New N Gauge member

[Spikey4464]

Hi everybody.
I thought that it was about time I joined a forum for moral support and share some ideas; I last dabbled with my Minitrix set a good 40 years ago but as I’ve recently retired found that I can now dedicate time (and a little cash….) to rekindle my lost youth!
With a spare room available I have decided to convert my old home office into a model room and plan on building an N-gauge table-top diorama that will initially be 2.5m x 1.5m, but as I am very ambitious, may double the size over the years. The draft plan is for four main tracks with 3 spurs and 10 sidings (all with independent power), with several mechanical gizmos added in.
At least two of the tracks will be multi-powered by utilising catenary overhead electrics (I have managed to collect a good supply of newish Vollmer pieces, but of course – like Minitrix - they no longer exist so it has been quite difficult), and I have already operated two DC-controlled models independently on a test track to make sure this will work satisfactorily. I intend on using analogue models for my project, and have managed to source a fair number of original 70's/80's Minitrix diesel/electric loco’s, all in original boxes which give some comfort on care during their previous life (although I always service the models beforehand to confirm they are A1, and have a fair amount of spare parts at my disposal). Added to this is a large number of rolling stock (again boxed as new), electric light signals and track trip switches (all Minitrix as I have an affinity with that brand from my youth), but most of the track and points will be Peco Streamline code 55, using Electrofrog for smoothness. For power, switches etc I have managed to source a multitude of “new and boxed” Hammant & Morgan brand units (controller units, switch blocks, motors, and again lots of spare parts!) which will be tested before engineering to suit my preferred gauge. I am sure that I have over-stocked, so the surplus may be available to others at some time in the future if that is something shared within the forum.
My project will have a very German flavour, as the diorama will have Faller model kits, to match my rolling stock, as I can’t seem to find anything more local with a similar diverse choice in N-gauge. Unfortunately this has meant that a fair bit of my purchases are international rather than UK-based, so I'm having to correspond in German and various other European languages (all pretty poorly....). I don’t expect to have this first stage completed for a few years – especially as the addition of scenery will likely cost me a few arms and legs - but hope to share my progress as I start things off in a couple of months’ time. Hopefully I can call for help from your experience should I hit any brick walls with schematics etc.

[RogerB]

Hi Spikey - welcome to the forum. Sounds like a fascinating project, and one which I look forward to hearing more about in due course. R-

[Walkingthedog]

Welcome Spikey, what a wonderful project.

[teedoubleudee]

Hi Spikey and wecome to our forum. Sounds like you have a lot of fun ahead of you there. There's not too many European modellers on here so look forward to your continued input. Faller kits are very good by the way.

Whereabouts are you based?

[IanS]

Welcome - a friendly forum with masses of experience to be shared if you ask a question.

[Steve M]

Welcome to the forum. A few of us dabble in N but even fewer in continental - keep us posted.
Can you get all round your board? 1.5m is a bit of a stretch if you can only access from the front and you will damage something leaning across.
My N gauge layout has a small harbour where the boats have permanently bent masts and its only 2’6” across there.

[Spikey4464]

Hi Spikey and wecome to our forum. Sounds like you have a lot of fun ahead of you there. There's not too many European modellers on here so look forward to your continued input. Faller kits are very good by the way.

Whereabouts are you based?

Hi - I’m in North Wales for my sins...

[Spikey4464]

Welcome to the forum. A few of us dabble in N but even fewer in continental - keep us posted.
Can you get all round your board? 1.5m is a bit of a stretch if you can only access from the front and you will damage something leaning across.
My N gauge layout has a small harbour where the boats have permanently bent masts and its only 2’6” across there.

Hi Steve; my idea is to have an open middle section so I only need to reach over about 2 feet max, possibly capping off when not working on it; to start off the depth will only be 60cm deep and as I build the track around the gap will manifest itself. I have three baseboard modules which I’ll baton together as I go along. Well, that’s the plan...

[glencairn]

Hi Spikey. Welcome on board.

Interesting idea of a layout with a German flavour. Look forward to seeing your progress.

Glencairn

[Mr Bones]

Hi Spikey and welcome to the forum.