The table where you place your model locomotive layout can make a huge difference as well.  I hear you, you like those little N scale locomotives so it doesn’t seem like such a big deal. Everything is so small in N gauge that it just doesn’t appear like you need all that sturdy a surface for it.  But hold on.  Give me a chance to set out my point.  I think it makes a huge difference what type of table you have your set up on.  Here are some reasons why:

A strong surface is a must:

To begin, you don’t want to choose a surface that is weak and that will lean or that can be easily pushed down. You don’t need your trains to withstand a the “Big One” but they shouldn’t derail when the mail truck shakes by outside.  Or even worse: what if your whole surface is shoved on its side. Think about the possible damage and the labor you just trashed!  No, you definitely are advised to find a nice sturdy surface. You’re proficient with your hands, you could possibly make the table yourself.

Cool Tip: Here’s a cool tip. Remember that unused ping-pong table that sits forgotten in the garage? Sure you do, it’s the ping pong table that became your new model locomotive table. Ping pong tables give you lots of room for any but the highest gauge lay outs.  Imagine how complicated you could make your HO track plan on a table of these measurements.  Even if you have a Lionel O or one of those new S scale trains, you’ll find that you can really do a lot with a table this size.

Portable tables for travel:

Look to shell out a bit for a good train table. There are a few different on line retailers that devote themselves to hocking these types of train tables that are sturdy but light weight and easily portable.

Cool tip #2: Use ceiling space instead of floor space.  If you’re good with your hands and pressed for space, the best way to increase floor space is not to use it.   Attach your table to the ceiling with a pulley system and your problem is overcome.

Interlocking tables:

Domino tables are you best bet. These tables can be fastened in any arrangement or setup. These domino tables frees your track layout to expand naturally.  Unlike other types of tables that force you to change your layout to match their shapes, these tables allow you to control the dimensions of your circuit design. The light weight design is ideal for model train lovers.  If you want to play with your model train down in the basement, you can simply carry the table down to your work area. Its even no problem to place in your car trunk.  They are so easy to alter that you might actually have difficulty keeping to one layout.

And these tables can mature with your model training experience allowing you extend your table design in conjunction with your expanding toy railroad layout.

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

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.