3’x4’ or 3 11”x 4’ , what would you do?


T

Twinboystrains

Well-Known Member
I have a 3’x4’ piece of plywood. Thoughts and suggestions on building either size. N scale, DC, solo operation. Branch line of a class 1 railroad. I’m leaning more towards the 3 piece as it would be easier to disassemble if I had to move. But a 1 piece layout also has its merits.
 
If the railroad you want is based on the constraint of the plywood size you have then I would cut the plywood into 6" wide strips and make shelf railroad (point to point) that would be (3' / 6" * 4') or 24' long. I would think you can do a lot in 24' and put more into the railroad instead of track-side or far away scenery. Instead of complete buildings, just flats on the wall. Photos could also be used for scenery.
 
I’m planning a out and back with switching both ways. Prefer larger than 6 inches so I can place industries and have the track meander to break up the straight lines. Running 4 axle diesels and rolling stock less than 60 feet. Minimum radius of 11.25.
 
I'd also go with the 3 X 12" X 4' sections. That being said - if you have access to more ply then I'd also consider going the 6 X 6" X 4' sections and use the 2' X 2' sheets of ply to "pad out areas for industry and terrain along the length of the 24' track work.
 
timlange3 said:
If the railroad you want is based on the constraint of the plywood size you have then I would cut the plywood into 6" wide strips and make shelf railroad (point to point) that would be (3' / 6" * 4') or 24' long. I would think you can do a lot in 24' and put more into the railroad instead of track-side or far away scenery. Instead of complete buildings, just flats on the wall. Photos could also be used for scenery.
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I don't see how you could do an out-and-back with 3 x 11"x4' sections. Need a min 24"x24" blob somewhere for the reversing loop.
 
He might be thinking about changing the engine from one end of the train to the other perhaps instead of a reversing loop? Just guessing here of course as it depends on your interpretation of the term.
 
Twinboystrains said:
I did manage to get a 2’x4’ piece of plywood…once I break it down from being a pallet. Came under a brand new battery tester and charger. The only beat up part is the bottom cleats from the pallet jack.
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putting them all together in any configuration will make a good N-scale layout. My first layout was 2'x4', simple double track loop. Then I moved up to a 3'x4' which was a single track loop with two passing sidings, then I moved up to a 2'x8' layout that went through 3 iterations but lasted for 20 years.
 
That is what I like about N Scale - it is versatile and gives you so many options in such small areas - it is just a fun scale to work with and to learn with and to expand with.
 
Hmm - now it is getting tough .... okay, how about this: tell her that your life has been threatened .... no wait, that might not be a good idea if you have life insurance and she knows about it ........... okay, more thinking to do :D :D 🍻
 
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