Alan has been in touch with his Kato track N scale layout:
“Alastair, this is my first submittal to your great website. I have been enjoying reading all of your stories and helpful hints for the last 2 years and look forward to opening them every morning.
I am new to railroad modeling even though I have enjoyed a great Lionel set (vintage 1950) passed down from my grandfather for many years. I retired in 2024 and decided that I wanted to build a train layout in my retirement. The initial key decisions were as follows:
1. Location and Size- I spoke with my wife to determine her level of support in building the layout. She supported the idea. Our house really did not have an available room or large garage like so many of your readers are so fortunate to have.
I had to get creative to find a location where I could get as large of a layout as possible. I settled on the upstairs loft. The loft has a granite counter across the entire width functioning like an office so no longer needed except just a computer station. I settled on a U-shaped layout with dimensions of 9 feet by 7 feet.
2. Access- the layout would fill the corner of the loft. Access was going to be a challenge if the layout was stationary. I designed the layout on wheels (5 inch polyethylene wheels that roll well on carpet) to allow access to all sides during construction or to reach train derailments.
The framework had to be built downstairs and carried up a narrow staircase so I built the framework in 3 pieces and bolted it together. The framework was partially supported on short wheeled legs on the granite counter and when pulled away from the counter, it has two fold down legs for stability.
3. Scale- Initially I had wanted to go with HO scale, however after much thought about the layout size I selected N scale as it provided many more design options. So far my eyesight is pretty good even at 68 years old.
4. Theme- Don’t have an era quite yet (that may come in future submittals). Wanted to have the ability to run 4 trains minimum at one time and showcase several bridges (retired civil engineer that designed highways) for interest and beauty.
5. Grades- the outer mainline double track is limited to 1%. The second level and third level loops had to use some 4%. I know many of you are cringing right now, but it was the only way to get to 3 levels without a helix. I think it will be fine and have gathered multiple locomotives for each train to assist in achieving these grades.
Enclosed are several pictures of my progress after 6 months of part time effort. Also enclosed the track design, however I have made changes during construction to fit the bridges that I constructed.
On completing the wiring I found a locomotive easily negotiated the 4% grade. It also allowed me to spot a dip in one of the viaducts that needs adjustment. I will be testing the tracks and making adjustments before moving onto next phases.
This video shows the Test Run for the 4% grade.
I want to run trains for a while before adding the yard, the towns and scenery. Be easy on me, but I welcome your comments as I am learning everyday.
Alan
Ventura California”
A big thanks to Alan for sharing his Kato track N scale layout. I really enjoy seeing a layout from the very start.
That’s all for this time folks.
Please do keep ’em coming.
And if today is the day you get started on your layout, 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 Silly Discount bundle.
Excellent start. Well planned. Best of luck going forward.
Hi Alan – I can’t believe I’m first to comment on such a thoughtful post – I like how you have stacked your thoughts in a rather MECE (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) fashion, prioritizing your wife at the top … good for you – I would definitely keep an eye on the 4% grade – your right I cringed when I came to that point in your writeup. Just be careful I’m speaking from experience – I revised my grades downward and made some compromises to keep them all under 2% … for one thing to look prototypical, for another to ensure reliable, enjoyable operation. Your track work is stunning and really showcases the physical structures … well done. I would recommend that during this “wring out” period you find the biggest most finicky locomotive and consist you plan to run. Then run it!!! Up and down forward and back crawling and at top speed – don’t rely on a switcher or trusty Diesel that seems to run perfectly fine under any conditions – these are my own experiences … For me that locomotive is a Northern 4-8-4 with a large tender with 6 wheel trucks with fairly poor pulling power – get the idea? If that engine can traverse the grades and curves reliably without derailment or unacceptable slippage I have something that will be enjoyable to operate… Your bench work and table design is very nice well done there also. It’s clear you are a pro- engineer just from the planning and construction to date … Good Job!!!
Great benchwork and planning. Planning is the key, in my opinion. It allows one to think through things and avoids many mistakes. A little thought goes a long way. I know you will get many years of enjoyment out of your layout. I never found the size of n scale to be a significant impediment. The same methods and procedures that are common in HO apply to n. Looking good.
Very creative use of your former office desk space for rolling support. Also, your layout design shows a lot of thought has gone into its creation. Keep us updated!
Nice layout. Alot in a small space. Good choice using Kato track. My layout is all Kato and trains run perfectly.
Excellent layout. With the 4 corners it applies well to my G scale around 4 dwarf cherry trees ideas I’m kicking around.
I like the rather complex track plan. 4% grade?? maybe.
Alan, that’s a super track plan, and I love how you integrated the bench work into the room to maximize space. Your bridges are exceptional…it’s very apparent that you were (and still are at heart) an engineer! Steep grades can be a challenge, but they can be worked through. I’ve had to rethink my 3% grade a couple times and will finally start work soon on adjusting it. I’m definitely looking forward to your updates!
This design has some great potential… Nice planning Job….