First N scale layout - The Whistle Post

ntlange · #1 (**permalink**) 02-06-2010, 05:09 PM

Hello everyone. I am fairly new to this forum. I have been learning from these forums for a little while now and I would like to share my current project. I would love any and all feedback.

I first started MRR when I was young with my dad. We built an HO 4X8 layout that was almost completed. I moved it to my current house but the space was soon needed due to our first born. The layout had to be scrapped. Recently I have reclaimed a small corner and have decided to build an N scale empire.

This the lower section of the layout. It has the yard, an oil refinery on the bottom left, an interchange track in the front corner of the 'L', and 2 hidden storage tracks. I am planning on having open access from underneath for access to the hidden staging area.

This will be the upper section. It will have a coal mine and a drilling rig. The radius on the top is a tight 11". It and the track below it will be the tightest radii on the layout.

ntlange · #2 (**permalink**) 02-06-2010, 05:18 PM

All of my progress up till now has been posted on another forum that mostly sees UK model railroaders so I decided to move my project a little closer to home.

Construction. Some of the darker material is from the older HO 4X8 mentioned earlier. Got to recycle! Do I get a tax credit for that???

In the last forums I received some concern about me using flake board as supports. Due to budget and materials on hand that is all I could use. I am aware it is flexible and only used it where it would be pushing or pulling against the more sturdy length. The benchwork is very stable and I am pleased at how well it turned out, given my less than par craftsmen skills. I am still planning on possibly running a few screws to the wall for more stability but as it is sitting it may not need it.

ntlange · #3 (**permalink**) 02-06-2010, 05:20 PM

The benchwork is currently in the office. I have colored paper on top with the trackplan sketched on it. I am going to be using Kato Unitrack and have roughly 60% of the track needed to complete the layout. I will work on getting some current pictures taken and posted. I look forward to hearing from you guys.

Nate

sdkid · #4 (**permalink**) 02-06-2010, 06:39 PM

Progress is looking good. Gotta do what you can with what you have. Keep the pics coming.

thogan3 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-06-2010, 06:42 PM

Wow!

Pretty awesome for a 1st!

mrxitement · #6 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 02:26 PM

Nate...I really like the trackplan! It certainly looks like it will allow you to do a lot in a small space! I think your benchwork looks sufficient...it's not like it is holding a lot of weight. Besides, you can always "beef" it up if you think it needs it. Keep up the good work!

Chad

ntlange · #7 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 05:01 PM

There you have it folks. My train table turning into a storage table right before your eyes!

My refinery building templates.

The yellow paper is my lower level and the blue paper is the upper. The blue paper is not laying in the correct place due to ease of drawing.

Unfortunately I am stuck in this phase of building do to a lack of money. I will keep everyone informed when change and progress occurs.

I really appreciate everyone's comments. No better motivation!

MikeC · #8 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 06:39 PM

Well Nate you seem to mean business with a track plan like that! Keep the pics coming. The Tax Rebate cheque is in the mail, if that's any help

Mike

Sawdust · #9 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 06:58 PM

Very nice job Nate. Being a carpenter I can tell you the leg on the outside corner below the clamp looks like your worst enemy. If you fastened the back framing to your wall in a few places that would prevent any lateral movement. Your down force looks OK but would suggest beefing up when possible. I also like your track plan, you got a good project going so keep us all posted.

ntlange · #10 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 08:04 PM

Jim, thanx for the info especially from a more experienced person such as yourself. The leg you are referring to I had to add because of my lack of carpentry skills. I originally didn't have that leg or the leg next to it, the one glued into an 'L', planned. As you can see from my very first picture my benchwork is made of 2 sections that I bolted together. The section the said leg is attatched to sagged considerably so I added that leg to raise it up. The 'L' leg is more of a stability leg.

I appreciate everyone's comments on the trackplan. Drawing and molding the trackplan is one of the most enjoyable parts of the hobby for me. This current track plan is probably the 25th version and i'm sure not the last. I am trying to make the layout as operational as possible for 2 people, my dad and myself. I would like more passing sidings but don't seem to see where I can incorporate them yet. I have been thinking a lot about Tony's operation thread and have been molding my current plans to them.

As for the tax rebate and all that jazz, well we will see. I do get some back this year from taxes but most of it is spent already on over due bills and vehicle maintenance. If we have some left over the wife is getting something for her truck so I can maybe use that as leverage. muahahaha

Keep the replys coming. Thanx
Nate