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ModelRailroadForums.com is a free Model Railroad Discussion Forum and photo gallery. We cover all scales and sizes of model railroads. Online since 2002, it's one of the oldest and largest model railroad forums on the web. Whether you're a master model railroader or just getting started, you'll find something of interest here.


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    1' x 3' n scale layout idea

    the timesaver and switchman's nightmare won't fit into my ideal size restrictions, but i think that's more the fault of my size limits than anything else. back to the drawing board. plus, i haven't been here long enough yet to know which smilies are goodnatured and which club noobs to...
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    1' x 3' n scale layout idea

    no need to be smug. i'm just trying to learn.
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    1' x 3' n scale layout idea

    i have to admit, after actually setting up a large portion of the track for that last plan... this does look like a rather pointless collection of switchbacks.
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    Is the economy hurting your hobby?

    oddly enough, i've taken up most of my hobbies since the recession began. i've started playing ice hockey again. i started playing tabletop wargames again, and i started running model trains again. none of those pastimes are particularly inexpensive, but they're manageable in moderation and...
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    1' x 3' n scale layout idea

    it's entirely possible. what would you suggest as an alternative for a similar amount of space?
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    1' x 3' n scale layout idea

    ok, so... i know i've gone through like a billion ideas here, but i think i may finally have figured most of it out. i haven't been able to decide between a 1' x 3' or a 1' x 4' separated into two sections. space is at quite a premium, but i'd still like a healthy amount of operations. i've come...
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    1' x 3' n scale layout idea

    hey all. i think i'm finally narrowing things down here. my gal and i went to a train show yesterday (she's just as excited as i am to get started, if not moreso). she got a great northern kato f7a, which blew our minds, since the engines i've been using are an old life like and a bargain bin...
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    1' x 3' n scale layout idea

    out of curiosity, what's the bare minimum serviceable radius for 40' switchers and 50' road switchers? i'm toying with the idea of having my cake and eating it too with something like a 15" x 36" oval with 7.5" minimum radii, but i think that may be pushing it... still working on refining the...
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    N scale starter set?

    good thread. i'm going to be making decisions on track for a (probably) 3' x 5' layout in the relatively near future. the kato M2 pack seems like a pretty solid investment, and an atlas trainman set with the figure eight add-on pack seems like a pretty good deal, too. you can also get some of...
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    1' x 3' n scale layout idea

    hey all, continuing to work on layout designs. i'll probably start solidifying plans after the dulles train expo this weekend. i still haven't even really decided on a size yet. i'm not comfortable enough with everything yet to be convinced i can construct two satisfactory 1' x 2' sections, and...
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    1' x 3' n scale layout idea

    ok, so i've decided to go from 1' x 3' to 1' x 4', using two different two-foot sections. i have no idea how i'm going to connect them, but i'm just working on the design right now. my new goal is to have track sections end right at the midway point, for obvious reasons. that's limiting me...
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    New Layout HO - Feedback Requested

    i'm going to be there as well. i can't wait. also, as i understand it, that show is tailored more toward the beginner crowd, so it should be perfect for both of us.
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    1' x 3' n scale layout idea

    forgive my inexperience with the appropriate terminology, but i'm not sure i understand which point you're talking about. both of the crossovers end up having turnouts in them; one for a siding and one for the runaround. do i need to get rid of those and put a bit of straight track in instead...
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    1' x 3' n scale layout idea

    after taking your advice into consideration, i've made a few changes while still desperately trying to stay no longer than 3' for the sake of space. i've made sure there's at least the 7 1/2" or so on each lead to hold a switcher and a 40' car, which is probably all i'll use and i'll...
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    1' x 3' n scale layout idea

    thanks for the input, guys. i'm going to go back to work on this and see what i can come up with. i'd really like to keep this plan 1' x 3' (apartment living), but i'm sure i can add at least another 6" to it. as long as it can fit on the tabletop, it should work. i'm also going to try to...
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    1' x 3' n scale layout idea

    so i've been overwhelmed checking out layout plans and reading about construction. i figured i'd start small, with a little 1' x 3' switching layout. i'm flirting with the idea of making it possible to expand the layout on either end so that the two tracks that run straight across can be made...
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    What is your age?

    'bout a month away from 25. i've gotten progressively nerdier since finishing undergraduate studies. it's nice not to have the social conventions of a school thrust upon you on a constant basis. hence why in the past year i've returned to table-top wargaming and model trains. i always have...
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    dead old bachmann 2-8-0.

    just as an update, not only has bachmann said they will take the locomotive under warranty, but the ebay seller also gave a partial refund that will pay for the fee of sending it in. generosity all around. thanks for your input, all. currently i'm getting lost in the layout design and...
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    What do you do for a living?

    defense contractor doing research work on an international tribunal for the state department and the navy. not really what i want to do with my life, but i can't complain.
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    dead old bachmann 2-8-0.

    unfortunately, we bought the 2-8-0 set on ebay. it was originally purchased in 1997, and the warranty card was still in the box saying it must be sent in within 10 days of purchase, so the warranty is no good. do you think it would be worth contacting bachmann anyway, just to see if they might...




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