Posts Tagged ‘n scale model railroad layouts’

Small miniatures are the neatest, huh? You won’t hear an a differing opinion from me. They are soooo cooool!.  These small beauties really can make for a captivating model training experience.  Another wonderful thing about these guys is that they are so miniscule you can for all intents and purposes fit them anywhere.  Let’s think a little bit about how we could use them in different spaces:

2’ x 4’ N model railroad set-up:

This is the least space consuming layout that we can use for these little locomotives. See that little nook over there where you have that ficus, that’s enough space for it.  If we do this layout though, we are really limited to just having the trains go around in a donut.  We could maybe do a figure 8 or have two concentric circles, but that’s about it.

Pre-fab n scale scenic highlights:

N-scale is so small it is hard to work with.  But there are several manufacturers that offer pre-fab scenic accessories like buildings and trees.  A good way of adding interest to your n-model railroad layout is to purchase some of these and add them to your setup. Atlas is a good first stop for these highlights.

Square setup:

A square 3’ x 3’ space will really open up fun possibilities. It doesn’t seem like much but it makes a huge difference. Try a mountain at the center of your setup with your train snaking around it.  This makes for a really captivating scene in a really uncompromising space.  I wouldn’t advise trying it in a space any smaller than this however.  The attempts I’ve seen to do this just don’t really function.

Every trip commences with a first step and every model train labyrinth with a simple loop:

A great method of constructing your layout is to increase it section by section.  So you can begin with a configuration similar to our 3’ x 3’ layout and then when you are ready add another 3’ section to it. You might extend a mountain row down the length of table so that your train edges along next to it and then crosses through a tunnel at its end. Use your imagination to come up with captivating detail.  Little farmhouses or perhaps a chapel by the side of a tributary can really make for a varied and captivating scenic experience.

N scale gives you the most possibilities for the least amount of space. Challenge yourself to let your creativity overcome the physical constraints of your space.  If you find a particular landscape exotic, realize it. The artisitic process is its own reward.

Here is more information on N Scale Model Trains. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Model Trains.

The N model railroad scale is one of the smallest popular train scales on the market. The N stands for nine, and refers to the track gauge - nine millimeters between the rails. These are smaller than HO, O, and other more popular scales, and work very well for people who have little room and want to enjoy the model train hobby in the space they have. They're also great for people who want to run extremely long trains. In general, N scale is smaller and lighter than larger scales, and requires less power.

These trains tend to be highly detailed and very realistic. In some cases, they're even more detailed than larger trains. They're ideal for those who want to put together something truly realistic and complex - something that large trains don't always allow. You can put together a really intricate N scale layout that's still portable in many cases. That allows train hobbyists to take their track layouts to shows and fairs, as well as public places for holiday exhibits.

These trains are used enough that hobbyists have access to a wide variety of scenery elements and accessories for their N scale model railroads. You can find scenery for these trains which are just as detailed and realistic as those available for larger scales. There are also N scale steam locomotives which make real steam due to their use of boilers. Another advantage of these smaller trains is that you can use batteries or an ordinary power supply to run your model railroad.

N Model Train is small enough that you can set up your layout even if you live in a smaller apartment or have only half of a room to dedicate to your hobby. You can make even large and elaborate N scale model railroad layouts on one relatively small plywood sheet which can be transported with ease - you can look at examples of these layouts online, including videos. You can also find instructional videos and books which can help you to get started building your own layouts.

Some people believe that the lower popularity of these small trains means that there just aren't enough products on the market, but this isn't really the case. While local stores don't always offer the best selection, a simple search online will help you turn up a number of specialty retailers. There are sites that specialize in just N scale!

Those who are newer to the hobby or to this scale will find a lot to like about Bachman's N scale model railroad sets such as the White Christmas Express. This set includes enough track for a 34" by 24" oval, a steam locomotive, a tender car, two cars and caboose as well as a power pack, a working headlight and speed controller. There are also plenty of other choices - Bachman offers a wide variety of other sets and accessories which anyone who loves N scale model trains is sure to love.