• N scale layouts

N scale layouts

A collection of layouts that I have completed so far.

My philosophy

I don’t like projects that last forever or stay forever. Getting finished within some weeks is the goal. And I don’t like huge layouts.

Instead, I prefer layouts of small or medium size that are easy to build. Changing projects, each focused on a specific topic. Because there comes a time when I get bored with an existing layout and want to try out a new idea.

That’s why a layout hardly exists for more than 5 or 6 years in my case. Then “model railroad recycling” comes up. Rails and buildings are reused for a new N scale layout.

If you call that “model railroad light” or “trash model making” – I wouldn’t mind. It’s just fun!

Why N scale?

There are many reasons to opt for an N scale model railway layout. The technology is reliable despite the small scale. The model fidelity is very detailed and the market for N scale supply is huge. The best argument, however, is the small space requirement. N gauge allows long trains and stunning layouts on a small area.

Some N scale facts

An N scale locomotive with 10 modern passenger cars has a length of about 6 ft. That corresponds to 183 cm. A considerable size, but feasible. But now convert that to HO scale. This train would have a length of 12 ft, which is the equivalent of 3.66 meters. An enormous dimension for a station platform, isn’t it?

The same applies to mountains or landscaping. The scale of 1:160 means that 1 ft in the model corresponds to a real height of 160 ft. This is a value you can work with if you have an eye for proportions and some talent for modeling and landscaping. But on a larger scale, assumed the same dimensions, this mountain would look ridiculous compared to the model trains.

How to build an N scale layout

“Help, I’m stuck”: Many model railroaders reach that point when building an N scale model railroad layout. Inaccurate layout planning is the reason. So before you start, think about what you want to show. Even in N scale you can’t put in one single layout a large station + mountains + river + lake + loco depot + turntable + city + village + industry + forest + long parade route. Unless you have a gym at your disposal.

Your way to the best N scale layout

The best layout ist that, which suits best your personal preferences. So the first step is to define individual requirements. The following checklist helps to avoid misplanning.

  • How are your skills?

    Building a N scale model railway layout needs skills in woodworking, electrical and electronics.

  • What is your budget?

    Plan appropriately

  • How much space do you have?

    Measure it out

  • How much time do you have?

    Building an N scale layout can be time consuming

Getting N scale layout ideas

The next step is to concretize individual wishes. Don’t get trapped by IWES, the “I-Want-Everything-Syndrome”. When you cook, you don’t throw everything into one pot. You make decisions. The following checklist helps:

  • Topography

    Which landscape would you like to depict? Mountains, hills, plains, river valley?

  • Civilisation

    What form of settlement would you like to display? Urban, rural, industrial, harbor?

  • Region

    Which region do you want to show? Visit this region and get inspiration. Pay attention to details like architecture, landscape or bridges.

  • Model trains

    Do you prefer long trains or short ones?

  • Type of operation

    What kind of operation do you prefer? Point-to-point, shunting or continuous run in an oval?

  • Route characteristics

    Busy multi-track mainline or a dreamy single-track branch line embedded in a relaxed N scale layout?  Overhead catenary line above the tracks or diesel- and steam locomotives?

  • Epoch

    Some model railroaders prefer a certain era. Try to capture that spirit by choosing matching locomotives, wagons, buildings, signals and roads. Search the web for historic advertising billboards.

5 tips for a convincing N scale layout design

  • First there was the landscape, not the railroad.

    Understand this fact if you want to create a realistic N scale layout. Especially important for bridges and tunnels.

  • Focus on the essential.

    Don’t make a childish all-inclusive model railroad layout. Better focus on a specific theme

  • Look beyond the rim.

    Playing with other scales is a good trick to create perfect N scale design. Place an HO tree in the foreground. Use Z scale figures to make an N scale building look even bigger

  • Take a close look at each N scale kit.

    Not every kit is on an exact 1:160 scale. Place smaller buildings where you want to simulate distance, such as on the top of a mountain. And vice versa.

  • Choose the right N gauge track material.

    Standardized tracks with a finished ballast bed are easy to lay. Flex tracks or ballasting requires more work, but looks more realistic

Looking for N scale track plan ideas?

N scale track plans