeling until I get a better idea of layout but would use a switcher or smaller gp.
24 inches would be considered a bare minimum to provide a continuous loop. And even at that, you'll be restricted to an industrial setting with switchers and no road engines. As an example of what you could do, here is a 24- by 48-inch industrial switching layout I'm currently building:
Two feet would be very helpful. Small diesels. Short freight cars. Ten inch radius, or maybe very slightly larger as maximum.
One option you could do if you want to be able to just run trains on occasion is build your 4ft x 1ft switching shelf, and have reverse loops that you can attach to each end. Make them out of lightweight 1" foam and find a way to temporarily attach them to the layout and possibly to the wall or adjacent shelving. Lightweight and easy to store out of the way when not in use. I've always thought it would be cool to have a more permanent implementation of this, using a hinge like the one used in the stoweable aircraft tray tables. The loops would just hang down on each end, and then you could just flip up the loops and they would latch in place and flush to the layout. I've searched for hinges like that but haven't found anything. Admittedly I haven't searched in depth though.
I saw this in a older thread in this forum. I like it cause it offers a a run around but a industry or two. Also on the right side could I add a extra track or two to make it a mini yard while keeping within 48 in?
Switches eat up real estate quickly. Even using curved switches, the yard tracks would end up being pretty short--you could add a second track and only hold as many cars as just one track.
I guess back to the drawing board, I may just do a curve on the left side of the layout with a divider and see what I can think of. But I am a fan of that layout your working on David, great stuff Edit: maybe something like this http://home.earthlink.net/~bhender730/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/shops_3.jpg
I like that plan as well, although it definitely appeals to the operator as opposed to the roundy-rounder. Byron is one of the top layout designers.
So I thought I had the ideal layout with the last post I had but this weeking I was searching and came across this on ebay, wish shipping wasn't so much but then I couldn't enjoy building it. This is exactly what I was looking for though, its 18" by 36" with a small yard, some room to run, and room for a industry or two. So my question is what is the degree of the curved pieces so I could buy some. I assume the yard is flex track and I would use that or straights for the rest as well. I may try to extend it a bit too, so I can have 50' boxcars and maybe a 64' reefer.
You can pack a fair amount into a 24 x 36 inch space. This plan uses Kato Unitrack, so it would go together quickly. Given that the track runs wall-to-wall, you'd probably want to mount a strip of clear plastic along the outside edges to prevent accidents.
