Tiny layout

[briansommers787]

I have a small bookcase shelf about 12” x 28”
I want to have 1 turnout and a scrap yard.

Will this even work? I need enough for one car before the frog and one car after.
If I purchase a 40' gondola...

I like N but oh I hate the couplers. I'm 57 and wear trifocals so I'll go that route if I have to.
I'd rather have N scale then no train at all.

 

[PowrCab]

I see no reason why you can't construct such a layout within those parameters..My only thought is your eyes..N being so small can be a challenge even for those with good eyesight..if, IF you haven't purchased anything yet, might I suggest your going HO scale instead. You still should be able to fit HO in the same space, the spur for the scrap yard being say 10" past the switch, the remainder for switch itself and the rest of the trackage...No ?

btw:
While you are new to the forum, might I suggest amending your moniker..The first '7' is odd where it sits with yet another '7' of the '87' below it.
This makes it hard to know what to call you..

 

[briansommers787]

I went with HO. I just love those whisker couplers.
I bought one atlas code 83 #5 hand switch, and some straight track and a caboose industry throw.
I’m thinking I want a freight depot/team track. That way I can swap just about any type of car.
I think I’d rather do one industry and detail it to the nth degree.

 

[bnsf971]

I'm older than you, wear trifocals, and model in N scale. Micro-Trains couplers are the equivalent to Kadee in HO scale. If the couplers are really the only thing worrying you, simply make sure everything you get is already equipped with MT couplers, and enjoy your layout.

 

[PowrCab]

You've floored me, sir !!.. A1 EXCELLENT choices, all !!!.. I can not add a single word regarding the decisions you've made !!!
One tiny idea: Bring the main line right up to the razor-edge of the shelf (no bumper). load/off-load cars/locos there as if trains to/from 'your' RR.
We'd thus call this aspect of the hobby 'staging' (on a tiny scale, hee hee).

The "whisker couplers" represent 1:1 scale Janney knuckle couplers, hobby-wise referred to as "Kadees" since they, KD (bros. Ken and Dale),
made the first HO automatic, working model of its kind to replace the poor, ghastly, orig. 'horn hook' type; causing a sea change in the hobby...
Far as I know Kadee are still all hard-metal and offer thee most, if not only, choices in draft gear types, sizes, and other special fitness designs.

PS. Tho he's correct above, MT = Micro-Trains, which is Kadee's N scale line..But you are now HO and thus employ Kadee or later to arrive brands
such as McHenry and others.

Hmmmm. Now, about that.... m o n i k e r !?...........