N scale 1'x8' switching layout

[avel]

Hello, discovered this forum last weekend. Usually I'm on <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.therailwire.net">http://www.therailwire.net</a><!-- m --> Great layouts!, and helped me figure out the trackplan.

track plan is based on a "weedpatch, California"

Finished a Unitrack mock up of the track plan, been trying it out, lots of fun and made some improvements too. Takes about 50 minutes.
Come with 10 or 11 cars and leave with 9 to 12 cars.
A lot of the industries were inspired by ones from in and around Vernon, CA. I spent a couple of hours using Google Maps, and Bing Maps exploring industries and saving pictures.
Also started this layout to practice my turnout building skills, I need some for the 4'x8' layout that don't look like they belong on siding/ barely used track. I can also cover up any ugly turnouts with dirt/asphalt. Last time I built an N scale turnout was around 8 years ago, I am going to need the practice.

Track will be code 40 #7 turnouts and Micro Engineering code 40 flex. I might even handlay the flex sections because of how widely gauged the flex track is. I haven't checked every piece, but so far every piece I've used, the NMRA gauge falls right in. Mainly only a problem with my BLMA 33" wheelsets.

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://picasaweb.google.com/108204472862807091548/1x8Module?authuser=0&feat=directlink">https://picasaweb.google.com/1082044728 ... directlink</a><!-- m -->

[Tyson Rayles]

Looks like it would be a fun layout to operate.

[steinjr]

track plan is based on a "weedpatch, California"

That's funny - some of us in this forum discussed a track plan based on Weedpatch, California, not that long ago, in this thread : http://www.the-gauge.net/forum/viewtopic...=46&t=5811.

That was in H0 scale, though. N scale allows you to fit a lot more.

Smile,
Stein

[Sumpter250]

Avel

That 1' X 8' layout is an impressive " introductory post " !!
I think you'll find " The-Gauge " a comfortable place to share your modeling ideas, and pictures.
Pete

[faraway]

... Finished a Unitrack mock up of the track plan,...

Welcome! A very good method to test a planned track plan and not as expensive as it sounds because all tracks and switches can be reused again and again.

[avel]

Yeah I saw that thread about weedpatch, CA. That is what my track plan is based on.

[Brakie]

track plan is based on a "weedpatch, California"

That's funny - some of us in this forum discussed a track plan based on Weedpatch, California, not that long ago, in this thread : http://www.the-gauge.net/forum/viewtopic...=46&t=5811.

That was in H0 scale, though. N scale allows you to fit a lot more.

Smile,
Stein

That weed patch was ok for a 8' HO ISL but,IMHO a 8' board is better suited for N for several reasons-that's not to say I haven't used a 1 x 8 footer for HO because I have.

[teejay]

Aha , an improviser !......I see toilet paper rolls for storage tanks !

Welcome and keep up the good work .

Terry

[steinjr]

Yeah I saw that thread about weedpatch, CA. That is what my track plan is based on.

Ah, I misunderstood you - thought you meant that you had gotten the Weedpatch idea in the other forum - i.e. that two people had just happened to pick the same idea at about the same time.

Anyways - your layout setup looks like it is off to a good start ! Sectional track is really good for rapid prototyping - i.e. testing out ideas right now and here, making changes as necessary.

And going N scale gives you a lot more layout in a given space - you would need to multiply dimension with 1.8 (160/87.1) to see how much space you would need for the same idea in H0 scale. A length of 8 feet in N scale is about the equivalent of 14 feet in H0 scale.

It would drive me insane to replace N scale couplers, though - I think H0 scale couplers are quite small and finicky enough with my clumsy fingers :-)

Looking forward to more pics of your layout as it progresses.

Smile,
Stein