N-Scale Layout....Phase 1

[smignosa]

please make a track plan, otherwise awesome start.first of all, kato is the best for the actual trains, woodland scenics is the best for scenery, microtrains is the best for truck and coupler sets (in fact all your cars wheel/truck/coupler sets should be replaced with microtrains wheel/truck/coupler sets) ,athern flex track is the best for track,stop using rapido couplers,and don't buy ather engines.also, is your layout DCC,because if it isn't DCC, it probably should be DCC,otherwise awesome!!!!

[718trea]

I like the layout. Did you run the wires through the foam? The feeder wires are not that long. Did you have to solder some longer wire on to the feeder wire?

[diesellocos]

what do you cover the pink stuff with? And can you buy any of the pink stuff or do you just find it?

[TheToySoldier10]

please can you draw a a plan of your layout and do a video out on it

[JTJG94]

what is the size of the table? 4x8?

[Moneymax3001]

WOW, very nice... I know you put a lot of time into this one.. and sure hope to the best... will be following you for sometime to see the latest... I've an auction right now... ebay... you maybe interested in. moneymax3001 on ebay all the time.

[raboyd2008]

Very Nice layout!

Your extensive planning an 'engineering' are obvious!

Have you taken the plunge to DCC yet? Believe me once done you will NEVER go back!

Unitrack is the best in my book, I use it in ALL crtitcal areas!

To Nascarbaby: As far as model railroading is concerned (much like any hobby I suppose) you get what you pay for!

Heck, my Kato Super Chief (with A-B-B-A F-7's, decoders, light kits etc) easily has $1000 tied up in it!

But just LOOK at the performance!

[TheHockeystar98]

Nice layout Dude. Good luck on the rest of the layout.

Also for anybody asking what product they should use I HIGHLY recommend Woodland scenics

[ammoguy5]

Nice Layout John, Check out some of My model Railroad videos

[MrChappy39]

When you see a layout/setup like this it makes you wonder about all the work it takes to build a traditional bench frame. Foam is the best.

[markbuell99]

Ok, so I bought a few pieces of Kato Unitrak and I would like to know how well it works. I used to use Atlas Code 80 sectional track, and now I would like to try Kato Unitrak, is Kato Unitrak easy to use? Is it a good choice for my next N scale layout? Thanks

[raboyd2008]

Unitrak: how well it works - Splendidly, always in gauge always positive continuity

Is Kato Unitrak easy to use - YES! On a tabletop: double track loop including a double crossover and 5 turnout freight yard from storage tote to play in about 10 minutes, put back away in 5

Is it a good choice? YES!!!

While it is 'sectional' type track with set radii etc. they make 'transition' sections for more traditional 'flex track' I use BOTH with Uitrack in ALL critical areas!

[ledzepplin12able]

i have the same kato train viaduct lay out nice job . Is tomix fine track compatibal with kato track pleas responde

[boxcarsrule]

nice layout. im just starting to get into n scale and i want to make a layout and i need to know what would be the best brand of trains to go with i like bachmann track but i hate the trains. and if you could give me any othere tips it would be appreciated. thanks

[john12212000]

I would leave anything Bachmann behind and go with Kato for both track and engines. It is clearly the best on the market and runs and works like it!

[Airsports101]

@john12212000 yup

i love my kato

[Trainz35]

@john12212000 Yes, Kato takes it for engines, and cars for sure. Track: I prefer Atlas code 80 for the fun of ballasting it myself, and flextrack abilities. Atlas isn't too bad, but Athearn's McHenry couplers are looking quite tempting! Anyone got an opinion about McHenry's knuckle couplers? I got like 20 cars with Rapido couplers, and I'm between McHenry or Micro Trains.

[B0OM3R98]

I also strongly suggest, for your engines and rolling stock, to go with some manner of Knuckle couplers... The basic Rapido couplers (the one that look like squares) are dying out fast, especially for the nicer models... Take my word for it.

[ledzepplin12able]

@B0OM3R98 i got the same problem when ibought the kato coal cars and had my old rolling stock and had to change every thing . but i cant change the hitches on my locamotive how do you change it.

[B0OM3R98]

for ledzepplin:

Unfortunately, for Newer locomotives this is impossible. Older locos, if you're lucky, can be converted using Microtrains conversion kits (look it up on their site) If there's no kit for your specific loco, you're out of luck my friend. The easiest solution, which is what I did, Is to make a conversion car. Take a car you like, and put old rapidos on one end, and Kadee on the other. It worked well for me!

[ledzepplin12able]

@B0OM3R98 thats just what i have been doing how cheap can you by the locamotives for. on this tomix train track when ever i change the switch it short circits on me how can i fix this

[B0OM3R98]

Well, as far as I can tell, if the turnouts cause a short circuit when they, well... Turn, it means that the turnouts are a) Not insulated or b) Not wired correctly, If you have a reversing loop of some kind, using said turnouts, that could also be the problem. Unitrack has insulated turnouts. I'm not sure about Tomix. In terms of the locos... Don't go cheap. I bought a Life Like SW9... It can barely pull its own weight.

[ledzepplin12able]

@B0OM3R98 thanks i find the train i have is kind of gutlas and its worth about 180 $

[SuperVideoman12]

hey same here man! i used to be at HO an now im in n scale. I previously got the bachmann empire builder. even though its bachmann its still good and if if i were you then i would be doing what im doing....getting the scenic ridge n scale layout and its really good quility

[RedLego391]

@boxcarsrule

I recommend KATO for the loco's, track, and rolling stock, but if your looking for mixed freight go with Atlas.

[MrSkywaka]

@boxcarsrule KATO IS great for train and backman for tracks

[sailerwan]

um this is the cost of my layout so far of what ive done:

Track(atlas) 200$

plywood 20$

Locos(with sound) 400$

Freight 150 $

DCC system 200$

[20NaScArBaBy20]

man screww $1,000 thats way too much!!!! even though it will look great

[john12212000]

Model trains have an odd way of adding up in cost =D

[karelfromholland]

I'm sure that this is going to be beautiful.

try : treinbaan 067

[Ignantredneck]

A thousand bucks??? jesus christ man...you could get twice as much for half the cost if you dont buy that horribly overpriced ready made EZ track from KATO. That stuff is such a ripoff. Buy bare track and cork roadbed. Save money. Actually put some work into it.

[123kmag123]

How much did that setup cost?

[john12212000]

About $1,000

[20NaScArBaBy20]

really? that seems like alot

[gs4449]

@john12212000 HOLY SHIZZ

[PLTimes]

I saw this in a "do-it-yourself" kit in a hobby store.

[john12212000]

Z scale

[Silver1Sprg]

Nope! I was at a train show about two months ago, and there is actually a scale now smaller than z scale that works on track power. It's something like TT Scale? something like that.

[chan623]

wats da smallest scale?

[skae2r]

ho scale and n scale are the best o scale is way to big

[EmeraldStoneStudios]

lol dude you think o scale is big you should see G scale. the locomotives range from 1 to 1 1/2 feet. Now thats too big.

[firefighter1811]

very nice layout whats the size of it? looks to be about 3'/4' or so.

[john12212000]

It is 6 feet long by 2.75 feet wide.

-John

[TheNewDorkTimes]

i like it. my layout will be.......ghetto. #1) it woill look cool. #2)I'm too lazy to put in detailed scenery

[Osbournefan123]

great layout im an N scale fan myself.

[winsch1027]

how much does the foam cost at home depot? its a big mess and really heavey after with light weight hydrlical.

[john12212000]

Hi,

Maybe the foam costs around $10 per inch slab that is about 3x6 or so. The foam is not a mess, esp with a hot wire cutter, but the hydtrocal is trickier and will add weight!

Best,

John

[bigJvids]

Hi John,

I enjoyed watching your video. I myself am in the process of building my n scale layout. It's supposed to be a farm railroad but i think i should make it a farm/moutain town. What do you think?

[john12212000]

Hi,

This may be a little hilly for a farm? I suppose you could make it flatter by using cross overs instead of the big steel bridge I have up. That way everything would be much more level. Then again, I went a little overboard on my mtns and make them larger, so I am sure you could pull of a farm with no problem. Its a fun track plan bc you can run two trains at once and not be bored with simple loops!

Thanks,

John

[flexspinner]

kool layout it gonna look good

[essgodard]

Hi John, I have looked at all parts of your N scale videos. Looks cool. I like how you can move around the layout and have so many different views. Keep it up.

[BrickstarRunner]

Hi John

I am making a model railroad that is N scale like you. Where should I put it, on a glass table *replacing glass* that is 24" x 44" or in a box that is 13" x 16". Whick one should I choose John? Your railway is looking way cooler than mine that I will be starting.

[john12212000]

Hi,

You probably want the 24x44 for the simple reason that your trains need room to make turns. To make best use of your small space, built UP with high mountains and tracks on many levels. This keeps the eye busy and makes your small layout look huge!

Thanks,

John

[michaelmohrmann]

Hi John, I'd like to know where you got such a deal on all the pink styrofoam. Thank you in advance. Oh, by the way...Your layout is looking good.

[john12212000]

Hi,

I guess it is the camera, because the foam is actually white and sold in big sheets at Home Depot. They seem to carry it near the insulation area.

-John

[michaelmohrmann]

Thanks for the help, I appreciate it.

[w8n2retire]

You are to be commended for your layout, your video accounts of it's progress and your willingness to answer everyone's questions. Great job! Hope there's more to come.

[Derailedtrain666]

cool!

[swisherhousetx]

this is amazing