N Scale Layout

N Scale Layout Description

The original club N-Scale layout was modular, and based on N-Trak standards. It was 31’ long and 49” wide. Digitrax DCC is used, but each of the mainlines is isolated so that DC trains can be run if a member or visitor wants to run a personal train. The layout was loosely based on the “Tidewater Region” of the United States from the early 1950’s up to the middle 1970’s. The current layout uses many of the original N-Track modules with a significant addition including Horse Shoe Curve and Spiral Tunnels.

Overview

The layout was a feature at the clubs train show each year. Members could take the layout apart or set it up in approximately two hours. All or part of the modules had been taken to be incorporated in other train shows in Southwest Florida. With the addition of street and building lighting, automatic crossing gates, and additional animation, the layout is no longer taken to shows. Since the club was no longer taking the layout up and down for train shows it was decided to expand the layout and introduce more scenic features.

Build History

The original layout was built over the years from 2007 through 2022. The new layout construction began in the spring of 2025 and has made significant progress through spring of 2026. The new layout includes many original N-Track modules along the left hand wall and an entirely new peninsula extending from the back wall all the way up the right side of the room.

Planning occurred in 2024 and early 2025 with teardown of the old layout and relocating cabinets and work space scattered around the room in late spring of 2025. Initial construction included blocking of outside windows, building a backdrop around the room and mounting the N-Trak modules that were being kept along the left hand wall. Then construction started on the framework of the new peninsula, followed by roadbed and track. At the time of this writing, finishing of Horse Shoe Curve mountains and build out of the mountain around the spiral tunnels is in process.

Enjoy photos of the buildout below. Click to image to enlarge:

Buildings and Scenery

New Scenery

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Click Image to Enlarge:

N-Trak Scenery

The multitude of industries on the main layout offer numerous operational possibilities: the industries include Shell Oil, Cash Mine, Ocean Freight, General Mills, AG Kim Supplies, Minnesota Power, Cabrice Services, Kelly Lake Freight, L Industries, J&R Supply, Source Fine Meats, and Bunt Dry Grains. The “Time Saver” puzzle offers five additional industries to be incorporated in operations: Freight Station, Mill Warehouse, AC Brown Manufacturing, Red Wing Milling, and Box and Crate.

The industries are part of over 160 structures that are on the layout. The structures are a combination of wood laser cut kits by Bar Mills, American Model Builders, Blair Line, J L Innovative, and Northeastern Scale and plastic kits by Walther’s Cornerstone, DPM, and Woodland Scenics. While there is only a slight rise and fall on one module, no other rail elevations are incorporated on the layout; three modules do incorporate mountain scenery. This is constructed from sculptamold and plaster cloth over foam. Most of the trees are made from real wood twigs, branches, and commercial armatures flocked with various ground covers and foliage clusters to simulate trees.