To build or not to build !?

philnotts · February 10, 2015, 09:49:51 AM

Hello all!

I really want to get into N Gauge and either build a layout or buy one. If i were to go down the buying route is ebay the best place to look to pruchase a layout!?

I just dont think i have the time, or skill to build the layout i want :/

Cheers,

Phil

austinbob · February 10, 2015, 09:53:42 AM

Quote from: philnotts on February 10, 2015, 09:49:51 AM
Hello all!

I really want to get into N Gauge and either build a layout or buy one. If i were to go down the buying route is ebay the best place to look to pruchase a layout!?

I just dont think i have the time, or skill to build the layout i want :/

Cheers,

Phil

Phil
You could try building a small layout to see how you get on. This would allow you to get new skills in layout building without having to spend too much time. If you are happy with what you have achieved you can move on to bigger things with more confidence.
I wish I'd taken my own advice a couple of years back as I have embarked on a layout which is a lot of work. Still worth the effort for me though.

MikeDunn · February 10, 2015, 10:08:30 AM

Hi Phill,

While there are layouts on fleaBay, they tend to be best avoided ! While you do get photos, you can bet any flaws will be obscured or down-right hidden ...

Frankly, a layout isn't that difficult to make ! Really ! I'm in the (slow) process of making my first one. I never thought I would be able to make a decent job, but I am quite happy with the way things are progressing (apart from the lack of time I have :'(). I suggest you start small (a 4x2, or 6x4).

Some questions :

Do you have some basic woodworking tools, eg saw, drill, etc ?
Do you have a reasonable DIY store nearby that sells wood (ply and battens) ?
Do you have a reasonable model rail shop nearby that sells scenic materials ?

If 'yes' to the first one, you can make the base area without a problem

It's just sawing & screwing

If 'yes' to the second one, you can easily get the materials (and they may either have them in suitable sizes or be willing to cut to your requirements)

If 'yes' to the third one, you have a local resource to ask questions to on how to use particular scenic items. If 'no' to it, well you'll need to buy on-line (plenty of suppliers) and you can ask all your questions here

Once you have a reasonable track plan (ask here for suggestions, post your design, & we'll help you refine), you can make the hard infrastructure (the board), and then start the basic track & hard scenery (maybe the other way around

).

You'll enjoy a layout much more if you make it yourself - trust me

Mike

PS - it's also a lot cheaper than buying a layout new, and a lot less frustrating than buying a poor one second-hand because it was cheap !!!

Jonny · February 10, 2015, 10:16:45 AM

Phil

Or you could commission somebody to build one for you to your specs

Cheers

Jonny

Newportnobby · February 10, 2015, 10:24:55 AM

Phil,
If you're really, really sure you want to buy a layout then Ollie3440 of this forum makes and sells layouts. See.............
http://thefiddleyard.webs.com/

I agree with others, though. It's far more satisfying to know you've made your own, especially with all the advice to be gained via the NGF collective.

Crackerbill · February 10, 2015, 10:27:49 AM

Hi Phil,

I totally agree with Mike and Bob. Build your own - it needn't be too complicated - just keep it simple. You'll be surprised how your skills increase and improve. One major advantage is of course the satisfaction of "building it yourself".

For any current and future problems there will be always be someone on this Forum who will be able to help. Remember we've all been there and were all in your position once.

Best of luck and enjoy your N gauge.

Bill

philnotts · February 10, 2015, 10:51:45 AM

Hello.

Thank you for your replies.

I think the time, landscape and scenery parts is my main concern. I may look into buying one or maybe looking to build.

Thanks,

Phil

Zunnan · February 10, 2015, 11:14:07 AM

I'll second the suggestions above. Build your own is preferable to keep costs lower, you'll also have a better idea what is going on when something inevitably decides to have a hissy fit later. Its easier to fault find in your own work

Alternatively, if you'd rather buy, do so from a reputable builder rather than something on ebay with who knows how many undisclosed issues. You'll pay considerably more for a professionally built layout, but you get what you pay for. The other alternative is to go to one of the baseboard producers with your specification and have the baseboards laser cut for you to assemble.

Time, landscape and scenery can go hand in hand. I built a 1m long photographic diorama in 24 hours, which included building the boards, scratch building and painting a bridge, laying the track and doing the scenery.

When time is a constraint, there is always a way to do things to a reasonable standard in next to no time! And at the end of the day you'll get the layout you want, by trial and error.

petercharlesfagg · February 10, 2015, 07:55:43 PM

As another first timer in "N", I would say "Go for IT!"

Build one for yourself, put YOUR heart into it, YOUR ideas etc.

Take your time! Make mistakes, sometimes BIG ones, I have!

Landscape, scenery and all that stuff will take time and effort but it WILL be YOUR layout!

In your initial post you summed it up perfectly, I quote:- "I really want to get into N Gauge "

Welcome to the obsession, Peter.

port perran · February 10, 2015, 08:07:00 PM

I'd definitely go for building your own.
Maybe start small to get the feel of building things. I'm on my second layout having learned the hard way with my first one. You will be surprised just how quickly your skills/confidence develop.
And...as Peter says, it WILL become an obsession !

Ditape · February 10, 2015, 08:12:27 PM

I'd say have a go yourself it's a great de-stresser and you can always find the odd hour to make some progress, start with something simple and see how it goes.

Bealman · February 10, 2015, 08:32:12 PM

Half the fun is building it, buddy. And hey, you're not really a true railway modeller until you've burnt yerself with a soldering iron and got rail joiners under your fingernails

port perran · February 10, 2015, 08:34:49 PM

Quote from: Bealman on February 10, 2015, 08:32:12 PM
Half the fun is building it, buddy. And hey, you're not really a true railway modeller until you've burnt yerself with a soldering iron and got rail joiners under your fingernails

Or cut yourself with the modelling knife.

Bealman · February 10, 2015, 08:39:16 PM

Oooh. Let's not put the fellow off, here!

Bob Tidbury · February 10, 2015, 09:04:08 PM

I thought that burning yourself with the soldering iron etc was all part of the learning curve + you also learn a new language that's not repeatable on this family forum but can be bleeped out with the appropriate smilie.
But you really must build it yourself just on the wiring alone lots of people use diferant methods what suits one wouldn't suit another .
If you buy ready built unless you can trace wiring when something goes wrong your up the creek without a paddle and you'd end up starting again anyway.
You made a good move in joining this forum because if you do get stuck there's some one who will help you we have some really expert Modelers only to willing to help beginners after all we all started out like you.
Please keep us posted on your progress.
Bob