Any further Details?

N scale trolley layout doesn't rule out much (this could be a good thing).

Are you looking to have streetcars down city streets or a more interurban style line (between towns)?

You have struck a knowledge gold mine here, there are plenty of people more than happy to share what they know.

Hope to hear more,

useful web site

Here is a very useful web site for trolley modeling. 

eastpenn.org

In their modeling tips section is an article on N-scale overhead.

You didn't say whether you want to link your portable layout to others. If so, you may need to search for more web sites. The East Penn group is very big on connecting modules in O and HO scale.

Do you already have N scale trolleys? If not, at least look into HO  - it's less fussy to build than N, and a good first HO layout can fit into your space. Even O scale in your space can give an interesting layout.

Good luck,

DrJolS

too bad....

NCat is not too active

http://www.teamsavage.com/ncat/

East Penn Convention

If you are anywhere near Phila, PA the weekend of May 15, they are having their convention at the Philadelphia Convention Center.

A few starting points

Angela, 

Just a few starting points from someone who is only barely more experienced than yourself, 

• If you want it to be portable consider using the sturdy foam you can get from hardware stores as your basic material, it might be easier to move around than wood? 
• Do you want it to be a loop or to go up and down straight track?
• Did you know Kato make tram tracks (google Unitram) built ready embedded into streets?  
• Do you want a hidden part for the trams to come in and out of, giving the illusion of a wider world? Do you want this to be part of the main scene or a separate plank you add on at one edge or another? 
• Have you thought starting with a larger scale to make things less fiddly? Especially if you want to do the overhead wires? Having said this a plastic N scale building kit from say DPM models etc will not be too difficult in my experience but it depends on eyesight, steadiness of hands, etc etc 

Some reference material

Dear Angela,

Some reference material that may be helpful...

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1T65hMkOVv1RhTpxtAf6uQ

http://glennofootscray.blogspot.com.au/
(dig deep thru this blog, the original "Victoria Street" layout was an exhibition-ready portable "plank" layout,
and is detailed within the older posts)

For show layout work, a circle of track may not be required, and in the context of a tram/trolley layout, may not be desired. Google the "Tam Valley Train Shuttle" (DCC), and "Circuitron AR-1" and "Gaugemaster SS-1" (analog DC) units.

You may also be interested to consider the use of "one way turnouts"

Happy Modelling,
Aim to Improve,
Prof Klyzlr

Portable trolley layout

Looking for suggestions to build a traction trolley portable train layout  . In response to message left for me to look in Victoria street blog been looking how deep in the blog do I look? I'm looking for any suggestions 

To help you we need to know what you want to model

What era do you want to model?

Modern LRV's?

Post-war PCC's?

Pre-war Birney's and Peter Witt's?

What city/ municipality?

Those are the big questions, I will try to to help you as best I can but I  hope to obtain more details first

A lot of Nscale trackplans

A lot of Nscale trackplans here   http://www.cke1st.com/m_train2.htm    Also worth a look, but will need building to half the size, are these from NMRA Gateway Central   http://www.gatewaynmra.org/gateway-nmra-project-model-railroads/

This is based on Ballard Terminal RR ( My mod of another persons trackplan ) Drawn for HO so needs to be bulit half size for N scale