New N Gauge member
Posted: Sun Jun 21, 2020 12:43 am
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.
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.
