Yet another convert.......Potentially

[Chris_F]

Good afternoon everyone, I've decided to join here in anticipation of my impending change to n.

I have been considering building a model railway now for ages, and have a small amount of OO stuff (1 DMU, some track and points and a DCC controller) with the intention of building a small modern image terminus.

However the thought of continuing with a 6 x 1 board and not being able to have the space to make a continuous run makes me wonder if I've made the correct decision. Operating a plank moving a DMU in and out of a station over a few feet or shunting an inglenook does not appeal.

Therefore I am seriously considering a move to n so I can satisfy my urge for a continuous run layout.

With a 6 x 2 or even 8 x 2 that I could split into 2 smaller boards I would be able to get a decent sized layout up and running with the through running that I desperately desire.
I've been to the model shop in town today and had a look at some of the locos that are available and compared to OO they are small, but looked well detailed and ran well on the test track they had set up.

Other than explaining the change to mrs f and the resulting ear ache that will inevitably arise from this I'm almost converted.

This weekends project will be to download a kit from scalescenes and if I get on ok with that then I don't think I'll look back.

[Caz]

Welcome to the NGF Chris and even better, welcome to world of N gauge, nice to have another convert from the 'orribly oversized' gauge.   

With a 2ft width you'll be a bit tight on the curves, another couple of inches in the width would be really beneficial.   

[MikeDunn]

Yeah, agree with Caz ... can you get up to 3' width ?  That opens more options.  I gave up on 2', as it was just too tight for comfort.

Mike

[red_death]

The trick with 2ft boards is use Peco setrack for the curves and make sure they are in hidden sections! But others are right that an extra couple of inches will help as you could use 2 and 3 radius curves instead of 1 and 2.

Cheers, Mike

[port perran]

Welcome to the forum.
I can only echo what others have said about the width. Just a bit wider really would help.
Hope you get on OK with the kit this weekend.

[Ditape]

 
From one convert to another welcome to the forum you will never look back.

[Chris_F]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Regarding the extra width as I need to split the board for storage then this shouldn't be an issue 2 3 x 3 boards would work.

As a side issue the DCC controller I have is a Hornby Elite, which has not yet been used.

I know its had mixed reviews and I was given it a gift but I am assuming there are no issues using it in n.

That would mean its only the track and loco that become redundant

[MikeDunn]

As a side issue the DCC controller I have is a Hornby Elite, which has not yet been used.

I know its had mixed reviews

And the Atlantic can be a little wet & windy ...

Personally - I wouldn't.  I'd get another one (as it's a gift, no need to sell it, but ...)

[Newportnobby]

Hi Chris, and welcome to the forum
The width thingy has been mentioned by others above, but if you go to 3ft width please ensure you can reach everywhere on the layout!
I can't advise you about DCC but what make of track are you contemplating and have you an era/location in mind?

[Ditape]

I am currently using a Hornby Elite and it may not be the best. it works for me.

[Chris_F]

That's good to hear Ditape, as long as it does the job initially I can always upgrade later.

newportnobby - the extra width shouldn't be a problem. I'm not planning to fix the layout against a wall so access will be all around, plus despite what I posted earlier I have earmarked a suitable location that may mean I won't need to split the board into 2 halves. As for era as flexible as possible from Blue Diesels up to the present day. As for location that's more difficult. I had my mind set upon an urban style layout set around a large(ish) town but not in a specific location. That was when it was an OO plank 6 x 1. Looking at some continuous running plans tonight though and somewhere like Crainlarich or Arduli in Scotland is starting to appeal.

As for the track code 55 looks like its the way to go with electrofrog points, and I am also looking into motorising the points.

At least all of this planning and decision making is giving me time to save up for everything and pluck up the courage to tell mrs f

[Bealman]

G'day from Australia, Chris, and welcome to the NGF and your N gauge journey. 

[Railwaygun]

HAve a look at Kato Unitrack - easy to fix , easy to change the layout to suit what you want, and has powered points .

look at the Track/Kato threads on NGF for more info.

[REGP]

 
I have to endorse Railwaygun suggestion of Kato Unitrack as it does make things lot easier, with its motorised points.

Ray

[Mr PJ]

Hi Chris,

I think you won't regret converting to "N", the loco's and rolling stock are excellent nowadays and pretty much comparable to there 4mm scale counterparts.

One thing I would say is that a 6 x 3 board may be better being split in two, you may find it a bit heavy and awkward to manoeuvre.

The West Highland line is an excellent line to model of course if and with a little bit of thought you could include some exciting scenic features which you would need stacks of room for in 4mm, viaducts, rivers lochs...
I would give some thought to using an open wooden frame for scenery so that you can include such scenery below track level.
Above all, keep it simple, but with an eye to a little bit of shunting interest. Typical WHL might have a loop with island platform, 2 or 3 engineers sidings, and maybe a kickback siding, so probably just 5 or 6 points on the scenic side. You shouldn't need to use set-track points on a 6 foot long layout, avoid if possible as the radius is very tight.

Good luck with your project,

Regards,
Paul