This layout is simply incredible. It's just so efficient. When we think of a "great layout", people usually think of something miniatur wunderland-like, but I do think that doing more with less is what is really interesting. Very interesting layout
If most enter the hobby and started with something like that, they wouldn't get as discouraged when they try to bite off more than they could chew. This is perfect until you get the hang of the hobby.
Your video about "just do it" convinced me to setup a rough layout in N 120x60cm. I've got a more elaborate one I'm working on but I can play with my trains while that's under construction. Really enjoying both projects - one fast and easy, can change it anytime and test ideas for my main project. The other I get to endulge my fascination with detail (which is going to take years!).
Something nice about Kato and Japanese models is that it is by design to be in a cramped space, and if you get their Unitrack, you can also set it up and disassemble wherever and whenever you want. The ballast is built in, and you can set it up and disassemble in less than an hour
I agree. Even for a more permanent layout, I find it great that before I glue down track, I can experiment and actually run trains on the track plan and make changes as needed. The only problem with Kato track is that the points are expensive, since they include built-in point motors. Cheers.
Fleischmann N gauge track with built-in ballast is good, too - do they still make it? The points were hand-operated, and I used a fair amount of this track for an HOe Austrian layout back in the 80s. It wasn't quite right for HOe (sleepers too close!), but it was of very high quality. Not ridiculously expensive, either, if I recallcorrectly.
I’m 100% Kato. I’ve been fortunate to find used points that have kept the track cost down. Americans love the larger layouts. I’ve become a rebel in that small layouts where I can interchange the same buildings is very appealing.
You are absolutely correct about the Japanese N stuff being cheaper. I like that they still have quality control for the price. Their quality is on par with most American N scale and British N gauge stuff that I've seen.
Your Channel was my influence, when I started this hobby 5 years ago and 2 wire technology works fine for me, but so many newbies to the hobby seem to be Dazzled by the Technology and accompanying Complications or get Over Anxious about Ballasting - I Run OO on an extended trackmat Tailchaser, running older stock that I like to Repaint and Modify and I have Great Fun. Many thanks 🙏🏻
Great to see what can be done in N gauge in a small space. Looking forward to seeing forward to seeing how the railway grows. I also like the idea of being a freelance railway. I always think, it's your railway and you can run any train you want. You can create your own railway world. Well done sir. 👍🚂
Hi Philip here me and my girlfriend are doing a speril layout were the track just goes round and round up over and under do you think that is a good idea as I like it.its in oo scale but I've also got n scale.which is best.let me know .and is it good to use wood as I've been doing my railway layout for years now.i like your layout to.
N solves the issue of not having space for a layout...no excuses! I built a 2x4 N layout in college sharing a 2 bedroom apartment with 3 other students.
@@OscarOSullivan It was a bit of a curiosity for them. I'm not sure what they really thought when I was building it, but they did seem surprised as it came together. Ops were pretty simple. 5 industries plus a short spur for cars coming into the area. A single loop with no run-around sidings. A town scene on each side separated by a ridge (representing the gold/yellow colored foothills in central California during summertime) running diagonal down the center.
I enjoy playing trains, but I don't seem to need buildings, tunnels or scenery to get involved. I only use DC and mostly get away with a single wire attachment. As you say, it's surprising how complex the layout can be - one just has to think about the direction of the electricity. Currently, I have an oval with one passing loop and I've stuffing which is enough to mix my two engines up. Such fun - I look forward to seeing how your new layout develops😍
My layout is a 00 Gauge Dad’s Army layout running four DCC Sound locomotives and six DC locomotives. My latest equipment is a GWR Rail Motor with DCC Sound.
Mr Freezer often advocated using the precision-made proprietary curved sections - especially on small layouts - as they were so much easier to use than trying to bend flexitrack to tight radii, with all the problems that might result from even small errors.
Totally agree with you on all points you made. Set track, first radius curves DC, single power inlet and Gravel Mats are the way to start in the hobby. 👍 The Kiss approach, (Keep it simple stupid) is the best way for people getting into the hobby. Happy Modelling.
Whilst I do like to put a bit more cash into my stock as I think it’s worth it, I really appreciate that there are budget items that can be had, and especially channels like yourself that focus on how to get the best value out of model railways rather than just showing off the newest dcc sound!
Given that it covers a quarter of the area, it just gives so many possibilities. When linked to genuine budget kato locos and rolling stock both new and 2nd hand, it is much more in keeping with our budget model railway ethos
I am thinking about doing an exhibition type layout. Must go tip diving for a wooden board in good to great condition. Weight is no problem as I can lift the largest supermarket crate filled to the brim with 500g packs of onions with ease.
Hi Mike i am watching this having breakfast,i walked into the living room and my good lady was sitting there drinking tea,i said 'how big is that coffee table' she asked why? It is 2 foot by 4 foot.😀Another great video Mike and you do come up with some wonderful ideas.
Super. I have N and HO and love them both. I suggest trying to work in a passing siding somewhere in your layout designs, otherwise an excellent layout. 💙 T.E.N.
A passing loop brings no actual benefit and takes length and another point, it's something Cyril Freezer had worked out. Everyone has them but it's more habit
AMAZING, thank you for the video, great to see what you are able to do with limited space, also a great introduction to the hobby for the younger ones, thanks again keep making great videos, regards, Pete 👍
The beginnings of another nice compact N gauge layout! :-D It was great to see you at the show in Ashford at the weekend Mike! :-) Hope to see you at another show soon! Best Wishes, Adam.
Very nice layout that ticks all the boxes for my model railroading needs at the moment. Do the switches/turnouts placed so close to the curves cause you any bother. I find that I usually need to place even a short piece of straight track in between my curves and switches to ease the transition.
Try any rail free software, and any plans book by Cyril J Freezer, which are easily adapted to fit whatever size you have. Best advice is keep it simple
Super Jolly, your layout!! Where could I purchase a dc controller as you show in this video? Remember please that I am in “the colonies” and wayyyy down in south Mississippi, so there’s not much n gauge rr stuff going on!! Cheers, Bernars
Hi thanks. You can buy the boxes from our website, we ship to the US, but there is a delay on delivery at the moment. You would need to source the electrical components online, we use Ebay and Amazon in the UK. Again details on our website
What a brilliant little layout... yet more ideas for my 2024 project. By the way what was the name of the track book author you mentioned in the video? 👍🚂
Great layout! I must say, N-scale is tempting 😊 if I wouldn't have a large H0-collection yet, I would probably go for N-scale. Only minus is the height of the rails. They seem to be almost as high as OO-scale rails, which is quite high at that scale. Or are the modern Peco rails more to scale?
Hi, this is genuine advice😊 I have quite a lot of eyesight trouble due to diabetes. Ask at the optician about glasses more suited to the hobby. A good optician will be able create lenses that are suitable for seeing detail at 0-18 inches (0-40 cm) rather that the standard distance and/or reading. But I understand, it’s expensive too! All the best and happy modelling 😊 Ian
The track was all very second hand so a fraction of buying new. It's basically a 1st radius oval, four points three short curves and some straights. I probably paid about £40 for the track, it would be more than double that new. The baseboard cost me £3 from our local tip shop. Roofing felt was free, when I took it off my old shed lol
@@BudgetModelRailways thank you I will go to my local model railway store to see if they have second hand track. and the board is 2ft by 3ft am I right
It's a short shunting layout using two points, one left one right, and three parallel sidings, with a head shunt. You use a card system to generate random consists of Wagons and shunt them around to complete it
That's the amazing thing about inglenook puzzles. With 9 Wagons there are something like 4k options of the order of the Wagons. You basically move them back and forth using all three lines till you have them where you want them
Thanks for the video video, probably will make this one, but getting the bits and pieces together for my tram layouts Does the old n gauge run on first radius?😎🚋🚋🚋🇬🇧
Many Gentlemen regret previous investment in Other Scales ... Model them ALL ! TODAY is as good a 1st day as any to foray into sampling another scale ... Multi-Scale 🫵 then you don't have to worry about "Changing"
This layout is simply incredible. It's just so efficient. When we think of a "great layout", people usually think of something miniatur wunderland-like, but I do think that doing more with less is what is really interesting. Very interesting layout
If most enter the hobby and started with something like that, they wouldn't get as discouraged when they try to bite off more than they could chew. This is perfect until you get the hang of the hobby.
Thanks
Your video about "just do it" convinced me to setup a rough layout in N 120x60cm. I've got a more elaborate one I'm working on but I can play with my trains while that's under construction. Really enjoying both projects - one fast and easy, can change it anytime and test ideas for my main project. The other I get to endulge my fascination with detail (which is going to take years!).
That's a really good plan, I like that
Something nice about Kato and Japanese models is that it is by design to be in a cramped space, and if you get their Unitrack, you can also set it up and disassemble wherever and whenever you want. The ballast is built in, and you can set it up and disassemble in less than an hour
I agree. Even for a more permanent layout, I find it great that before I glue down track, I can experiment and actually run trains on the track plan and make changes as needed. The only problem with Kato track is that the points are expensive, since they include built-in point motors. Cheers.
I'm not keen on the look of Kato track, but it is excellent quality and just about bulletproof. As you say easy to rip up and put together.
Fleischmann N gauge track with built-in ballast is good, too - do they still make it? The points were hand-operated, and I used a fair amount of this track for an HOe Austrian layout back in the 80s. It wasn't quite right for HOe (sleepers too close!), but it was of very high quality. Not ridiculously expensive, either, if I recallcorrectly.
I’m 100% Kato. I’ve been fortunate to find used points that have kept the track cost down. Americans love the larger layouts. I’ve become a rebel in that small layouts where I can interchange the same buildings is very appealing.
You are absolutely correct about the Japanese N stuff being cheaper. I like that they still have quality control for the price. Their quality is on par with most American N scale and British N gauge stuff that I've seen.
It's better and cheaper than most UK outline stuff, especially the rolling stock
Japanese anything is no guarantee of QC just look at Seiko the past ten odd years, but Kato like Citizen has fantastic quality overall.
Your Channel was my influence, when I started this hobby 5 years ago and 2 wire technology works fine for me, but so many newbies to the hobby seem to be Dazzled by the Technology and accompanying Complications or get Over Anxious about Ballasting - I Run OO on an extended trackmat Tailchaser, running older stock that I like to Repaint and Modify and I have Great Fun. Many thanks 🙏🏻
Sounds great ,have fun and thanks for watching
Hornby is selling some TT120 coaches that only go around radius 3! Great video.
Madness, defeats the whole point of TT, it's laughable and self defeating
@@BudgetModelRailways Must be the same size as H0 first Radius 😜😜
Great to see what can be done in N gauge in a small space. Looking forward to seeing forward to seeing how the railway grows. I also like the idea of being a freelance railway. I always think, it's your railway and you can run any train you want. You can create your own railway world. Well done sir. 👍🚂
Hi Philip here me and my girlfriend are doing a speril layout were the track just goes round and round up over and under do you think that is a good idea as I like it.its in oo scale but I've also got n scale.which is best.let me know .and is it good to use wood as I've been doing my railway layout for years now.i like your layout to.
Your new layout could just as easily be a 009 narrow gauge set up. I like 009 as you can use oo gauge scenics with the 9mm track
N solves the issue of not having space for a layout...no excuses! I built a 2x4 N layout in college sharing a 2 bedroom apartment with 3 other students.
Well done you
Do any your flat mates come round for a running session?
Do your flat mates come round for a running session?
@@OscarOSullivan It was a bit of a curiosity for them. I'm not sure what they really thought when I was building it, but they did seem surprised as it came together. Ops were pretty simple. 5 industries plus a short spur for cars coming into the area. A single loop with no run-around sidings. A town scene on each side separated by a ridge (representing the gold/yellow colored foothills in central California during summertime) running diagonal down the center.
It’s an excellent track plan in a small space. Looking forward to seeing the upper loop added in due course !
I enjoy playing trains, but I don't seem to need buildings, tunnels or scenery to get involved. I only use DC and mostly get away with a single wire attachment. As you say, it's surprising how complex the layout can be - one just has to think about the direction of the electricity. Currently, I have an oval with one passing loop and I've stuffing which is enough to mix my two engines up. Such fun - I look forward to seeing how your new layout develops😍
Quite right, simplicity is the key.
My layout is a 00 Gauge Dad’s Army layout running four DCC Sound locomotives and six DC locomotives. My latest equipment is a GWR Rail Motor with DCC Sound.
Guess your one of the happy medium, more expensive rolling stock but a BMR approach to the track bed and scenery
Guess your one of the happy medium, more expensive rolling stock but a BMR approach to the track bed and scenery
Can't beat a Cyril Freezer design. My OO layout is one of his that I'd wanted to build for years.
Mr Freezer often advocated using the precision-made proprietary curved sections - especially on small layouts - as they were so much easier to use than trying to bend flexitrack to tight radii, with all the problems that might result from even small errors.
Totally agree with you on all points you made.
Set track, first radius curves DC, single power inlet and Gravel Mats are the way to start in the hobby. 👍
The Kiss approach, (Keep it simple stupid) is the best way for people getting into the hobby.
Happy Modelling.
Thanks for the support
Quite right!
Enjoyed the video. Totally agree on resolving the space issues with N. However, it’s just too small for me to see😂. So, I have to stick with 00.
My old eyes agree and that is exactly why I chose OO. Well, that and wider choice of rolling stock.
OO for life as well
Hello,I do like 'N' gauge as its easy to move or put so much into the layout.this one is ideal to work.
Just put my order in for my first n gauge … quite excited especially bout the futuristic emu courtesy of kato
Traintrax are very good for Kato
@@BudgetModelRailways thats who I went with :)
Whilst I do like to put a bit more cash into my stock as I think it’s worth it, I really appreciate that there are budget items that can be had, and especially channels like yourself that focus on how to get the best value out of model railways rather than just showing off the newest dcc sound!
You are welcome here anytime as is any one who is one of the happy medium
as someone who is still tied to 00/HO I am very tempted to try n gauge at some point.
Given that it covers a quarter of the area, it just gives so many possibilities. When linked to genuine budget kato locos and rolling stock both new and 2nd hand, it is much more in keeping with our budget model railway ethos
I am thinking about doing an exhibition type layout. Must go tip diving for a wooden board in good to great condition. Weight is no problem as I can lift the largest supermarket crate filled to the brim with 500g packs of onions with ease.
Realism - things always go wrong....like the outer siding making use of the space...
N gauge is definitely not for me. However, the track and ballast definitely can be as I would love to have a OO9 section of a layout.
Totally agree. Looking forward to seeing the finished layout.
Hi Mike i am watching this having breakfast,i walked into the living room and my good lady was sitting there drinking tea,i said 'how big is that coffee table' she asked why? It is 2 foot by 4 foot.😀Another great video Mike and you do come up with some wonderful ideas.
Lol, sounds like some negotiations are due
@@BudgetModelRailways Haha the coffee table top is perfect lol😂
Excellent and inspirational, thank you.
That's kind of you thanks
Super. I have N and HO and love them both. I suggest trying to work in a passing siding somewhere in your layout designs, otherwise an excellent layout. 💙 T.E.N.
A passing loop brings no actual benefit and takes length and another point, it's something Cyril Freezer had worked out. Everyone has them but it's more habit
AMAZING, thank you for the video, great to see what you are able to do with limited space, also a great introduction to the hobby for the younger ones, thanks again keep making great videos, regards, Pete 👍
Thanks very much for the support
I am already looking forward to seeing this layout finished 😀
The beginnings of another nice compact N gauge layout! :-D It was great to see you at the show in Ashford at the weekend Mike! :-) Hope to see you at another show soon! Best Wishes, Adam.
Hi Adam. Great to see you on Saturday. The shop in Eastbourne still has a box of TT stuff, a Jinty 4 or five coaches and loads of Wagons, about £60?
This is a brilliant design.
Thanks
Absolut wundervoll. Super!🙏
Thanks
looking forward to seeing this layout develop
Thanks, so am I as so far I've only got the track plan sorted, no other ideas yet
Very nice layout that ticks all the boxes for my model railroading needs at the moment. Do the switches/turnouts placed so close to the curves cause you any bother. I find that I usually need to place even a short piece of straight track in between my curves and switches to ease the transition.
No, no issues, although the Kato stuff is designed to be more tolerant, other makes might have an issue
Nice little layout. I see that you are running quite a mix there. Is the DMU/EMU a Japanese one? In fact are they all Japanese locos?
Japanese, kato freelance and 3d printed
I've seen a few track plans for 4'x2'. It's possible to have quite a complex layout in a small space, as you have just shown.
where can I see track plans for 4'x2' ? my max available space.
Try any rail free software, and any plans book by Cyril J Freezer, which are easily adapted to fit whatever size you have. Best advice is keep it simple
@@garyhollins2266 Google 4ftx2ft track plans. Go to images. Hundreds of them.
You can shunt that first wagon into the Repair In Place (RIP) track.
Super Jolly, your layout!! Where could I purchase a dc controller as you show in this video? Remember please that I am in “the colonies” and wayyyy down in south Mississippi, so there’s not much n gauge rr stuff going on!!
Cheers,
Bernars
Hi thanks. You can buy the boxes from our website, we ship to the US, but there is a delay on delivery at the moment. You would need to source the electrical components online, we use Ebay and Amazon in the UK. Again details on our website
What a brilliant little layout... yet more ideas for my 2024 project. By the way what was the name of the track book author you mentioned in the video? 👍🚂
He has written loads. This one actually came from a little pamphlet he wrote in the late 60s
Sorry, his name is Cyril J Freezer, he actually wrote most of the Peco guides
@@BudgetModelRailways worth having a look round for. Many thanks
Sadly been dead for over ten years
Great layout! I must say, N-scale is tempting 😊 if I wouldn't have a large H0-collection yet, I would probably go for N-scale. Only minus is the height of the rails. They seem to be almost as high as OO-scale rails, which is quite high at that scale. Or are the modern Peco rails more to scale?
You can get lower profile but it doesn't bother me, reliability over looks
I am doing Tt120 Queensland 3'6" on N track. 7ft wagon are the same size as Peco N gauge 9ft wagon.
And by the way, what’s the small electric locomotive in the long siding at the top of this layout?
It's one of the excellent Kato pocket line range. Superb runners and only £45 with two Wagons
Well I would struggle with N Gauge because my eyes aren’t as good as they were. I just can’t see to put the track together!!
Kato N Gauge Track would solve that but I know what you mean lol
Specsavers.
Hi, this is genuine advice😊
I have quite a lot of eyesight trouble due to diabetes.
Ask at the optician about glasses more suited to the hobby.
A good optician will be able create lenses that are suitable for seeing detail at 0-18 inches (0-40 cm) rather that the standard distance and/or reading.
But I understand, it’s expensive too!
All the best and happy modelling 😊
Ian
While it is a great layout I proudly will remain a OO modeller for life.
Did you see the email I sent re. Start stop automatic kato trams, Mike?
Not yet
I think you will find it very interesting.
how much did that layout cost and what track you needed to do it
The track was all very second hand so a fraction of buying new. It's basically a 1st radius oval, four points three short curves and some straights. I probably paid about £40 for the track, it would be more than double that new. The baseboard cost me £3 from our local tip shop. Roofing felt was free, when I took it off my old shed lol
@@BudgetModelRailways thank you I will go to my local model railway store to see if they have second hand track. and the board is 2ft by 3ft am I right
3ft by 22in to be exact. You need the shortest set track points
@@BudgetModelRailways thank you I will find some board for it love your vids. and did you build your own controler for the layout
What is an ‘inglenook’ layout? explanation rather than pictures please, I’m totally blind
It's a short shunting layout using two points, one left one right, and three parallel sidings, with a head shunt. You use a card system to generate random consists of Wagons and shunt them around to complete it
thanks very much. But I don’t understand how you do all that with only two points
That's the amazing thing about inglenook puzzles. With 9 Wagons there are something like 4k options of the order of the Wagons. You basically move them back and forth using all three lines till you have them where you want them
Never work with children animals or trains
Thanks for the video video, probably will make this one, but getting the bits and pieces together for my tram layouts Does the old n gauge run on first radius?😎🚋🚋🚋🇬🇧
UK outline stuff is problematic, older will probably be OK, but not newer, its why I don't run UK
@@BudgetModelRailways thanks
Many Gentlemen regret previous investment in Other Scales ...
Model them ALL ! TODAY is as good a 1st day as any to foray into sampling another scale ...
Multi-Scale 🫵 then you don't have to worry about "Changing"
Spot on, I have modelled N, HO, OO, 009 and O