n scale layout question

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N

need2drag

Member
I am going to build a new layout, and it will consist of two lines. I am wondering if everyone thinks a 4'x8' layout is good or if it is too big? I will have to relocate it at some point, so I don't plan on building a big mountain or anything like that, and I know it will be a little while before I am anywhere near building one, so that is why I am asking if a 4'x8' will be good or not. Any opinions will help. Thanks guys.
 
If you're planning to move, why not constuct the layout the way N-Trak members do? It makes it easy to move and you can combine the modules into a bigger layout when you get to where you have more permanent space. Check out http://www.ntrak.org/ for lots of information about N-Trak modules and see if that might work for you.
 
That looks like it would work too, but it might be a little too advanced for me. Moving an 4'x8' layout isn't really that big of an issue...my main concern is if it is a good size for me to start with. I am renting where I am living now, but we are not moving from here until we buy a house so I will only have to move it once. Also, I don't plan on making a huge layout in the end, so I guess what I am saying is will a 4'x8' big good both now, and later?
 


In addition to Phillip's comments, a 4x8 layout is not easy to move. Believe me, I've done it, and it took me months to repair all the damage. If you insist on having a single board layout, a 3x6 would give you plenty of room and you can move it a lot easier. I would still go with some type of free standing module concept. They are narrow and as long as you want it to be. A 2'x4' module would be a good start and you can expand it to as big an empire as you wamt.
 
The web page was a good reference. And I took what you have both said into consideration. I went and measured where I am going to put the layout for now, and considering I will need to be able to walk all the way around it, I decided that a 3'x6', or probably a 4'x6' will work perfect. Thanks for the help guys. And once I get going on it(hopefully in the next week or 2) I will start putting up progress pics. Thanks again.
 
Ok here is the next question. I have looked at both Home Depot and Lowe's and can't find sheets of foam. Exactly what kind of foam should I be looking for?
 
thanks...it looks like lowes has it, but it is saying they only have sheets that are like 1/4" thick. I will see what I can find though. Thanks again.
 


I was actually going to ask if that was possible. Good thinking. I am going to call Lowe's today here and see what they actually have in stock there.
 
I will have to remember that. I talked to Lowe's and they said that they usually have it is stock, but if they don't they will order some for me. And now feeling dumb I never got a price on it. ha ha....oh well at least now I know where I can go to get it.
 
Check with some actual contractor supply type stores instead of the big box stores. They are more likely to have styrofoam insulation in thicknesses up to 2". As Phillip wrote, you can laminate foam to whatever width you desire but geting the width you want saves a lot of extra work and time.
 
An FYI.....Sometimes you can find an acordian pack of the 1/4 foam that is quite reasonable on price. It usually comes in a 2'x4' size and it folds acordian style like 15 or 20 times over. I got one for somewhere around $20 I think. You can see whats left of it in this pic: http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j319/pcarrell/Autumns Ridge/7-22-074.jpg You can also see where I used it too. That's part of my staging yard that will be under the layout. It'll be nice and quiet down there!
 
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