Hello and Baseboard Size

Senza · December 25, 2015, 04:48:56 PM

Hi All,

I am new here and completely new to model railways, at 56 years of age this will be my first ever "train set"... I know it's a bit sad really but it has made my Christmas receiving one. Oh and Merry Christmas to one and all :-)

I am wanting to build my first model railway in N gauge, the space I have available for the base board is 6' x 2' and was going to make a start on it over the Christmas holidays, but I thought it may be prudent to check that this size is going to be sufficient before I make a start.

I say 6' x 2' is available but by this I mean this is the ideal size that is available to me, but at a push this could be increased to 6'6" x 2'6" but I would be sacrificing my workshop space a fair bit by doing this.

So I guess the question I wish to ask is; Can anyone see a reason why I would really regret not using the extra 6" in both depth and width before I commit. I have looked into track radii albeit with a complete novice hat on, and think I would be able to run a 3rd radius continuous loop but not a 4th radius loop in the 2'... a 4th radius loop requiring 2'6".

I could be completely wrong about this, as i say I am a complete numpty on the subject, or someone maybe able to see some other glaring obvious (but not to me) reason to make the baseboard a particular depth.

Thank you in advance for suffering my first post, Senza (Essex UK)

port perran · December 25, 2015, 04:56:52 PM

Welcome aboard Senza and Merry Christmas.
I'd say a train set is a great Christmas gift. Which set did you receive?
6ft is a good width for N Gauge but if you can allow yourself the extra 6 inches on width Id say you would find it a great help. 3ft would, in my opinion , be even better.
Hope to see some pictures in due course. We are a nosey lot on here!

dannyboy · December 25, 2015, 05:40:54 PM

Hi Senza, welcome to the forum and Merry Christmas. Like you. I am new to this n gauge stuff, having started my first layout earlier this year and I am older than you

, (does that make me 'numptier'?). Obviously, the bigger you can go, the better. I am combining my layout into a coffee table and that is 4' x 2', so 6' x 2' is a decent size. Having said that, I am already looking at a site in the spare bedroom which would be in the region of 12' x 4' - this hobby can get addictive

. Incidentlly, there is a huge wealth of knowledge available from the members, so any questions, ask away, somebody will be able to assist. Good luck with it all. David.

Railwaygun · December 25, 2015, 06:11:22 PM

Look up "door layouts" on this forum - and Google.

http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=30955.msg352565#msg352565

http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=2628.msg27777#msg27777

It will give you a lot of ideas ( 2' width is OK for trams and ? Set-track but limits you to small w/b locos.

You are restricted to Radius 1 & 2 curves unless you add an inch or 2

http://www.rmweb.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=30059

http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/28034-minimum-radius-in-n/

Why not have a play with one of the free track planners ( search forum) to see what is possible?

Newportnobby · December 25, 2015, 06:29:38 PM

Hi Senza, and welcome to the forum

Glad to see you are taking the plunge into N gauge and I would really recommend the extra 6" on both if you can do it. If not both, I would concentrate on the width as the larger the radius curves the better it will look and the better some of the larger locos will run on it.
If you are a complete novice I would also recommend you start out with Kato Unitrack as it is 'plug & play' and motors are built into the points. It can look a bit naff with the high ballast shoulder but can very easily be disguised.
This forum can save you lots of money/grief so I would take the opportunity to ask the guys and gals on here before you spend your hard earned cash.

Bealman · December 25, 2015, 08:53:13 PM

G'day from Australia, Senza of Essex, UK, Merry Christmas, and welcome to the NGF!

NewportNobby's advice about Kato track is probably sound for someone just starting out. The other main player is Peco, who have a great range of reasonably realistic looking trackwork (espcially in code 55, but the points have what are known as live frogs and this can be daunting for a beginner).

However, it's great that you're getting into model railways.

Once again, welcome to the NGF!

Senza · December 26, 2015, 10:55:06 AM

Thank you all for your welcomes, tips and your valuable input.

In light of this I get the impression that should I get engrossed in this hobby I will be wanting all the space I can get, so I shall have a little rethink and maybe a re-giggle to see if there is any many space to be had, I will keep you updated as to what I end up with.

Port Perran; the set I received was the Graham Farish Cornish Riviera.

Thanks again, Senza

Ditape · December 26, 2015, 11:10:33 AM

Quote from: Senza on December 26, 2015, 10:55:06 AM
In light of this I get the impression that should I get engrossed in this hobby I will be wanting all the space I can get,

I am afraid you have hit the nail on the head I don't think I have ever meet a railway modeller who claims to not want more room.

Luke Piewalker · December 26, 2015, 01:46:05 PM

Above all else, maximising baseboard size gives potential for a little 'disaster' room for those moments of sleeve dangling chaos that can send our train on the fast track to the floor.

Caz · December 26, 2015, 02:18:11 PM

Welcome to the friendly forum Senza, great to have you on board, you've certainly come to the right place as you will get all the help you'll need on here from a very knowledgeable bunch of guys and girls.

martink · December 26, 2015, 06:57:40 PM

Welcome aboard.

The more space you can allow for the baseboard, the better, but width tends to be the most critical. Every extra inch you can squeeze in here can let you ease a curve, add an extra siding, add some low-relief buildings or other scenery, provide a safety zone to stop trains falling off the front of the layout, etc. Whatever you decide to go for, you'll almost certainly end up wishing for more.

scruff · December 26, 2015, 10:39:57 PM

Welcome aboard Senza, Great set you got.. Merry Christmas mate..
I echo the call for a little extra depth... oh... and width... Longer trains see!
Any questions just shout out... the only stupid question is the one not asked..

Cheers
Mark

Chris Morris · December 27, 2015, 07:34:02 AM

It all depends on what sort of railway you want. I have built a complete branch line in 44" by 27" which keeps me very occupied when operating it but it can't run big locos or long trains. A double track oval would allow main line trains but less operating interest. I would go for the maximum depth you can.

First thing though - do you want to run trains round and round or have more operation interest or do more shunting? Some folks find trains going round and round great and others find it boring, likewise with shunting layouts; its all down to individuals. Working out what you want to do is key to designing a layout and then working out how much space you need. I recommend having a look at layouts in the model press or going to a few exhibitions before starting building a layout.

Bealman · December 27, 2015, 07:39:40 AM

Agreed.

mickd247 · December 27, 2015, 08:14:23 AM

Senza welcome to the

Forum

All the info previously advised is sound, you should also consider the height of the baseboard, how you wish to operate the layout positioning wise, and in relation to the maximum depth of the baseboard, how long your reach is in the event of a derailment at the back of the layout if access is only from the front.

Good luck and keep posting.

Mick