“Hi Al,
Just thought I would send a few pictures of my “N” scale layout.
It’s 3 X 7. I’ve been working on it for a couple of years but am about disband it as the curves don’t allow me to run any of my larger engines or long cars.
I run regular power to it, not DCC. I have too many engines to switch to DCC.
I have been collecting “N” scale engines since 1964 and haven’t set up a layout until a couple of years ago.
As to amount of time I have in it, that’s hard to say as I work on it only once in a while.
My next project will on a 4 X 8 board and I’ve been getting a lot of hints from your emails which I really appreciate.
Many modelers have great tips and hints which we can all use.
Thanks for setting this web site up and all the work you put into it.
Dick in California”
Now on to Jim:
“The one thing I have not yet come apon is a good track sensor for “N” gauge. The ones for HO work but are not to are not even close for scale.
I use .030 fibre optic for my signal lights The strand goes under the board to a bye colour LED. DC power one direction for red– reverse current for green and AC gives a yellow orange .
Jim”
Hi Al,
I to learnt the hard way and in the end decided that the most important factor on any railway is its wiring I hence came up with the ideas shown
As you will see in the diagrams of one of the sections of my layout all the wiring is cable tied and hot clued to the base board, believe me NONE of these wires move!!
Each section of layout has its own control board i.e.for points, lighting etc. There is still only one DCC controller, and a couple of transformers for the whole layout which is connected to each board by mini plugs.
If a short circuit occurs then you can disconnect each section of layout till the short circuit clears, you then know that the fault lies in that section.
As I am now in the Autumn of my life climbing under boards etc is not so easy, so another little tip, after you have completed a section of layout wiring PHOTOGRAPH IT it makes life a lot easier when tracing those wires, and don’t forget to label items its to easy to forget whats what.
Lawrence”
That’s all for this time folks.
Please do keep ’em coming.
And if you fancy doing not dreaming, the Beginner’s Guide is here.
Best
Al
PS More HO scale train layouts here if that’s your thing.
Need buildings for your layout? Have a look at the store.
They are great fun to make and great value too.
