Episode 7: Track Laying N/Nn3 Gauge Separations

Small layouts can be a lot of fun to build, and if designed well, can also be fun to operate.

While Dan is waiting for his train room to be completed, he designed this portable N scale layout. Dan & Nichole plan to take the layout with them when they travel in their RV.

The layout is designed to fit on top of the RV's dinette table, and can be stored up in the camper bed above the cab when not in use.

The theme for the layout is the small fictitious coastal town of Siren Creek. Two small railroads meet here, a standard gauge line and a narrow gauge line. The era is the first half of the twentieth century.

This layout will be a challenge from a track laying standpoint, as Dan plans to build the layout with a combination of N and Nn3 track. Parts will be dual gauge.

Most of the track will need to be handlaid. This will take some work, but it also allows the track arrangement to be very flexible.

In this episode Dan starts putting track down on the end of the layout where the tunnels will eventually be built. This area includes some basic track as well as two gauge separations.

A gauge separation looks similar to a turnout, but it has no moving parts.

Dan is using Code 40 rail for the layout. Using PC board ties eliminates the need for spikes, which can cause problems with some N scale equipment. Most N scale rolling stock will work fine on Code 40 rail if there are no spike heads for the flanges to hit.

Code 40 rail is .040 inches tall, much closer to true scale for N than the code 70 or 80 rail used for much commercial track. The low profile rail looks great and can work just as well as other track.

This episode covers track laying as well as installing feeder wires. The wires are tied into the electrical connections Dan installed under the layout in previous episode.

So does it work? Watch and find out!

Join us for some model railroading fun!