Untitled N Scale Switching Layout

[CincinnatiKid]

Hi all,
I've been a lurker for a bit and thought I'd share a new project I'm working on.
Since my wife and I currently rent a townhouse, we're limited in terms of space so while COVID-19 is forcing us to stay home, I thought I'd build an N scale shelf layout.
I'm building a 14in by 12 ft layout built in three 4ft sections. Code 55 track with #7 turnouts. I'm also thinking of adding a 2ft section as staging but that's not included in the design.
Let me know what you think!


I've never wired for DCC so any input is appreciated. I'm going to go with NCE's Power Cab.

[wazzou]

Just a suggestion...you can rid yourself of the ugly S curves and gain more storage in the transload area by utilizing right hand turnouts after the left hand turnout departs the main.

[CBQ Fan]

Just a suggestion...you can rid yourself of the ugly S curves and gain more storage in the transload area by utilizing right hand turnouts after the left hand turnout departs the main.

Agreed, it will flow much better!

[CincinnatiKid]

I've made some progress.
The layout is built on three 4-ft modules from Masterpiece Modules. I haven't laid down any track yet but I've at least gotten the shelves up.

[squirrelhunter]

I like your use of T Trak modules, I'm doing something similar to build a switching layout on about 10 feet of shelving. I think your plan is a good one overall.

Are you modeling a particular era or prototype? Shortline of Class 1?

I only ask because for a modern (post staggers) setting, small rural ag industries would likely be receivers rather than shippers- like fertilizer dealers or feed mills. Small grain elevators that only shipped a few cars were out of the game generally by the 90's.

Also transload facilities became more common after Staggers, although they go back to the 60's at least. Locally, there are couple of transload facilities that handle lumber, so most of the lumber yards do not receive cars directly anymore.

[CincinnatiKid]

Thanks. If I had to do it again, I'd order the flush top modules rather than the ones I ordered.
I'm modeling modern era and I'm basing it on some industrial spurs that I've seen. For instance, despite my user name, I live in Salt Lake and there's an interesting plastic pellet transfer facility that shares trackage with our light rail. Near my house are two rail-served building supply companies that also share trackage with the TRAX Red Line and are served by the Utah Railway. Honestly, I needed a project for lockdown.

[jpec]

The inset modules aren't such a bad idea...if you want some below grade features like ditches, creeks, etc., you've already got a base layer in place to support it.

Also, Mr. Petersen can customize the depth on your modules.  I had him build several 8" deep modules that support a drop-in end section so I can have interchangeable scenery.

Jeff

[LIRR]

Good call on the NCE power cab. It doesn’t get any easier for a small layout. Two wires and your good to go. You can add additional feeders for redundancy at your leisure

[CincinnatiKid]

I've made quite a bit of progress during lockdown. My track plan has been slightly modified from the original plan but I don't feel like making another schematic.
I've never wired for DCC before so I made this diagram of where I'm planning to drop feeders. Any input is appreciated. I'm using Atlas Code 55 track and switches and I'd like to avoid powering the frogs if I can. Will this setup work?

[CincinnatiKid]

Other than the 2ft staging cassette module that I have yet to build, the track work is all done!
Since this layout lives in my garage, I'm thinking of calling it the Carhole & Northern. Avid Simpsons fans will get the reference.

[CincinnatiKid]

We have power! The NCE Power Cab is idiot proof. Which is good for me since I am the worst at wiring.

[CincinnatiKid]

It's been a while since I've updated this thread. Summer means that I'm usually outdoors instead of inside working on my railroad, but I have made progress.
Wiring is done and trains are running smoothly through the layout. This weekend, I tackled painting and weathering the track. Each rail gets a coat from a Woodland Scenics track pen. For the ties, I hand painted them with a series of acrylic washes. All the rails get a coating of a very dark grey. After that's dried, I go in and apply a very light wash of lighter gray and then give individual rails a touch of burnt umber and/or lighter gray. I think it turned out alright.

[CincinnatiKid]

I'm finally getting around to adding scenery, which is my favorite part of the hobby.

[MK]

Np pictures.  Round circle with a line through it.

[DKS]

Google strikes again.