New to N Gauge

[simon c]

Hi,

Having run a OO gauge, but now need to down size. I am looking at running N Gauge, I am looking for advice on layouts, do I start with a set or buy individual track and locos?  Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

[MikeDunn]

Hi Simon,

Hopefully you've not sold everything before you try this to see if it suits ... you may not like N for various reasons.

Probably the cheapest way is to get to a decent model shop or to Warley & play with things first; see if you're happy with the size of the stock etc.  Assuming you are, then have a look @ the various starter sets; better to begin here than dive in with separates just in case you change your mind !  You may want to avoid Dapol to start with, as their locos tend to need cleaning of the travel gunk ... unsure if their starter kits are the same though.  On the track front, Peco track is generally the best, unless you fancy building your own ?

Do you want to go DC or DCC ?  That will make a bit of a difference; if DCC, hopefully you already have a controller you're happy with, as this tends to be a rats-nets of advice !

You've not said whether you want to do a particular region, or Era ?  Or how much space you can dedicate to the layout.  One warning on layouts - if you find a Freezer plan you like - assume an extra foot wide & long !  He tended to scale down OO plans & that sometimes causes problems

Mike

[Bealman]

G'day from Australia, and welcome to the NGF! 

Mike's post is quite correct. You can't necessarily divide 00 stuff by two.

What have you got in mind?

[Karhedron]

Most starter train sets in N gauge offer pretty good value for money. The models are usually the latest generation versions and are the same as the ones sold individually (not always the case in 00). The controllers vary depending on whether the set in question has DCC control or regular DC. The Farish DC controller is simple but effective and gives good low-speed control. I do not use DCC so I cannot comment.

The track is simple sectional track that is somewhat crude but does allow you to get a simple circuit up an running quickly. Personally I would not choose to use it for a finished layout but it is fine for getting started or if you want to build a continuous run layout in a small space. Even if you do decide to graduate onto something closer to scale, having an oval of settrack that you can use for running in new locos is quite helpful.

The biggest factor in trainsets is the rolling stock itself. Does a trainset exist for your preferred period and location? If it does, then this is a great way to get started. The saving compared to buying the items individually is usually significant and most of the items included are likely to remain of use in some capacity, even if you opt to upgrade later on.

[Karhedron]

For layouts, they come in the same sort of styles as in 00. It is worth considering what subject you want to model and how much space you have available. A mainline layout in a small space is always going to be challenging but is a lot easier in N gauge than 00. You can fit a multi-road terminus in N Gauge into the space that would only support a modest branchline in 00 gauge.

Locos generally cost a similar amount to 00 versions or slightly cheaper. Coaches and wagons are definitely cheaper in most cases than their 00 counterparts which makes assembling long rakes cheaper.

The downside is that there is not quite the same range available in N gauge as 00 although the situation is improving steadily.

Shunting is one area where N gauge is behind 00. The situation has been improved by the release of the Dapol "Easi-shunt" couplers but the small size makes them sensitive to use for operations like fly-shunting. Having said that, they work well for simple uncoupling so running around is not the problem it used to be.

What sort of subject, period and location are you interested in modelling?

[Newportnobby]

Hi Simon, and welcome to the forum

You might find a starter set will depend on what skills you have
If, like me, you find wiring a bit daunting then perhaps a Kato track based pack would be best as the motors are built into their points. You may think Kato looks a bit toy like with its plastic ballast base but many folks here use it and it can be easily disguised. It also clips/unclips very easily so you can be up and running very quickly.
Other than that, we'd need to know a bit more like others have asked - available space, location, era, DC/DCC control etc etc. I would not, however, recommend buying 2nd hand track/locos unless you know what you're doing/buying.

[port perran]

Welcome aboard Simon.

[Hyperion]

Welcome to the forums. We will answer any and all the questions you have!

[simon c]

Hi,

Thanks for the replies,  I haven't made my mind up on the layout, but eventually I would like to include an industrial area (maybe a coal mine), the era will be 50s - 60s.  The area I have to work in is approx. 5' x 3'. I was hoping to run DCC as I have kept my controller.


Cheers


Simon 

[simon c]

This weekends mission is to build the base board, I've worked out the track required, so here we go on a new venture, thanks for all your help and advice.

[Newportnobby]

Keep us posted with pics please, Simon, and don't be afraid to ask any question.

[bluedepot]

hello and welcome

tim

[simon c]

Hi, a quick question.  I am going to use cork top lay my track on, the question is do I cover the whole base board or just under the track? Feedback please.

Simon

[Newportnobby]

Personally I would lay the cork everywhere, not just under the track. That way, you maintain the height differences when positioning buildings,platforms etc.

[Steve Brassett]

Wot Nobby said.