N scale switching layout
Many N scale switching layouts do without 180° turns. Instead, there are only a few siding tracks. This way, the whole thing can even fit on a narrow bookshelf. But this also means that the “time” a model train spends on its “ride” is short. So why not think bigger? Here’s an idea for an N scale industrial layout which offers switching operations plus “running time”!
Let’s go heavy metal
The following N scale switching layout depicts roughly the process of steel production:
This N scale switching track plan runs on two levels, featuring an extensive industrial area. Ore, coke or coal are the basic resources. They go to the bunker of a blast furnace. After that the melting process starts. The resulting product is pig iron. This is filled into a torpedo ladle trolley, which transports the liquid iron to steel mills or rolling mills.
So we see on level 0 the blast furnace. A steelworks factory and a rail yard complete the setting on level 0. The rail yard is used to assemble trains or to break them up.
On level + 1 is the unloading station of the bunker. We also see some peripheral factories there, the outskirts of a city and two bridges, attractively arranged at different angles.
There is no runaround oval. Instead, freight wagons go from A to B. Experts call this point-to-point operation.
Since a large industrial area has a lot of workers and employees, we’d like to see commuter trains as well on an N scale point-to-point track plan, right? So we also have two train stations.
But please: This is not true to the original process of steel production. It’s a fictitious scenery for model railroaders who just want to display an industrial topic as a look-alike. This N gauge switching layout could also be adapted for any other industrial area such as a refinery, a coal mine or a large chemical plant.
Worth to mention: The route to the upper level runs partly through the blast furnace building. Truly a challenge for model making, but this trick keeps the whole thing very compact. Let’s reveal the secrets:
Facts:
- Switching track plan N scale (point to point track plan)
- Size: 3 x 5. This corresponds to 91.4 x 152.4 cm (approx.)
- Fleischmann N gauge (tracks with ready made ballast bed)
- Incline / ramp: 3 % (approx.)
- no curved turnouts, no crossings, no double slip switches
- wide curve radii (R4) in the visible area
- Radius R2 in the hidden area
- Options: Track plan design with or without reversing loop
- Slight deviations in measurements are possible. Track planning software isn’t 100% accurate
Shunting like a champion
On the right-hand side, the route makes a hidden 180° turn. An unorthodox but foxy idea to turn a pulling loco into a pushing loco. For this, the engine uncouples the railcars in the railyard, makes the 180° turn, and recouples again:
Do the shunting puzzle:
- Shunt wagons from sidings 3, 4 or 5 to sidings 7, 8 or 9
- Shunt wagons from sidings 3, 4 or 5 to sidings 1 or 2
- Shunt wagons from sidings 1 or 2 to sidings 7, 8 or 9
- Shunt wagons from sidings 1 or 2 to siding 10
And vice versa. Got it?
“God’s Hand”
Experts will see a reverse loop in this N gauge switching track plan (= the green route). Reversing loops require some extra wiring to avoid electrical short circuit. But there is a simple solution for dummies: Just insolate the rails with a plastic joiner at the red marked position and let “God’s Hand” do the rest!
OK, OK, if a reversing loop is not correctly wired, the locomotive can not pass that point. But why not moving the railcars here “by hand”? Coupling wagons from or to the loco by hand might seem unusual to tech geeks, but some guys (like me!) prefer electric things to be extremely simple….
Why should I opt for an N scale switching layout?
Track list:
Download this shunting track-plan here:
Free Download PDF
Private use only. Do not publish, sell or show on socials.
Donations welcome!
Inspiration
Here some fotos from an N scale blast furnace which I built some years ago:
It’s not a real layout. I’d rather call it “diorama” or a “little case study” of an N scale blast furnace. Just the model kit, some sidings, that’s all.
But who knows. The idea is paused, not abandoned….
