Scott’s been in touch with his N scale train yard track plan.
He has a question – can anyone help?
“Al — I have been an avid reader of your blog/emails for a few years now. I have learned much and been inspired in my own efforts in building my own layout. Thanks for your commitment and diligence in giving us all a place to “gather”!
I have been working at building an N gauge layout for the past 30+ years. Each time I have gotten started and made a huge dent in the project we decided to make a long-distance move. So, the layout was either sold or completely dismantled. At least, each move gave me a bigger basement, so starting over wasn’t too bad of a deal.
It happened again about 5 years ago. In the meantime, as I was planning and constructing yet one more layout I landed in the hospital with open heart surgery. All went well and I have recovered wonderfully (I am 71), but I am still not quite able to wield the power tools to complete the benchwork.
So, I took a small 2’x4′ module from my current project to use for a small engine N scale train yard layout with double run around tracks — transition era — with roundtable, engine house, diesel and coal fueling service pads, wash pad and RIP track. The double tracks will allow me just to run trains when I want to, and play with switching at the same time. I am also contemplating using your printable round house expanded to 3-4 stalls, in place of the small engine house I now have.
Given the smaller space, I have been struggling to set my track plan. I am not a super purist, but I do want something that looks right. I am not good with computer software so I layout everything “manually.” I would be happy for some suggestions. I have worked off of pictures and track plans I have downloaded.
The picture shows my progress. I would be happy for some suggestions from those who know more than I do. I am ready to lay track, but want to be sure my plan is workable and realistic.
Thanks again for all your efforts!
Scott”
Next up is Ed:
“Hello Alistair, my first note to you. I’ve been HO rr since 1985 I guess.
The model railroading products have skyrocketed along with technology and the prices. This brings me to my first question to you. How can you tell what resistor to use and how can tell when and when not to use a certain resistor?
I’ve seen LED lights going at different voltages so do I need to power up is another thing. Do I need to invest in a transformer of some type or several?
I think I have built 3 layouts over the years. I’ve only got a 4 x 8′ piece of plywood down now and I have no clue as to what layout to build. I’ve got 3 model rr layout books.
I’m retired (medically) since 02′ and life has been a challenge to say the least. I do love to build HO scale trains and cars and HO scale trucks. I will never put a Matchbox or life-like vehicle on my layout.
It’s just the machinist in me that demands perfection or what ever it is that drives my strange brain.
Most of what I build gets lots details, weathering upgrades and anything I see that would make a model look better may or may not get added to the model I’m working on. I’m not into DCC yet and may never get into it, I just don’t know at this point.
Here is an example of some of work I do. It may or may not go on ebay. This seems to be the only picture I’ve saved over the years.
Well that’s about all for now, nothing really eye grabbing. No layout yet. Thanks for all you do for modelers out there, its just awesome what you give to all of us. Plus your comedy is to die for. You are a happy nut and doing very well. Keep on having fun
Thanks
Ed Saunders
Norwood, MO USA”
A big thanks to Ed, and to Scott for sharing his N scale train yard.
Please do leave a comment below if you can help Scott or Ed.
Ed pics, and Scott’s track plan reminded me of one of the latest printable buildings – I think it would it fit in well:
(You can see this building and the others in the store.)
I’m slowly putting all of the printable buildings into one place… bear with me, they’ll all get there soon.
The houses will be next (there are some new ones too), here’s a vid of them from a while back now which always make me smile:
Every building is made from paper – they’ll all be in the store soon.
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 N scale train layouts here if that’s your thing.
Need buildings for your layout? Have a look at the store.
I’m not an active modeler but have read up on layout design. Some thoughts for Scott:
Lots of engine service facilities, but not much trackage for the cars they pull. Looks like his concept is for a train to arrive, change power, and go on its way, which certainly was prototypical.
Be sure the desired rolling stock fits where he wants it to go. Can the diesel service tracks efficiently fuel and sand the consists without a lot of needless hostling? Will overlength cars roll on the curves without their ends fouling each other? Is the turntable long enough for all locomotives? Can it handle a dead diesel plus something to move it to a roundhouse track for servicing, if his engine depot is going to undertake heavy repairs?
looks good room to run and switch like it
Scott, I’m assuming that the large black tank in the top left corner of you photo is the water tank for the steam engines. Is the water from it distributed through underground pipes to the water column near the coaling tower? I don’t see a sanding tower, but perhaps sand is distributed from the sand house through a similar column that’s near the sand house? Only problem I see is there’s no sand service near the diesel fueling tracks. I’d consider moving the sand house between the steam and diesel fueling tracks with sand distribution towers on both sides for steam and diesel.
You’ve also saved a couple switches by running multiple tracks in and out of the turntable, but I wonder how you’ll be able to use the long track that runs from the left center of the turntable towards the upper left corner of the layout if the turntable can only hold say one freight car and a fairly short engine? Other than those issues, the track plan looks fine to me. Good luck when you decide to finally lay the track.
Ed, I like your CAT road grader flatcar load. How did you make the turnbuckles and chains anchoring the CAT to the flatcar? They look very detailed for HO scale. Thanks for sharing.