I've been fiddling around with N gauge for nearly two years now and would like to post my opinions/experiences in changing from EM gauge to N gauge if anyone is interested.
The main reason I changed from EM to N gauge is because of not enough space to run realistic trains on EM gauge in the space I had available. N gauge made it so much easier to design a layout with more realistic train lengths and more scenic breaks.
The positives of changing to N gauge were.
1. Good level of detail in modern Locos and rolling stock – better than my eyes could ever resolve right now.
2. Good range of locos and rolling stock from Farish and Dapol with excellent detail and realism.
3. Brilliant for maximising use of space and running realistic trains
4. Excellent support from the retailers I have used. Ehattons, Gaugemaster and my local model shop Alton Model Centre in Alton Hampshire (highly recommended)
The downside is – in my experience (not every loco but too high a percentage!)
1. Badly adjusted pickups.
2. Poor slow running in some instances, particularly kettles, although some are very good.
3. Loose NEM couplings.
4. Intermittent/jerky operation.
5. Noisy operation
6. Badly adjusted quartering on kettles
7. Valve gear and link motions locking/falling apart – Kettles
8. Eccentric wheel sets – mostly diesels.
9. Lack of complete kits for locos and rolling stock – the range for 4mm is very extensive.
In general inadequate quality in around 50% of the locos I have purchases.
Despite all this I think I have made the right decision to go N gauge and I am thoroughly enjoying getting my new layout planned (and hopefully working soon). I just wish there was something that could be done to resolve the totally unacceptable quality issues with N gauge.
I also would like to say that if it wasn't for the advice, encouragement and support from this forum I might have given up on N gauge a while ago with all the problems I've had.
We have , of course, been through most of the negative points before (often several times).
I'm glad however that you are sticking with N gauge. I for one like the ability to be able to model with reasonable accuracy and to make a reasonable size layout in a small space. I think that for the majority of modellers (me included) it's important to create a feel for the scene that you are modelling not absolute perfection.
The problems around locomotives is something that I feel that manufacturers need to address and take seriously. I for one, would forgo some of the absolute detail for more reliable running. Although, having said that, I have about 25 locomotives and I'm only really unhappy with about 4 ( 2 steam and two diesels) of them. Maybe I'm just lucky in that respect. I'd be happy to pay an extra £5-£10 per locomotive for good performance.
I'd second your point re good selection of stock available and I also think that the availability and quality of scenery is improving all the time. That is with the possible exception of ready to plant buildings (which doesn't bother me as I make mostly my own or use kits).
Overall,I'm very pleased with N and think we can look forward to more improvements in the future.
Just my thoughts and ramblings !
Quote from: port perran on January 03, 2015, 09:37:45 PM
We have , of course, been through most of the negative points before (often several times).
I'm glad however that you are sticking with N gauge. I for one like the ability to be able to model with reasonable accuracy and to make a reasonable size layout in a small space. I think that for the majority of modellers (me included) it's important to create a feel for the scene that you are modelling not absolute perfection.
The problems around locomotives is something that I feel that manufacturers need to address and take seriously. I for one, would forgo some of the absolute detail for more reliable running. Although, having said that, I have about 25 locomotives and I'm only really unhappy with about 4 ( 2 steam and two diesels) of them. Maybe I'm just lucky in that respect. I'd be happy to pay an extra £5-£10 per locomotive for good performance.
I'd second your point re good selection of stock available and I also think that the availability and quality of scenery is improving all the time. That is with the possible exception of ready to plant buildings (which doesn't bother me as I make mostly my own or use kits).
Overall,I'm very pleased with N and think we can look forward to more improvements in the future.
Just my thoughts and ramblings !
Thanks for a very balanced response. After a lot of remedial work most of my locos are working fine. Its just a real shame I should have to fiddle with them to get them to work properly - don't you think?
Quote from: austinbob on January 03, 2015, 09:01:58 PM
if anyone is interested.
Yes, I am, thank you for posting your thoughts.
In my case I have had a 100% failure rate :(
but as that was only 1 model bought and returned some would say that is a poor statistic with an error bar as long as your arm :)
(that was an attempt at humour in case anyone was about to jump on me !)
So new thoughts are always welcome while I bore everyone with loadsa questions while I make up my mind what to do next !
It may well be the case that negative points ( and positive ones as well ?) have all been gone over before but
new models (and modelers) come along all the time so new views are good.
Just another ramble :)
Quote from: MalcolmAL on January 03, 2015, 09:59:25 PM
Quote from: austinbob on January 03, 2015, 09:01:58 PM
if anyone is interested.
Yes, I am, thank you for posting your thoughts.
In my case I have had a 100% failure rate :(
but as that was only 1 model bought and returned some would say that is a poor statistic with an error bar as long as your arm :)
(that was an attempt at humour in case anyone was about to jump on me !)
So new thoughts are always welcome while I bore everyone with loadsa questions while I make up my mind what to do next !
It may well be the case that negative points ( and positive ones as well ?) have all been gone over before but new models (and modelers) come along all the time so new views are good.
Just another ramble :)
I really don't want to appear negative. Modern N gauge has a lot going for it and the look and feel of current locos and rolling stock is excellent. I've encountered quite a few problems with locos (none with rolling stock of any kind) and have had to fettle locos to get them to work to the standard I think is acceptable and have returned a few for repair/replacement. Mostly things have worked out ok but I shouldn't have to go through this hassle to get good quality locos.
I'm gonna make a new years resolution here. I will not post any more complaints about loco quality because everyone has heard it before!! BUT I hope people will campaign with the manufacturers to get the quality we all deserve. We are a captive audience - I hope the manufacturers will not take us for granted.
Happy New year to everyone.
Quote from: austinbob on January 03, 2015, 10:42:39 PM
I'm gonna make a new years resolution here. I will not post any more complaints about loco quality because everyone has heard it before!!
Eh ! ?
That isnt what I was asking you to do !!!
Quote from: MalcolmAL on January 03, 2015, 10:47:09 PM
Quote from: austinbob on January 03, 2015, 10:42:39 PM
I'm gonna make a new years resolution here. I will not post any more complaints about loco quality because everyone has heard it before!!
Eh ! ?
That isnt what I was asking you to do !!!
I know that MalcolmAl - but I imagine most people here know my views about poor loco quality and there is no point in repeating those views ad infinitum. I will continue to hassle the retailers and manufacturers to get good stuff but will stop boring this forum with the same old complaints! Lets hope the new year brings some improvements. We're off to a good start with the new Farish Duchess which was superb out of the box when I received it - and also the 4f which has had good reviews.
Hi All
It would be interesting to get a comparison on loco running qualities from our 00 friends!
I have an oval of 00 track for my daughter and we have three locos, two cheap 0-4-0, one is good and one so-so and a little L&Y pug is an awful runner
:hmmm:
Quote from: Rabbitaway on January 03, 2015, 10:57:04 PM
Hi All
It would be interesting to get a comparison on loco running qualities from our 00 friends!
I have an oval of 00 track for my daughter and we have three locos, two cheap 0-4-0, one is good and one so-so and a little L&Y pug is an awful runner
:hmmm:
Yes, that would be interesting. You'd think that as the locos are so much bigger it would be easier to get them to work properly.
Quote from: austinbob on January 03, 2015, 10:56:49 PM
I know that MalcolmAl - but I imagine most people here know my views about poor loco quality and there is no point in repeating those views ad infinitum.
Ok,
but as I said, new modellers (and for that matter new forum members) come along all the time
and if existing members stop posting for fear of repeating to other existing members then one ends up with either a very quiet forum or a very elite club
, , , or a forum that is so 'up itself' , , , no names no pack drill , , , but I can think of two. (edit, at least ! )
Some interesting points, firstly support from retailers mentioned , plus others should
be uniform across all scales and products, probably it is. The detail on recent models is
very good, however this should not be at the cost of poor running or reliability ,if
manufacturers spend more on improving detail on bodies, but skimp on reliability
or running qualities they have to fix these or make refunds which may cost them
more in the long run , especially if buyers give models bad reviews .
Poor running of steam locos is often mentioned on the forum, perhaps the
minute size of valve gear and conrods makes this inevitable unless heavier
and less realistic components are used , also unreliable pickups
which are a real pain.
One point about N gauge is the question of kits, there are the brass type
kits involving soldering etc which are quite daunting in a small scale
and the less detailed Peco type kits , easier to build at the expense of
authenticity though I enjoy putting them together.
I think your post gives quite a good summary of the situation, if more
Hornby models in N appear and DJM stuff materialises things may
change. Not forgetting Union Mills who work to a tried and trusted
formula.
Quote from: MalcolmAL on January 03, 2015, 11:05:42 PM
Quote from: austinbob on January 03, 2015, 10:56:49 PM
I know that MalcolmAl - but I imagine most people here know my views about poor loco quality and there is no point in repeating those views ad infinitum.
Ok,
but as I said, new modellers (and for that matter new forum members) come along all the time
and if existing members stop posting for fear of repeating to other existing members then one ends up with either a very quiet forum or a very elite club
, , , or a forum that is so 'up itself' , , , no names no pack drill , , , but I can think of two. (edit, at least ! )
Point taken - thanks
Quote from: MalcolmAL on January 03, 2015, 11:05:42 PMor a very elite club
, , , or a forum that is so 'up itself' , , , no names no pack drill , , , but I can think of two. (edit, at least ! )
PS.
I suppose I should say, in case anyone was thinking, no that isnt sour grapes nor a result of exchanges elswhere !
one I am not even a member of, just dont like the attitude of the owner(s) and minions.
Right then, I suppose I'd better shut up now as well, boring everyone with yet another opinionated new(ish)comer ;)
It has only been a few years since I moved from OO to N gauge and for a brief period I did have both.
I run models of diesels and both gauges have run very well with the exception of Hornby's ex-Lima bubble car 121's and 101 dmu's. It should be pointed out that those OO models were a very old design.
So, in my experience N is better than OO but because I exclude steam outline my comparison is probably not representative. I would point out that a problem in OO is easier to fix !
I have had OO before and have had problems with locos etc which I expect with N gauge which I have moved to mainly due to size available for a layout with what I want.
The only negative I have found between the 2 scales has been the limited numbers of Electric Locos / EMUs out there. But it is one I realize I would have encountered all along and have to work around (in some cases with a hit on the wallet).
N gauge is more specialized to adult rather than OO which is more friendly to younger users I had OO stuff since I was 4 (now 29 well physically anyhow) but there tends to be a rather cautious approach by the mainstream manufactures to going for these types of trains.
Now from what is said about sales of say the Dapol 86s and the class 380 Desiro sets been not as good as was hoped it has made them shy away from producing other Electric trains which I can understand, the issue with that is like I say N gauge is a more adult scale and therefore something more realistic is wanted so people will not want to get other Electrics if they can't get the accompanying RTR electrics such as class 92, 304, 323 sets etc.
I just hope that in the coming time that maybe the mainstream manufactures will take a gamble on the long term and start looking at more modern and less numerous trains that we have on our railways today, as after all none of us are getting any younger and I would like to model what I remember from may youth which doesn't involve steam, and finally begin to balance things out.
Out of interest, were the manufacturers who supplied the locomotives you had problems with, US, UK, Japanese or Continental in origin?
Thanks.
Quote from: austinbob on January 03, 2015, 09:01:58 PM
The downside is – in my experience (not every loco but too high a percentage!)
1. Badly adjusted pickups.
2. Poor slow running in some instances, particularly kettles, although some are very good.
3. Loose NEM couplings.
4. Intermittent/jerky operation.
5. Noisy operation
6. Badly adjusted quartering on kettles
7. Valve gear and link motions locking/falling apart – Kettles
8. Eccentric wheel sets – mostly diesels.
9. Lack of complete kits for locos and rolling stock – the range for 4mm is very extensive.
In general inadequate quality in around 50% of the locos I have purchases.
But I have made the other decision and I am selling up and moving to OO. (Two other factors, I made 'N' layout too wide 1100mm and have problems reaching other side also now haw a larger area to set up new layout)
But its not just the Loco's and rolling stock but the track too. (point motor alignment for frog polarity changes, flange problems on some point's, etc)
Quote from: Komata on January 04, 2015, 01:22:37 AM
Out of interest, were the manufacturers who supplied the locomotives you had problems with, US, UK, Japanese or Continental in origin?
Thanks.
All Farish and Dapol Komata
Quote from: Tom@Crewe on January 04, 2015, 08:11:35 AM
Quote from: austinbob on January 03, 2015, 09:01:58 PM
The downside is – in my experience (not every loco but too high a percentage!)
1. Badly adjusted pickups.
2. Poor slow running in some instances, particularly kettles, although some are very good.
3. Loose NEM couplings.
4. Intermittent/jerky operation.
5. Noisy operation
6. Badly adjusted quartering on kettles
7. Valve gear and link motions locking/falling apart – Kettles
8. Eccentric wheel sets – mostly diesels.
9. Lack of complete kits for locos and rolling stock – the range for 4mm is very extensive.
In general inadequate quality in around 50% of the locos I have purchases.
But I have made the other decision and I am selling up and moving to OO. (Two other factors, I made 'N' layout too wide 1100mm and have problems reaching other side also now haw a larger area to set up new layout)
But its not just the Loco's and rolling stock but the track too. (point motor alignment for frog polarity changes, flange problems on some point's, etc)
For one minute dont expect 00 to be any different with regards to locomotives. In this day and age where we demand more and finer detail the valve gear still has a tendency to twist,buckle and lock up. Resulting in costly repairs if spares are available. Take hornby for instance. Their availability of spares leaves questions. They would rather you by a new model than repair.
There are pros and cons to all gauges they all have there faults. Even kit building isnt without faults. Some companies kits are better than others. Its all a personal preference and cost.
Apart from an 00 gauge train set when I was knee high to a grasshopper, my N gauge foray started when I was a (supposed) adult and I've never looked back :no:
I've never managed to afford a residence which gives me the space I dream of so N was naturally the way to go. Early models were a bit clunky and, to the purists, probably way out of spec detail wise but, hey, if it looked a bit like an 8F it was an 8F to me.
It's true more recent models have superb detailing and it seems a lottery if you get a good 'un or a lemon but, sadly, I can't see Farish/Dapol amending their ways. Hopefully we'll see a lot of difference with DJM owing to the promised QC checks, and the recent entry of Hornby (Arnold) into the fray can only be a good thing.
I thank Bob for his positive comments about this forum because, not only is it a great place for us all to get together and have a 'chinwag' and a bit of banter, but there is great advice to be had and the NGF is proven to save you money, time and a lot of heartache.
Happy N Gauging!
:NGF:
Totally agree. You brought back memories of me time at Wigan show when you said 00 looks like toys. :thumbsup:
George
Quote from: Bealman on January 04, 2015, 11:47:28 AM
Totally agree. You brought back memories of me time at Wigan show when you said 00 looks like toys. :thumbsup:
George
The thing that always amazes me, after a couple of years living with N gauge, is that when I look at 4mm scale stuff now it seems HUGE!!
Speaking as someone who dabbles in a range of scales...
10 - 15 years ago, modellers in larger scales could justifiably look down on much of what was available in N gauge as 'crude' and 'unreliable' however in that period great steps forward have been made in the accuracy of N gauge models, the level of detail, and the running characteristics.
The OP is not the first occasion I have heard frustrations from someone changing from a larger scale to N. As a consequence of their smaller size N gauge models are inevitably more fragile and more susceptible to damage either in transit or through handling - there is not a lot that can be done about that other than undoing the improvements in detail.
There are lessons to be learnt by modelers changing scales to N that they need to handle the models more carefully and they need to take more care in laying track etc because of the finer tolerances. As a collective, we need to promote the positives of the scale but also accept that there are things you can get 'get away with' in larger scales you can't do in N and ensure new recruits to the scale understand that.
I've had locos with all of the problems mentioned in the first post. Thankfully not all on one loco at once! :D
I'll continue to model in N because it really appeals to me and either return faulty locos or try and sort out running problems myself.
Posts complaining about quality control don't bother at all me as they act as unbiased reviews and help me decide which locos to buy. Too many negative posts about a particular loco and I will think twice about buying one.
I agree with PLDs points about changing scales, N gauge models and track need to be handled with care.
Quote from: silly moo on January 04, 2015, 01:39:01 PM
I agree with PLDs points about changing scales, N gauge models and track need to be handled with care.
I agree also that N gauge models are delicate and need to be handled with care - that pretty much goes without saying.
Most of the problems I've had, and many others who have posted on this issue, have been straight out of the box. Also all the problems I listed in my original post, apart from those related to valve gear and quartering, would be unlikely to be caused by poor handling.
I feel sorry for the youngsters who want to take up the hobby of N gauge modelling who may also receive a dud and are put off the hobby as a result.
I've damaged locos just getting them out of the box!
To throw in a couple of pence.....
Last year I bought three 00 kettles - 2 Bachmann (7F & 3F) and 1 Hornby (Mallard).
All three were cosmetically and mechanically perfect, no fettling required (bought new, online untested).
To date I have never bought a single N kettle that has been perfect out of the box (10 different model types). I only own 3 of them (J39, A1 and WD), all of which needed some form of tweaking (J39 chassis off square causing crabbing, A1 valve gear bent causing crabbing, WD needed draw bar loosening as it retained a kink when exiting curves)
Most N diesels have been right bar the odd issue.
If Farish could solve the quatering issues I'd have 10+ kettles now, which is a shame IMO as some of them look fantastic.
Quote from: Bealman on January 04, 2015, 03:21:40 PM
I've damaged locos just getting them out of the box!
Yeah, I've got a BachFar Deltic too. It lives on the layout for safety's sake.
But seriously, one of my first OO locomotives was a Mainline Standard Class 4MT (or 5MT, I can never remember) 4-6-0 which survived my inexpert junior hands pretty well (I remember at least one layout -> floor fall which took out one of the cab window struts but otherwise it was fine; I'll dig it out and see if it still runs). I acquired the Farish 5MT which is pretty damn similar and my first N-steamer and I'm like "OMG this comes out of its box on special occasions and gets run very carefully". 'Tis a mighty delicate thing which should probably not be sold to anyone under the age of 28.
Since my return to the hobby I have to say the quality and appearance of dapol and farish n gauge diesels that are my era have been generally very good....I think a lot of running problems are caused by unevenly laid track where n gauge is definitely less tolerant of poor baseboard joints or dips and bumps...if I had to start my layout again I would have been even more ocd with the base !. I also would pay more for my locos if the running quality was improved as I think the body details are now excellent and more focus is needed on the mechanics ! Being able to run longer rakes than larger scales is the main attraction to n
austinbob
Thanks for the reply; the problem being with 'quality control' rather than with the scale per se'? Before you 'break-up' what you have made, have you given serious consideration to modelling 'off shore' (US, Japan, Europe); if only because the equipment from these sources tends to be a lot more reliable than the 'Home' products you are working with?
And if that is not an alternative, have you even considered a foray into Narrow Gauge (I know, heresies and all that); specifically .009? If you followed that route, it would mean you could still use the same tracks, just altering the bodies etc. to fit the new scale. Lots of 'in scale support' available BTW...
Just some thoughts...
Quote from: Komata on January 04, 2015, 05:25:54 PM
Before you 'break-up' what you have made...........
Hi Komata.
I think you've misunderstood slightly. I don't intend to give up on what I've started. I've got all (nearly) my locos running to my satisfaction and I'm a confirmed late UK steam/early green diesel bloke.
My beef has been the quality and reliability of the locos. I do envy those who have the quality and reliability of the US and Japanese and some European models - but they're not for me.
I promised in one of my posts not to go on about this quality/reliability issue - looks like I've broken that new year resolution already!! :hmmm: :smiley-laughing:
I had a running session this afternoon, putting the following locos through their paces :
Poole Mk.1 Duchess
2 x China Mk.1 Duchess
Mk.2 Black 5
rebuilt Royal Scot
Fairburn tank
Dapol B17 (has hit the deck twice)
Union Mills Prince of Wales
All were "poetry in motion", except the Black 5.
I must be one of the lucky ones who is generally satisfied with the quality of N gauge locos, although I admit to being apprehensive every time I buy a new one.
If only my track laying was as good as my locos !
Best regards,
Joe
Quote from: joe cassidy on January 04, 2015, 06:30:33 PM
I had a running session this afternoon, putting the following locos through their paces :
Poole Mk.1 Duchess
2 x China Mk.1 Duchess
Mk.2 Black 5
rebuilt Royal Scot
Fairburn tank
Dapol B17 (has hit the deck twice)
Union Mills Prince of Wales
All were "poetry in motion", except the Black 5.
I must be one of the lucky ones who is generally satisfied with the quality of N gauge locos, although I admit to being apprehensive every time I buy a new one.
If only my track laying was as good as my locos !
Best regards,
Joe
I'm just about to start track laying for my layout. I've been running/testing all my stock on a simple oval for a year or more now. So its time I got stuck in and got on with it - Don't seem to be able to get out of the 'planning' stage.
New years resolution - get on with the track laying Bob.. :A1Tornado:
Quote from: austinbob on January 04, 2015, 06:37:15 PM
Quote from: joe cassidy on January 04, 2015, 06:30:33 PM
I had a running session this afternoon, putting the following locos through their paces :
Poole Mk.1 Duchess
2 x China Mk.1 Duchess
Mk.2 Black 5
rebuilt Royal Scot
Fairburn tank
Dapol B17 (has hit the deck twice)
Union Mills Prince of Wales
All were "poetry in motion", except the Black 5.
I must be one of the lucky ones who is generally satisfied with the quality of N gauge locos, although I admit to being apprehensive every time I buy a new one.
If only my track laying was as good as my locos !
Best regards,
Joe
I'm just about to start track laying for my layout. I've been running/testing all my stock on a simple oval for a year or more now. So its time I got stuck in and got on with it - Don't seem to be able to get out of the 'planning' stage.
New years resolution - get on with the track laying Bob.. :A1Tornado:
Looking forward to seeing some pictures of track being laid soon then :claphappy:
Quote from: port perran on January 04, 2015, 09:06:52 PM
Looking forward to seeing some pictures of track being laid soon then :claphappy:
Yes - I really ought to find out how to post pictures - and if you guys keep hassling me I'm gonna have to get down and do something about my track laying. :-[
Quote from: austinbob on January 04, 2015, 09:11:25 PM
Quote from: port perran on January 04, 2015, 09:06:52 PM
Looking forward to seeing some pictures of track being laid soon then :claphappy:
Yes - I really ought to find out how to post pictures - and if you guys keep hassling me I'm gonna have to get down and do something about my track laying. :-[
:photospleasesign: :photospleasesign: :photospleasesign:
So what's this "track laying" everyone keeps talking about? ??? ???
Quote from: railsquid on January 04, 2015, 10:07:37 PM
Quote from: austinbob on January 04, 2015, 09:11:25 PM
Quote from: port perran on January 04, 2015, 09:06:52 PM
Looking forward to seeing some pictures of track being laid soon then :claphappy:
Yes - I really ought to find out how to post pictures - and if you guys keep hassling me I'm gonna have to get down and do something about my track laying. :-[
:photospleasesign: :photospleasesign: :photospleasesign:
So what's this "track laying" everyone keeps talking about? ??? ???
Good question railsquid.
I have baseboards complete
I have a plan (AnyRail)
I have basic wiring done - each baseboard of three has its own mimic panel
I have locos - all working to my satisfaction now (mostly)
I have rolling stock - coaches and wagons
I have bought all the track
I have no track laid to my plan - I have a boring old oval to run in and test my stuff
So. time to get on with getting the track down for my layout - yes?
:A1Tornado:
YES! >:D
Quote from: newportnobby on January 05, 2015, 10:23:56 AM
YES! >:D
OOps.. Looks like people are waiting for me to do something now. :thankyousign:
Quote from: Tom@Crewe on January 04, 2015, 08:11:35 AM
Quote from: austinbob on January 03, 2015, 09:01:58 PM
The downside is – in my experience (not every loco but too high a percentage!)
1. Badly adjusted pickups.
2. Poor slow running in some instances, particularly kettles, although some are very good.
3. Loose NEM couplings.
4. Intermittent/jerky operation.
5. Noisy operation
6. Badly adjusted quartering on kettles
7. Valve gear and link motions locking/falling apart – Kettles
8. Eccentric wheel sets – mostly diesels.
9. Lack of complete kits for locos and rolling stock – the range for 4mm is very extensive.
In general inadequate quality in around 50% of the locos I have purchases.
But I have made the other decision and I am selling up and moving to OO. (Two other factors, I made 'N' layout too wide 1100mm and have problems reaching other side also now haw a larger area to set up new layout)
But its not just the Loco's and rolling stock but the track too. (point motor alignment for frog polarity changes, flange problems on some point's, etc)
Changed mind, will stick with 'N' but new layout is a must.
Quote from: Tom@Crewe on January 05, 2015, 04:20:35 PM
Changed mind, will stick with 'N' but new layout is a must.
Good decision overall - good luck with the new layout Tom.
Pleased to hear that, Tom.
:NGaugersRule:
The thing is when you start laying the track Bob, take your time and take care especially with the points it will pay dividends.
I think N scale is the Premier scale, looks more realistic in smaller locations, for me American or Japanese outline is the only way to go, I found everything else to be just a touch unreliable, nothing worse than taking a brand new model out of a box and finding it is faulty, just my two bobs worth.
Quote from: austinbob on January 05, 2015, 10:28:10 AM
Quote from: newportnobby on January 05, 2015, 10:23:56 AM
YES! >:D
OOps.. Looks like people are waiting for me to do something now. :thankyousign:
[smg id=20181 type=preview align=center caption="My layout plan"]
Ok - this is the plan. It represents a preserved railway with anything steam allowed to run on it and green diesel.
The track is mostly Peco code 55 with the odd bit of code 80 radius 2 set track for the curves bottom left and right.
At the top is the main station with a a bay platform and associated goods yard further south.
Left is a small loco depot.
Right hand side is a preserved station under construction with storage sidings. This basically allows me to have a visible fiddle yard.
Also on the right is a small branch station served by the bay platform at the main station.
The two code 80 curves, at bottom left and right, will be hidden under a hill or such like. Minimum radius elsewhere is 12" for the points on the station under construction - other curves are minimum radius 15"
There are 3 baseboards, each removable, resting on a framework bolted to the wall and with legs at the front. Baseboards are 2ft wide and between 6 and 8 feet long This has been assembled for over a year now and nothing has moved - its all level and rock solid.
Each baseboard has its own mimic panel which operates points and isolating sections for the all DC operation. Main power wiring is attached to the frame and plugs into mimic panels using 4mm and 2mm individual connectors - nice and sturdy for frequent connection/disconnection.
The track is taken over baseboard boundaries using Fleischmann expandable track so I don't have to worry about matching up bits of track at the baseboard edges.
This construction and wiring method means that all the baseboards can be completely removed, with the mimic panels in place and with all the wiring intact (although being quite large they are fairly heavy but manageable. Alternatively they can be folded up on the frames and held in place by bracing pieces so wiring and assembly can be carried out easily without having to climb underneath the baseboards.
Baseboard height is about 42 inches I think. This means that I can easily reach things in the furthest corners standing up and get a really good view of the trains when sitting on a tall stool with a pint!!
When I start the scenery the plan is to have most of it fixed to removable assemblies - probably made of card or light ply - so that it can all be easily taken off to work on off the layout and to maintain the ability to remove the baseboards without damaging scenery.
Just got to finish one mimic panel, wait for a few items to arrive from Gaugemaster - then off we go with the track.
Then wait for the constant stream of questions from me about -
How do you do that? :NGaugersRule:
Interesting plan, Bob. I like the way you have avoided straight tracks as much as possible :thumbsup:
Quote from: newportnobby on January 06, 2015, 07:43:55 PM
Interesting plan, Bob. I like the way you have avoided straight tracks as much as possible :thumbsup:
Thanks - By the way I've started this up in a new thread in Layouts under 'North Hampshire preserved railway.