New N Scale Layout plans

As mentioned in my last post, this layout is basically doubling the size of my first layout by adding a separate 80" x 36" hollow core door. The goals I had in mind when deciding I need to expand the first layout are:

1. At least one, very long, track run that would provide some interesting running and break up the monotony of the first lauouts two concentric loops. This was done by having the main line extend down to the bottom level and ten back up again.
2. Expand storage space, add a 'fiddle yard' on the lower level.
3. Expand and maintain separate line for my son, but connect with main line at fiddle yard area, thus creating a junction between the 'upper' and lower' lines.
4. Based on my learning experience from the first layout, improve on scenery, buildings, lighting, electrical, and ensure flawless uni-track connections!

UPDATED! Improved and more accurate version of the "Layout Version 2" track plane at this post.

Layout Version 1 (N Scale)

Last year I built and completed an N Scale layout on a 36" by 80" hollow core door. My previous experience with O Gauge was a great introduction to layout building as its quite amazing how quickly and inexpensively building a cool, interesting N Scale layout can be --- when you consider the cost of doing it in O Scale vs N, the time and money difference is amazing!



The layout was basically composed of a small lower level loop (this was created from some leftover Minitrix track) that was primarily the 'branch line' for my son. The second level, at about 2" elevation, was where I had two basic ovals, an extended siding, and several storage tracks. All of the track on the upper level was Kato Unitrack, which I chose based on its ease of use and no need to do any BALLASTING!



I really enjoyed putting together a layout that, as much as possible, allowed me to build a 'little world' with buildings, lights, and (as much as I can make possible) seamless, error-free, train operating!



Unfortunately, once I ran out of interesting scenery, building and other type of projects on this layout, I found that two ovals were kind of boring and, to make matters worse, I was running out of space on my pitifully inadequate sidings to store my quickly accumulating inventory of Tomix and Kato buildings and Trix and Fleischmann trains!!!

So, it was back to the drawing board, and the project I am now in the midst of "Layout Version 2" which is essentially a doubling of the original layout by adding yet another 36" x 80" board onto the end!

So "LV1" is finished, but out of its ashes comes "LV2"!!!

Trix are for (older) kids

As my first official post to this 'blog', I hope to share with others my interest and thoughts on this very strange hobby called 'model railroading'. I really don't like the term given all the baggage that 'train nuts' tend to unfortunately give to the rest of the world for this particular hobby, and I suppose I must include myself amongst that strange group of people.

Be that as it may, its a fun hobby, and one involving a lot more creativity and novelty than many of the others that I have dabbled in over the years.

Anyway, what's so special about this blog in particular? Well, through an interesting chain of events, I seem to have become a European N Scale modeler (or is it 9mm?) who lives in the far upper left hand corner of the USA. Needless to say, European N scale is NOT the easiest sort of thing to find on the shelves of the Local Hobby Store (LHS as I've seen folks refer to them). Athearn, Lionel, MTH, Bachmann, Atlas, etc... we have our fill (as is right and correct). But Trix (or Minitrix as I prefer), Fleischmann, Roco, Brawa, or Mehano? You would never know they exist but for the internet and a few, interesting, special pockets on the North American continent where these things are pursued.

It would be much easier if I could actually read German, since that community seems to have a lot of web resources dedicated to the hobby, and even for my English speaking peers in the UK, there is some more recognition of the brands and their products from 'the continent', but for a yank like myself, its difficult to find current information and helfpul tips, and just plain old ideas about this hobby, and my strange niche of the hobby, which is the point and purpose of this little blog.

I hope that you find it interesting, and I hope that you'll have something to share as well.