n scale newbe

[unkaboose]

was wondering if i start out with an N scale set, say engine and 5 cars how much track can i loop before i start seeing power issues. im a beginner at this

 

[MRLdave]

With only one engine you'll be fine for any starter set you might buy. A lot of people will tell you to add feeders every 4 or 5 feet, which is easy enough to do. A lot also depends on your connections.......the more pieces of track you have the more likely you'll have problems, i.e. one 29" piece of flex track would be better than six 5" pieces of Atlas sectional track. Also, soldered connections are better than if you just use rail joiners. You can always just set your track up and if you don't see any problems don't worry.....if you see your loco slowing add another feeder wire where you see the problem. Not very scientific, but it'll work.

 

[unkaboose]

ive got alot to learn

 

[RW&C]

Best thing for it is research. There's a lot of reading material on here.

 

[haphall]

Unka, we've all been exactly where you are now, some last week, some 50+ years ago. Like RW&C said, there's an abundance of info collected in this site's posts. If you don't find what you're looking for, just ask. This is a helpful crew.
Hap

 

[unkaboose]

been reading as much as i can , got some copies of model railroader magazine, great stuff in there. checking out info on 4x8 layouts to start. i like how you can be so creative on the landscaping of the layouts.

 

[RW&C]

The landscaping's my favorite part. Once you get the hang of it, it all comes alive.

Kalmbach (the publishers of MR) also have a number of good books. I have a very old copy of their N scale primer that I still use now and then. Dave Frary's (not sure I spelled that right) scenery guide is good stuff too.

Get a few scraps of foam or something, test scenery ideas there, then get into planning a layout. Otherwise it's all frustrating at once. Best to space it out.

 

[unkaboose]

i liked how you could take the stiff filter material and cut into squares , slide these on dowel rod and instant conifer trees. this is so cool. headed to a local hobby shop next week .