Building the N-Scale layout

[Jeremy airjer W]

Since there is no "other hobbies" forum that I know of I thought I would share this here.

This is attempt number 2 and putting together an N scale layout. Attempt number one ended up like most government intervention, messed up! Decided to learn from the mistakes and spend more time planning ahead.

the rough 4' x 8' layout in 2D and 3D

After the old foam base and layout where ripped off the bench work the new foam was glued down and we started laying out lines for rough locations. 

Added foam risers and inclines

decided to complete the outer loop for the yard first

 

We swung buy the hobby store today and pickked up the last of the foam, some paint, a DCC controller and a decoder for the locomotive. The decoder was easier to install than I had anticipated and the DCC operation ( my first time with it) is fantastic.

 

just in case your curious about the scale here is a pic with a quarter.

 

And that is where we are at as of today. I'll update as we progress.

 

[leech~~]

Wow, cool! Lots of work going into it.

Good point to Rick about a "Hobbies" thread. 

[JOHNBIGDOG]

Jer, is this not the third atempt? I remember back WAY back that you had a layout in one of your old apartments that never came to fruition.

[Jeremy airjer W]

We started getting the yard laid out.

Testing the spacing

Cork glued down and waiting for track

 

[Jeremy airjer W]

Yard track finally glued down. Just waiting for the glue to dry.

[Tom7227]

Interesting.  Why did you start with a piece of foam for the base?  I would think that a plywood would work.

[Jeremy airjer W]

I could have built on the plywood and many do. The foam allows you to add dimension under the track., Lakes, rivers, low spots, drainage, ponds, etc. It is also easier to glue and pin foam, cork and track.

[Jeremy airjer W]

The yard is a success! everything is switching and moving as it should. just need to start filling it up with rolling stock.

The last of the foam glued down for the inner loops just waiting for cork.

[Jeremy airjer W]

We have been making progress. All of the foam and roadbed is down, the inner loop is complete, and the main loop is waiting for track.

 

 

 

[Jeremy airjer W]

the last of the track has been glued down! Let the wiring begin.

[SkunkedAgain]

That looks fantastic. I never would have thought about using foam either.

Last year I finally gave up my HO scale collection, sending it down to my brother in North Carolina. I'd rebuilt it a few different times since we were kids. What a fun hobby. My middle brother in Phoenix built an N-scale in his garage.

Is that grade-building material specific for model railroading? I've never seen that before either. I used to use wood, chicken wire, and plaster to make my grade changes.....been a while. Growing up in Milwaukee, the best trips were to the Walthers warehouse. They had EVERYTHING. I still have a few catalogs sitting around with my old train books.

Nice work Jeremy. Thanks for sharing.

[Jeremy airjer W]

The inclines and risers are made by woodland scenics. There are pretty slick. I chose the 4% grades to get the height I needed in the space i had. Take them out of the box, glue them down, and your ready to go.
 

I started the wiring the other night. The main bus and the feeders are to the track are in. Two tortoises are done with 5 more to go. I still need to get a piece of lexan for my control panel along with some more DPDT switches and LED's

 

The layout for the control panel

The wiring diagram

[JOHNBIGDOG]

Any update here Jeremy?

[Jeremy airjer W]

been to busy....

Hoping to have the last of the tortoises installed and at least wired before the end of the week. Then we can start on some scenery.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Found some good deals on rolling stock at the state fair show. Had to take them for a test run!

 

 

[JOHNBIGDOG]

Any updates Jer?

[Jeremy airjer W]

Negative. To busy right now.