N Scale Model Railroad
Posted on Wednesday, June 10th, 2009 at 2:05 pmN Scale Model Railroad
Model Railroad planning help.?
Hello, I am currently planning to build a n scale layout that is about 3×3 ft with possible extensions. Iam using particle board, but I am not so shure now if its a good idea to do so because it was in the rain for about a day, however its all dry now. Would it be better to use plywood instead? Or just go with the particle board?
Plywood if at all possible !! With an N-scale layout though you really only need 1/4″ plywood unless you’re in a VERY humid area of the world
My current railroad is an N-scale layout (2′ wide shelf running around my 10′ x 12′ bedroom) and started with 1/4″ hardboard… it had too much flex, and absorbed water from scenery construction. I then bought some 1/4″ birch plywood panels, and it’s TERRIFIC !!
I frame up the panels with 3/4″ plywood ripped into 3″ strips, and then glue and screw it all together.
Particle board just isn’t the right material for a layout… particularly (pardon the pun) if it’s been out in the rain.
GOOD LUCK !!
N Scale Model Railroad
For those who prefer their model trains small and compact, meet the N scale. If you are unfamiliar with the terminology that is used by hobbyists, the scale of a train means that it is a scaled down version of the full sized model. Gauge refers to the size of the track on which the trains operate. It is a measure of distance between the rails of the train tracks. With a gauge of nine millimetres between the rails, N scale is the smallest of the four most popular scales.
Although, quite a recent addition to the world of model trains, becoming popular in the 1960’s, N scale has become the second best selling scale worldwide. Ideally suited for those hobbyists with limited space, N scale still manages to include quite a lot of detail that makes it very popular with those enthusiasts looking for realism. It is one sixtieth the size of its full sized counterpart.
Personally, I quite enjoy designing my layouts with the smaller train in mind. I am free to include the finer details such as rustic old bridges and delicately flowing rivers. Whereas some of the larger locomotives can easily dominate the landscape, the N scale enhances the drama of the scenery and provides, I believe, a much more realistic railroad.
N scale model trains are of course simply one option of many available. When you are planning your layout, it is for you to decide ultimately, which is the right size for you. This is one of the many challenges facing the enthusiast, as he dreams, plans, builds and ultimately brings to life his perfect railroad. But on thing is for sure. No matter what size train you choose, or how many levels you build, the thrill of the model railroad will still be the same.
Stuart Graham is a model train enthusiast. For great information on model railway trains visit http://www.themodeltraincenter.com.
Im looking for an ho scale model of a wafflehouse?
Ive been searching everywhere for an ho scale wafflehouse for my model railroad,but not had any luck. Are these not available anywhere? I would even pay someone to build me one. I already have a few single wide trailers and a couple of old pick-up trucks n cars on blocks ready to put together near the tracks,now all I need is a place for the residents to eat !
I couldn’t find one either !! Amusing given all the other “chains” that have models in HO and N (I have a McDonald’s, KFC, and Denny’s in N-Scale) either through Summit Models or plans.
Here is Summit Models which has GREAT buildings: http://www.summit-customcuts.com/homeproducts/buildingshoscale.html
OH OH OH !!! Summit Models IS planning on releasing a Waffle House !! http://www.summit-customcuts.com/futureproducts.html
Here though are plans for a Denny’s: http://www.trains.com/mrr/objects/pdf/mr_cp_9-05_high-tech_01.pdf
I build N-Scale for the current Union Pacific in the San Joaquin and Santa Clara Valley’s… no Waffle House out here.
In case you can’t WAIT… here is their site if you wanted to build one from their photos: http://www.wafflehouse.com/default.asp
Cleaning Model Railroad Train Rail N Scale
