Scale...

I model in HO and N scales. Lately, it's been more N scale which allows me to get more stuff in a smaller space. Nice to see MRH showcase more N scale content. Good article!

Thanks, Steve

I'm happy I decided to model both scales, and N for the reason you mention - I love passenger trains and I can have realistic passenger trains in N scale with my relatively limited space.  This was a fun layout to build and I really enjoy just watching the trains go.  And when I feel like switching, I flip over to my HO layout.

Interesting Idea

Dave you did a good piece of work/play time with this little layout.

You also have given me another reason to build a small N scale layout over a plywood section of my HO layout which may never see scenery. Sounds like a good reason to cover it with some green ground cover.

Anyway after reading the article I was reflecting back to my N scale layout from my early teens. 4x8 I think in my bedroom. Money was really tight so I had enough track for a loop and a branch line to no where. Had a passing siding at the junction of the 2. All buildings except 1 were scratch built out of cardstock from my dads shirts whenever he would get a new one. I used his used double edged razor blades and did my best to cut in a straight line. Had no idea of what a scale rule was until a couple of years later. I still have the freight and passenger cars.

Anyway my idea is to build a second layout platform that would have legs long enough to put the N scale layout about 6" higher and sit on the HO base. That would give me a space of 2' by however long I care to make it up to 9 1/2' long with an option to continue down as an L another 10'. I also have all the track I needed to get started on it. Dangerous thinking here!!!!

Jack

Go for it, Jack!

Just dig in and do it.  You'll have a lot of fun in the process.  

Its always enjoyable to hear other peoples' stories when they started out in the hobby.  Its also great to see how much we've learned and how we've grown.  

Be sure to post some progress when you get going on that layout!

Ha! Starting something!

Way to go Dave. I have read and reread last month’s and this month’s magazines. Reread the water and how to do it. I think I have to try that, it is so cool! Now you’re going to get me started. Jack and I are about to take a first step down a rewarding and pleasant journey, all because of you!

Good luck, Jack! If you get far enough, send pictures! I will do the same!

That's great!

Dig in and go!  I look forward to seeing some pictures.

A Teaser Photo

We got new phones last week so this is partly a test of it's photo ability and to see if I'm holding it the right way.

Anyway this is going to be a 4' section/TOMA bit for N scale. Do I want to build in this scale or not. I have been frustrated with coming up with a layout that I really want to build. Not going into the reasons here. Swapping to N scale would solve a lot of those perceived issues and create a few others.

Way back in the Oct 84 MR issue there was an article about the Murphy Branch line in North Carolina. It runs from Ashville to Murphy, NC. The track plan if I can call it that was for a double deck 10x10 room. I have 10.5x 14.5 so I can stretch thing out a bit. The plan is an isometric?? drawing. It makes it a bit hard to get actual dimensions off the plan.

So what I have laid out here is taken from that. A wide spot on a state highway I think, that I would make it into a bit of a tourist drop off spot for rafting, camping ect with a general store and a motel. Add in a gas station too. The siding, track nearest to the wall, is for a gravel or sand loading operation using a ramp high enough on a hill to dump into some hoppers.

I have all the wood I need to do this, but have been looking at it doing the what if routine. Must be time to start the car and do it or get out of it. So if this takes off I'll start a separate thread.

Thanks for the encouragement,   Jack

Looking forward

to how it all comes together, Jack.

David Kilborn n scale layout

David, a superb job done on your layout and the article!  It was a very enjoyable read and your explanations of various techniques were well written.  Thank you! 

Thank you

I appreciate the kind words, kayto.  I'm glad you enjoyed it.