Episode 8: Track Laying - N/Nn3 Dual Gauge Turnout.
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 builds the first of several N/Nn3 dual gauge turnouts for the layout. This one is a No. 6 left hand turnout, one the few turnouts on the layout that is a standard size.
The video covers the entire process of building the turnout, from putting down ties to installing the rails and throw bar. At the end Dan tests the turnout with rolling stock and a locomotive.
WIth three switch points, two frogs, four guardrails, and many other parts, building a dual gauge turnout is much more complex than a standard turnout.
This turnout is a critical proof of concept for the layout. After all, if this one can’t be made to work, then the whole idea of a dual gauge layout in N scale is out the window.
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.
In addition to the dual gauge turnout, Dan puts down ties and some rail for the next two turnouts on the mainline. Those will be finished in a future episode.
So will this complex turnout work? Watch and find out!
Join us for some model railroading fun!