N Gauge Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: kernowwasp on November 13, 2018, 06:15:15 PM

Title: Buying an n gauge layout
Post by: kernowwasp on November 13, 2018, 06:15:15 PM
Hi, Is there anywhere apart from ebay I could buy a n gauge layout approx 8' x 3' 6".
Is there anywhere on this site I could perhaps buy one?  I am very keen to start but have not had a train layout since I was in my teens and had a oo hornby.
Any help would be fantastic, thank you in advance.
Title: Re: Buying an n gauge layout
Post by: GWR-Kris on November 13, 2018, 11:37:34 PM
You might find some on various forums etc, however often or not the layout are either incomplete, or tired. Its not often layouts come up for sale tbh
Title: Re: Buying an n gauge layout
Post by: Bealman on November 14, 2018, 04:58:14 AM
Yeah, you don't see them too often. We have had a couple here on the forum over the years, as deceased estates, or folk just leaving the hobby for one reason or another, but they have been few and far between.

Why not bite the bullet and jump in and build one yourself? Lots of advice here!
Think of it as your own personal "Great Model Railway Challenge!!"
Title: Re: Buying an n gauge layout
Post by: emjaybee on November 14, 2018, 07:57:50 AM
There are some basic, track laid, basic wiring done layouts for sale on EBay. I spotted this a while back.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PROFESSIONAL-N-GAUGE-TABLE-TOP-LAYOUT-5FTx2-5FT-ANALOGUE-OR-DCC-MADE-TO-ORDER-/183375220092?oid=172818286296 (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PROFESSIONAL-N-GAUGE-TABLE-TOP-LAYOUT-5FTx2-5FT-ANALOGUE-OR-DCC-MADE-TO-ORDER-/183375220092?oid=172818286296)

I have no idea about quality and have no connection with the seller, but noted it for a few ideas for myself.

Title: Re: Buying an n gauge layout
Post by: Bealman on November 14, 2018, 08:11:10 AM
 :o :o

At that price?!  :o
Title: Re: Buying an n gauge layout
Post by: emjaybee on November 14, 2018, 08:20:25 AM
Quote from: Bealman on November 14, 2018, 08:11:10 AM
:o :o

At that price?!  :o

Yup.

But then they're making and selling layouts commercially for people to 'finish'. So if you loom at the man hours from a business perspective,  that's probably reasonable.
Title: Re: Buying an n gauge layout
Post by: Bealman on November 14, 2018, 08:27:03 AM
No way I'd pay that money for that.

Anyway, I thought the point of the hobby was to make things yourself  :hmmm:
Title: Re: Buying an n gauge layout
Post by: emjaybee on November 14, 2018, 08:31:34 AM
Quote from: Bealman on November 14, 2018, 08:27:03 AM
No way I'd pay that money for that.

Anyway, I thought the point of the hobby was to make things yourself  :hmmm:

Well, some people can build locos, wagons, coaches but most of us buy them. Is it that different to buy a tracked and wired layout?

For some people it's the journey, for others it's the destination. How many people fail to get their model railway built because they can't get the track and wiring to work? Then they're lost to the hobby, maybe forever.
Title: Re: Buying an n gauge layout
Post by: Bealman on November 14, 2018, 08:41:44 AM
I see your point, we all have things in this hobby that we are better at doing than others, but there is still no way that I would fork out A$2800 for what is in that photograph.
Title: Re: Buying an n gauge layout
Post by: Lawrence on November 14, 2018, 08:48:18 AM
Always worth keeping an eye on Gumtree and also local auction houses.
Title: Re: Buying an n gauge layout
Post by: Gizzy on November 14, 2018, 09:53:33 AM
I'm looking to buy a base-board, as although I have the skills to make one, I don't have the space or the time....
Title: Re: Buying an n gauge layout
Post by: emjaybee on November 14, 2018, 10:36:33 AM
Quote from: Gizzy on November 14, 2018, 09:53:33 AM
I'm looking to buy a base-board, as although I have the skills to make one, I don't have the space or the time....

I'm the same. I bought a 3'x6' laser cut ply baseboard. I now realise that I should have bought a 3'x5'6". So I'm going to have to cut in down. I think it cost around £300 .
Title: Re: Buying an n gauge layout
Post by: kernowwasp on November 14, 2018, 05:48:38 PM
Thank you for the replies, Really appreciate it
Title: Re: Buying an n gauge layout
Post by: Railwaygun on November 14, 2018, 06:30:49 PM
Baseboards - a number of suppliers, so you can find one to suit your space - , square, linear, L- shaped, ring etc
. Don't forget to buy legs as well!

Track - why not get  Unitrack ( Kato) - cheaper than buying a layout, and the wiring is a doddle - point motors built in and plug'n play cables and controls.

Also elevated sections, level crossings and a working turntable!

Train Trax / Osbornes are well known suppliers and do loco/ track sets,

This will get you going, and if you want to change the track plan, it will dissemble in minutes!

Unitrack hints, track plans etc here

http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=7079.0 (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=7079.0)




Title: Re: Buying an n gauge layout
Post by: kernowwasp on November 14, 2018, 06:39:07 PM
Thanks Railwaygun I will take a look
Title: Re: Buying an n gauge layout
Post by: dannyboy on November 14, 2018, 07:51:56 PM
I can thoroughly endorse Kato Unitrack. Some people think it is too 'model train set' like and is a bit 'plasticky'. Unitrack is easy to adapt and disguise. If you are thinking of going down this route, have a look at -
www.fiferhobby.com (http://www.fiferhobby.com)
there are a lot of videos there to show you how Unitrack works and can be used. (Also recommend Train Trax).
Title: Re: Buying an n gauge layout
Post by: kernowwasp on November 14, 2018, 07:58:46 PM
Thank you dannyboy I will check it out
Title: Re: Buying an n gauge layout
Post by: Gizzy on November 15, 2018, 07:38:50 AM
Another vote here for Kato track. I'm a fan of Swiss railways and especially the Rhatian Railway. Kato have started to bring out some great models of the RhB trains over the last few years, and I've really been taken by their kit!

I also mentioned that I am having a base-board made, due to time constraints, and I've just ordered a bespoke one from Classic Baseboards, local to me in Cambridge, www.classicbaseboards.co.uk (http://www.classicbaseboards.co.uk) for my layout....
Title: Re: Buying an n gauge layout
Post by: Lawrence on November 15, 2018, 09:40:50 AM
I mentioned gumtree earlier and taking a stab at your location from your name, I found this
https://www.gumtree.com/p/hobbies-collectibles/n-gauge-model-railway-layout-with-lighting./1320677554 (https://www.gumtree.com/p/hobbies-collectibles/n-gauge-model-railway-layout-with-lighting./1320677554)

Not suggesting you buy, just that you might like to check it out