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.
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’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 would go with 3 11" x 4' strips. You could do a lot in 12' with N scale.
Hopefully I can grab some more pieces of plywood. I have access to one more but it’s 2’x2’…if someone hasn’t grabbed it already.
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.
Some good ideas…let me run them through my head tonight. Tomorrow I can let you know if I can get the other plywood.
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 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.
@wombat457 you are correct!
As this will be my first build in a long time, I’m keeping it simple. Once I hone some skills and learn new ones, the next build will be better.
@wombat457 you are correct!
As this will be my first build in a long time, I’m keeping it simple. Once I hone some skills and learn new ones, the next build will be better.
That is a good way to go in my opinion.
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.
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.
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.
That’s primarily why I chose N scale. All the options in limited space. Now that all the “extra” people that were residing in my apartment are gone…getting She Who Must Be Obeyed to grant her blessing to build us the only hurdle I have left.
getting She Who Must Be Obeyed to grant her blessing to build us the only hurdle I have left.
Good luck with that mate - have you tried giving her a vacation to her favorite destination and just start everything while she is gone??
Oh - okay, just a thought, sorry ....
Hmm okay - well, how about a BIG box of choccies and some flowers, NOT poison Ivy, we'll leave that as a last resort
The chocolates might work, flowers would be roses. Have to work on plan b just to be safe…
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a commision from some of the links and ads shown on this website
(Learn More Here)
