N-Gauge Layout suggestions

[WhitehouseRoad]

Hi all,

 

I’ve been a long time reader of RMWeb, I’ve spent many hours reading and being inspired about how others are enjoying the hobby, but this is my first time posting something :).

 

I have built a couple of portable n-gauge layouts previously, but I now have the opportunity to build something slightly larger in an outbuilding ( 2.4m x 4.0m), but as it also has other uses, I only want it to take up half of this space at most.

 

I’d like to stick with N-gauge and model some sort of (North/West) London based scene in the late 80’s early 90’s (think NSE) - I’m not too worried about being 100% prototypical.

 

Attached is a plan that I have come up with on AnyRail, and I’d be really interested to hear if anyone has any thoughts or suggestions on either this, or perhaps an idea of something entirely different.

 

The idea is to have a lower fiddle yard with a helix at either end of the L. The upper level is planned to be open frame - the scenic track will all be level, but at the top, will be above ground level, and then below it at the bottom (I’m thinking of a tunnel portal as a scenic break). At the top is a 5 platform station, with the lower two platforms running into a reverse loop, and the middle two joining the helix down to the lower level. The top platform is a bay. The station building is planned to sit over the top of these creating the scenic break, with a street scene to the right on a removable board (to allow access to the helix).

 

I'm a DCC guy, and I'm planning to have it run largely automated, with manual operation of a shuttle into the bay perhaps, although suggestions of adaptions to add some additional interest are very welcome!

 

The width across the top is 2m (half of the room), and vertically is approx 2.4m.

 

I realise this is going to take a long time to complete, but honestly that’s part of the plan - to give me something to do :)

Edited December 10, 2023 by WhitehouseRoad

[AndyB]

@WhitehouseRoad whenever I see a layout planned in an outbuilding I always think first about whether tge building is damp proofed, insulated and free from drafts which convey dirt and dust onto the layout. 

I've learnt this the hard way and had layouts wrecked by mould. 

 

Others will likely pitch in about helices being technically challenging...and best avoided if at all possible.

 

Anyway, it's good to be starting a long-term project abd I'm sure this will keep you busy! 

Andy

[RobinofLoxley]

The Helix part should work. There were demonstrations of Helices at Warley on N gauge layouts within the likely constraints of the layout. However the upper level turnout labyrinth so far from the platforms looks wrong. 

 

Thinking a bit further about the proposal, I'm not sure why two helices are required. They take up a lot of space, I cant see why a single one cant be used, unless it was envisaged to have just a single road in each direction. With a double helix, they can form the ends of a return loop with a series of yard sidings in between them. It would make more sense if the free end at the bottom as its now shown, was the sole helix access. The station becomes a true terminus, locating it becomes a lot easier, and further space remains to flesh out the location concept. Given the look of the station as drawn we could be looking at Marylebone..

Edited December 11, 2023 by RobinofLoxley

[Steven B]

I'd be tempted to mirror the layout on the indicated NE-SW axis, putting the station throat near where the current text suggests the canal will go. This has a couple of benefits.

 

Firstly, the point work is closer to the platforms, freeing up space for scenery

Secondly, with just two tracks to turn through 90 degrees, you'll be able to run with a larger minimum radius (at least on the scenic section).

 

Steven B

[WhitehouseRoad]

Thanks all for the replies.

@AndyB it is insulated and weatherproof, so hopefully there won’t be any damp issues. Something to keep an eye on though perhaps.

 

@RobinofLoxleythe idea of the two helices was really to enable some through scenic trains - although you’re right that this could be achieved with a reverse loop on one end. This alongside @Steven B’s suggestion of moving the station has given me some good food for thought. I’ll have another tinker with any rail and see what I can come up with.

 

Basing on Marylebone is a good idea - I think I’ll take that ☺️

[RobinofLoxley]

Probably not this iteration

 

https://signalbox.org/~SBdiagram.php?id= 414

 

Plenty to choose from if you dont like that one!