Smallest practical N-Scale layout(s)?
#1
Right now, due to limited space, I have two small HO layouts (they're actually British 00, which is very similar to HO). One consists of two ovals with sidings and is slightly smaller than 4x6'. The other is a 1x6' switching layout.

This may never happen, but I'm toying with the idea of switching to N Scale in 1 to 3 years' time to save even more space. Online, I've seen N-scale layouts with two loops of track that are only 2x4' (see: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.cke1st.com/m_train2.htm">http://www.cke1st.com/m_train2.htm</a><!-- m -->) -- these seem to be the N-scale equivalents of my 4x6' HO/OO layout. If I were to switch over to N-scale, I could probably even manage a 2x6' size.

I'd have to sell off about 60% of my HO/00 locos and other items to partially pay for this conversion. I'd either scrap my HO/OO layouts or put them into storage.

Are these sizes -- 2x4 and/or 2x6' -- practical and reasonable size for N? I've never dabbled in N-scale before, only seen N gauge layouts at train shows. Also, what are the preferred minimum sizes for curves in N? I've gone as tight as 15"R on my HO/OO layout, which is extremely tight. It would be great if I could go with the N-scale equivalent of HO's 18"R. I think 11"R curves in N-scale would be very reasonable.

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Rob
Rob
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#2
I guess it depends on what you expect to get out of a layout. You can build a 6" radius loop on a 14" square layout and run a trolley in a circle for hours. It runs, so it's a layout, right?

2x4' is about the smallest practical loop layout without severe equipment restrictions. I have a loop layout that's 18x34", but it's restricted to small switchers and 40' or smaller cars.
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#3
Two years later, it still looks like this!

[Image: 5076309539_bb926370c4.jpg]
MilwaukeeLayoutOverhead by railohio, on Flickr
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#4
railohio Wrote:I guess it depends on what you expect to get out of a layout. You can build a 6" radius loop on a 14" square layout and run a trolley in a circle for hours. It runs, so it's a layout, right?

2x4' is about the smallest practical loop layout without severe equipment restrictions. I have a loop layout that's 18x34", but it's restricted to small switchers and 40' or smaller cars.

Thanks! So it sounds as if 2x6 would be much better. I'd basically be happy it I could fit two loops of track along with some sidings.

Rob
Rob
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#5
Check out this link though -- <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.cke1st.com/m_train2.htm">http://www.cke1st.com/m_train2.htm</a><!-- m --> -- there are some very complex2x4' N-scale layouts there!
Rob
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#6
I built a 1 foot by 2 foot N scale layout several years ago. It's still on RR-Line as far as I know. I would post a link but that forum is still down due to Sandy. You could make laps or operate it as a point to point. Anyway my current layout is 28 inches by 6 feet ( <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.the-gauge.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=4798">viewtopic.php?f=16&t=4798</a><!-- l --> ) so you have lots of possibilities.
Mike

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#7
Tyson Rayles Wrote:I built a 1 foot by 2 foot N scale layout several years ago. It's still on RR-Line as far as I know. I would post a link but that forum is still down due to Sandy. You could make laps or operate it as a point to point. Anyway my current layout is 28 inches by 6 feet <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.the-gauge.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=4798">viewtopic.php?f=16&t=4798</a><!-- l --> so you have lots of possibilities.

Thanks. I just checked that link and you've done some excellent work! So 2'x6' certainly sounds do-able. Rob
Rob
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#8
Be sure to keep us updated on your progress!
Mike

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#9
Back in the '60s I saw a N gauge streetcar layout in a shoebox -- with operating trolley pole.

An N scale 2x4 is almost equal to an HO 4x8.
David
Moderato ma non troppo
Perth & Exeter Railway Company
Esquesing & Chinguacousy Radial Railway
In model railroading, there are between six and two hundred ways of performing a given task.
Most modellers can get two of them to work.
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#10
BR60103 Wrote:Back in the '60s I saw a N gauge streetcar layout in a shoebox -- with operating trolley pole.

An N scale 2x4 is almost equal to an HO 4x8.


Yes, that's what I've noticed when studying a book of layout plans yesterday -- that N is practically half of 00 or HO. So a 4x6' HO layout converts to a 2x3 N layout and a 4x8' HO converts to a 2x4 N, etc. You can use the same math for converting the radii of curves, etc.

Again, this project probably won't happen (because of the expense & work involved; plus, I have many 00 locos that I'm very fond of!), but it never hurts to dream and "entertain" such ideas! Also, I've heard of quite a few people who have changed scales for various reasons.

Cheers, Rob
Rob
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#11
Well this one building for my son ( have Thomas and percy from tomix plus few trams )
cant run anything bigger than 0-6-0 lenght wize ... but its cool coffee table
and its only 3.5' x 3.5 double loop with x over in the back ( plan on replacing the x with tomix double slip)
in n scale there are alot of small layouts and nice looking ( can always use kato track for temp )
few pics of the table

[Image: DSCF5624_zpsc887d546.jpg]

[Image: DSCF5623_zpscc6d12bf.jpg]
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#12
Very nice !
Mike

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#13
Looks very good!
Cheers, Bernd

Please visit also my website www.us-modelsof1900.de.
You can read some more about my model projects and interests in my chronicle of facebook.
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#14
Getting supplies ready to build a N scale show layout (and a Z one) .The dimentions for both will be 32" wide X 48" long.The plan is to duplicate the track plan as much as possible on both layouts. Unlike the current Z which is still growing there will be no growth with the possible exception of a add on set up /yard module.

The N scale will use the ATLAS code 65 True Track (bought the track pack from a Trainman train set this am) The Z will use either MTL's roadbed track or the new Rokuhan track.

I am actually looking forward to building two small layouts that will not grow in size. :mrgreen:
Johnathan (Catt) Edwards
"The Ol Furrball"

"I'm old school,I still believe in respect"
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#15
Rob, I know it's been a while since you posted this thread but I've only just got back on this forum.
I've only ever completed a layout after 33 yrs of aborted attempts. This mini 'N' layout of mine is very interesting to build, is practical, and small. It's 34" x 19" (85 x 48cm). Small layouts are probably more likely to be completed (unless you have loads of cash Nope ).

Errol


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