N Gauge Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: tank63 on April 01, 2020, 03:09:56 PM

Title: Lurker first too long
Post by: tank63 on April 01, 2020, 03:09:56 PM
I've decided after many years to build a small layout using Kato track. Period BR blue only but I've only a small space to build a layout. Space 2x6 but for the life of me I can not decided on what to model. Any advice would be welcomed
Title: Re: Lurker first too long
Post by: dannyboy on April 01, 2020, 03:24:25 PM
Welcome to the forum tank63.  A 'roundy roundy' will fit in a 2' width, or, you could consider an 'end to end'. How's that for helpfulness?  ;). Seriously, have a look throughout the layout threads for starters, you might get some ideas there.  :thumbsup: I can thoroughly recommend Kato Unitrack and if you do go down that route, it is easy to make it look less 'plastic' like.
Title: Re: Lurker first too long
Post by: Newportnobby on April 01, 2020, 03:35:26 PM
Hi tank63, and welcome to the forum :wave:
I'd suggest an oval with a passing loop and a couple of siding as, in 6 x 2, you'll not get much more in. With a single oval being bi-directional it can make operation interesting. The advantage of an oval is you can use it to run in new locos and also run trains while sitting watching with a glass of your favourite tipple :pint:  :D
Title: Re: Lurker first too long
Post by: RailGooner on April 01, 2020, 04:24:09 PM
Welcome aboard tank63! :wave:
Title: Re: Lurker first too long
Post by: tank63 on April 01, 2020, 05:59:22 PM
Thanks for the advice.
Just had a look through Ian Futters book on Scottish railways found a nice easy branchline with a small station. Very interested as I love Scotland and the people. Some class 20s,37 plus 27s should make a pleasing little layout.
Title: Re: Lurker first too long
Post by: Ditape on April 01, 2020, 06:01:20 PM
 :hellosign: :welcomesign:
Title: Re: Lurker first too long
Post by: Lawrence on April 01, 2020, 09:00:42 PM
Quote from: tank63 on April 01, 2020, 05:59:22 PM
Very interested as I love Scotland and the people.

Clearly a well educated man with exceptional taste  :D

Are you planning to use the double track high speed curves, they work very well if you can squeeze them in, I don't recall the radii at the moment but you find something to whet your appetite here https://www.katousa.com/track-plans/n-plans.html (https://www.katousa.com/track-plans/n-plans.html)
Title: Re: Lurker first too long
Post by: Bealman on April 01, 2020, 09:14:09 PM
Quote from: Lawrence on April 01, 2020, 09:00:42 PM
Quote from: tank63 on April 01, 2020, 05:59:22 PM
Very interested as I love Scotland and the people.

Clearly a well educated man with exceptional taste  :D


:laughabovepost: :laughabovepost:

G'day from Australia, tank63, and welcome to the NGF!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Lurker first too long
Post by: Newportnobby on April 01, 2020, 09:32:48 PM
Quote from: tank63 on April 01, 2020, 05:59:22 PM
Thanks for the advice.
Just had a look through Ian Futters book on Scottish railways found a nice easy branchline with a small station. Very interested as I love Scotland and the people. Some class 20s,37 plus 27s should make a pleasing little layout.

For such a layout I would really urge you to go for open frame construction i.e. the baseboard surface is only under any track rather than 100% coverage. This will allow you to create scenery above and below track level, something that will look really good in a 6ft length.
Title: Re: Lurker first too long
Post by: Bealman on April 01, 2020, 09:34:26 PM
Totally agree.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Lurker first too long
Post by: crewearpley40 on April 01, 2020, 09:39:23 PM
Agree with mick especially if intending to portray a water scene eg a loch, river where the river bed will be lower and foundations for high hills would be made going by scottish scenery
Title: Re: Lurker first too long
Post by: Train Waiting on April 01, 2020, 09:39:38 PM
Welcome aboard.

If you like BR blue and Scottish railways, it might be a good idea to look at the Highland or West Highland lines.  The Highland Main Line has a lot of single track and allows for a fairly wide variety of motive power.  The Far North, Kyle and West Highland lines have a bit less variety of motive power but the advantage of short trains.

Best wishes.

John
Title: Re: Lurker first too long
Post by: crewearpley40 on April 01, 2020, 09:45:35 PM
Two layouts in n spring to mind : loch tat and loch oran
Maybe worth google ing them . Excellent u tube vids to ogle or teuchter if west highland fort William on this forum
Title: Re: Lurker first too long
Post by: port perran on April 02, 2020, 08:16:10 AM
Welcome aboard.
Title: Re: Lurker first too long
Post by: tank63 on April 03, 2020, 07:03:13 PM
Looking  at the 70s/80s some branchline type of layout. So my question is if running a four coach train what would the formation be. Second can you get Scottish numbers to change the coach identity as I don't think any manufacturer does Scottish livery coaches as of yet.
Title: Re: Lurker first too long
Post by: crewearpley40 on April 03, 2020, 07:07:18 PM
Normally a mk 1 bsk and 3 tso . Sometimes just 2. On the west highland line some trains ran with the odd 3 or 4 wagons so to speed delivery up and save too many trains on a single line. Scotrail stock. Can you find any c 1975 to 89 platform 5 books.  Google scotrail mk 2 coaches. You may have to find t cut and renumber
Title: Re: Lurker first too long
Post by: tank63 on April 04, 2020, 10:19:16 AM
Thanks for all the advice
Title: Re: Lurker first too long
Post by: crewearpley40 on April 04, 2020, 10:34:16 AM
I've googled west highland line 1980s , look for the thread west highland line coaching stock early 1980s - uk prototypes. Wagons would mainly be produce, fish, fort Williamson tanks x 2    timber. There is a list of stock there listed