So you’re into the miniscule tikes, huh? You won’t hear an dissent from me. There is nothing so neat as little tiny trains. These miniature beauties really can make for a captivating model training experience. Another interesting thing about these tiny trains is that they are so tiny you can practically fit them anywhere. Let’s think a little bit about how we could use them in different spaces:
The smallest N scale space:
It doesn’t get any less space consuming than this. See that little table over there where you have that plant, that’s enough space for it. If we do this layout though, we are really constrained to just having the trains go around in a donut. The only other possibilities would be a figure 8 or concentric donuts.
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. A good way of adding interest to your n-model railroad layout is to hand over your hard earned money for some of these and add them to your layout. Atlas is a good first stop for these accessories.
3’ x 3’ N Model with lake and bridge crossing:
If you can get just a small amount of extra space then you can make things a lot more complicated. It doesn’t seem like much but it makes a humungous difference. You will need a dedicated train table to do this, but if you place a lake at the center of your track you can have the trains circling it and crossing over its river at the edges. 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.
Add systematically to your track layout:
Commence with a basic circle and connect, connect, connect. So you can set the ball rolling with a track plan similar to our 3’ x 3’ plan and then when you are ready add another 3’ table to it. You might extend a stream so that it is in the middle and then have your track criss-cross it as it moves down the table. This is also a good way of adding variations to your landscape as you go. Perhaps add a ruined boom town or a waterfall to create interesting variations and harness your growing modeling abilities.
N scale gives you the most choices for the least amount of space. Just try to think outside of the box and make your track plan both manage your space and to realize your imagination. If you find a particular landscape captivating, construct it. Others are likely to find it captivating as well.
Here is more information on N Scale Model Trains. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Model Trains.
One of the smaller scales of model train, the N in N scale model train stands for the number nine; the space between the rails used for these trains is nine millimeters. This scale is significantly smaller than the other popular scales of model train: O and HO, making this ideal for those model train hobbyists who don’t necessarily have a lot of room to devote to their hobby but want to maximize their use of space. N scale is also a good choice for those who want to run longer trains in their layouts. These trains have the advantage of being smaller and lighter and as such, they need less power than do the larger model railroad scales.
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.
N model railroad scale trains may be small, but they are commonly used enough that it is easy to find plenty of accessories, scenery and other items for these trains and their layouts. N scale scenery is available which is every bit as detailed as the scenery you can find for the larger trains. You can even find steam locomotives in N scale which use real boilers. Since the trains are so small, they can use either a conventional model train power supply or a battery.
You can fit N Model Railroad almost anywhere, including small apartments or rooms dedicated to other uses. Even extremely complex layouts will fit on a single sheet of plywood, and are easy to move around. You’ll find many examples of layouts in photographs and in online video. Beginners can get access to books and instructional videos that can be a huge help in putting together their layouts.
Many people are of the opinion that a less popular scale such as N scale doesn’t offer a lot of choices to hobbyists in terms of accessories and scenery items - but as it happens, there is plenty available to N scale enthusiasts. While you might not see everything you’re looking for in a local hobby shop, you can easily find all of the N scale accessories you need on the web. There are websites which specialize in sets and accessories for this scale of model train.
For the beginner, Bachman offers a variety of N model railroad sets, such as the White Christmass Express, which comes with the track for a 34″ by 24″ oval layout and features a steam locomotive with tender car and working headlight, plus two cars and a caboose. The power pack and speed controller are included, and lots of other sets and accessories can be purchased, too.
admin | March 15, 2010
