Are N Scale Model Trains Right For You?
Many people think that the N scale train is not as good as some other more popular scales
, like HO. These same people are older folk who may not see as well, or may have arthritic hands.
It is true that these trains are small, only 1:160 scale, but the N scale trains are ideal for people who don't have a lot of space, but still want a really decent layout. You can do a lot with a simple 8'x4' space.
Many say that there aren't as many resources for spare parts and accessories, but that really isn't true. You may not find everything you're looking for at your local hobby shop, but you will find many basic sets available.
For all of your scenery, and miniatures, just go online and look on any search engine. You will not only find just as much products and the HO model trains, but some products you just can't find in larger scales.
Now the first thing you should know right away, N scale model trains, being 1:160 scale, are going to have a large amount of small parts, as well as being an electrical hobby. You will have to make sure you are working away from children under ten, and then only with supervision.
For these sets and layouts, it would be a good idea to put together the layout first, and then show it to the kids. First thing is to get a good basic train set. You have a bunch of choices to choose from, including passenger trains, and freight.
This is also an ideal scale for trains with many cars, because the cars are lightweight, yet highly detailed. You can choose a variety of engine and car designs and styles, including special holiday additions.
The holidays are a good time to pick up more unique sets. You can find holiday accessories, and even complete layouts, with festive engines and cars, carolers, snow capped buildings and much more.
Some of the have mechanisms that actually work, like miniature clock towers, and buildings that play music. Many of these are battery operated, and require no extra power, another really good feature about the N scale trains.
Now if you want a good basic layout, assuming you had all the right tracks and materials on hand, here is a good layout for a 32"x40" area. You will need a total of 63 pieces of track with 24 Atlas-N R-11 30 degree curved tracks, 17Atlas-N R-9.75 30 degree curve track, 4 Atlas-N 0.63inch straight track, 8 Atlas-R 5inch track, and on Atlas-N 2.5 inch straight track.
You will also need 6 Atlas-N #2701 standard #4 right hand turnouts and 3 Atlas-N #2700 #4 left hand turnouts. It is basically four ovals inside of each other, with the third center oval actually a double oval, There is only a one way switch back from the outside, with two sets of switchbacks on the central ones.
You can get this and many more design plans online, that have basic layouts, with just a few decorative ideas, like river crossings and a few suggested plants and buildings. Any of these you would of course have either on hand, or on order.
by: Clint Spille
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