N Model Railroad Layout

So you’re into the miniscule trains, huh?  Well, I can’t say I disagree with you. They are soooo cooool!. Something about the uncanny resemblance of miniatures really lures us in.  Another great aspect of 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 layout:

It doesn’t get any smaller than this.  We could set it up on the living room table if this is all the space we’re going to use.  If we do this layout though, we are really constrained to just having the trains go around in a donut. The only other alternatives would be a figure 8 or concentric circles.

Pre-fab n scale scenic highlights:

N-scale is so small it is hard to work with. Craftwork is beyond most people’s ability for these little guys but don’t worry, several companies offer lines of pre-fab handiwork. It’s more pricey and less fun but most people who like these tiny models learn to live with it.  Atlas is perhaps one of the best designers for accessories in n-scale.

3’ x 3’ N Model with lake and bridge crossing:

A square 3’ x 3’ space will really open up fun possibilities.  I’ve seen some pretty complex layouts for an area of this size and larger.  You will need a dedicated train table to do this, but if you place a lake at the eye of your track you can have the trains circling it and crossing over its tributary at the edges. It’s a lot more interesting than just a figure 8.  I wouldn’t suggest trying it in a space any smaller than this however. I’ve never seen this work in a smaller space.

Every journey begins with a first step and every model train labyrinth with a primary loop:

A great way of building your design is to increase it piece by piece.  You could begin with a basic 2’ x 4’ design and then add to it so that it is a 2’ by 8’ long island type design and then turn it into an “L” shape, etc., etc..  You might extend a tributary so that it is in the middle and then have your track criss-cross it as it moves down the table. Use your imagination to come up with captivating detail.  Little ranchos or perhaps a mill 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.  Just try to think imaginatively and make your track plan both match your space and to capture your imagination. Make that mental image real. The imaginative 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.

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