I wish to build a small layout for my grandson to use when visiting, but have no experience of 'n' gauge apart from an 009 layout I built 15 years ago where running was questionable, has the running of modern locos improved over the years?

Also the only space that I have is 36" x  30" and I would prefer a continuous run would that be feasible in this scale, also what is the minimum radius I could use, would prefer to use steam locos.

Thanks for any help and advice offered.

Quote from: nRoy on November 08, 2014, 02:22:10 PM
has the running of modern locos improved over the years?

Yes. But as others are commenting in another thread, the most noticeable improvements are with the diesels and electrics. Steam locomotives have more bits to them where problems can occur. No doubt true with other scales too, but with N, things like valve gear are that bit more delicate and easy to break, and pony trucks that more readily derailed by less than perfect track (or even perfectly laid track designs they happen not to like, such as the Kato No. 4 point). Some diesel designs in particular seem to be particularly problem-free. The old Farish Class 25, still sold (often at a discount) is one such. The current Farish 'Warship' is another model that seems to be consistently well made and reliable.

Quote from: nRoy on November 08, 2014, 02:22:10 PM
Also the only space that I have is 36" x  30" and I would prefer a continuous run would that be feasible in this scale, also what is the minimum radius I could use, would prefer to use steam locos.

Do look at Union Mills models if you want steam locomotives. UM have traded down on detail and paint finish in favour of haulage and reliability. They are massively overpowered really! The later designs are especially nice, and some of the paint finishes, though simple, are very attractive, the T9 in Southern Green for example. But there are many 0-6-0 designs that would be eminently suited to single-track branchline workings, whether passenger or freight. For the price (around £70) it's hard to go wrong with them.

Some nice photos at both ends of this rather long thread:

http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=1245.1
http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=1245.90

Cheers, NeMo

Welcome to the friendly forum Roy, nice to have you on board.  You will get all the help and advice on here and from so who have also just started out in N gauge.

Hi Roy - you cannot go far wrong with the Peco N gauge starter set of track which also comes with plans for various layouts.  You can always add a few more straights and poimts for extra sidings as you build it up.  This is not a learning curve by the way, I found it to be more of a roller coaster!

Currently I am at the top of a hill having laid track, wired for DCC and it all works.........now ready for ballasting then scenery.

No doubt like me you have many questions - use the Search engine on here first - it is brilliant.

Hullo Roy, and welcome to the forum
For sheer simplicity I'd suggest Kato track and points as it is plug and play (bit like Scalextric). One of our advertisers is TrainTrax (see right hand side of the page) and they have a very good reputation.

Hi

I would agree with the suggestion on using Kato track. You do not say the age of your grandson but Kato is quite robust and will withstand accidental knocks and bumps or general finger prodding.  It can be readily used "out of the box" and "clicks" together very easily.  As has been said Train Trax is a good site to use to find out what is available.

As for minimum radius then I would not go below 9" which would easily fit in 30".  Kato have a 249mm radius (approx 9.8") which would work well.  If possible use the 283mm radius.

The quality of n gauge models is now far superior to the past whether Dapol or Graham Farish for British models or Fleischmann if you fancy continental models mostly German in outline. 

Robert.

Welcome to the forum.

Roy,

You should easily be able to get continuous run in "n" - even in such a small space. In fact some people squeeze an amazing amount into small spaces!

The first radius in 2mm scale setrack is 22.5cm (actually equates to 2nd radius in 4mm scale).

I would say that a good place to start is actually a trainset.

Advantages are you get a loco and coaches or wagons to start out with, a transformer/controller and an oval of track - much cheaper than buying them all separately. I find it difficult to make really sharp curves in 2mm scale with flexi-track, so set-track systems can help with this.

I have started to build a West Highland layout, based on a farish trainset. Its is 1970's/80's era, but such a layout could easily adapt to steam, indeed there is space for a small steam-shed if you wanted to add this! Please take a look at layout construction on the forum, you will also see many other fantastic projects based in such a small space.

G'day from Australia, Roy! Welcome to the NGF! 

Hi Roy

Welcome to the friendly forum.

I second (or third) Kato track for its ease of assembly, robustness and the fact that all points have a built in motor and can be powered of a Kato controller.

As to locos I bought a couple of fairly old Farish Diesel locos so a neighbours  boy of 5 could actually pick them up without doing any any damage to the loco or himself. May be the way to go as you can always upgrade them later if he takes a real interest.
                                   

Ray

Kato do an oval of track and controller as a starter set (Kato M1 set) which will fit in your space and gives you excellent track and an excellent controller.

The train set option is also a very good shout, the £85 Graham Farish Depot Master set being a good place to currently start.

Peco do kit wagons which, at £3 - £4 a throw, are good value and are robust enough to withstand the rigors of small hands. If they break, it's no big deal.

Keep an eye on the secondhand side of things on this forum or post a wanted ad up if you know what you're after for cheaper models.

Where are you located?

Dan

Thanks for all the replies, very helpful.

Just a thought would 0-4-0 and 0-6-0 locos plus perhaps a Prairie negotiate a 15"dia curve, i know it would not look that good but most of it would be hidden?

As long as Granson can get 'em outta tunnels!