New Squidoo Lens for N Gauge Beginners

I've been looking around for a good N gauge starter set of late, and I thought I'd share the results on a Squidoo Lens (kinda like an interactive, structured blog).

So, if you're just getting started, and want to know what the best N gauge model train manufacturer is, or who does the best ready to run box, check out What's a Good Make N Gauge Trains for a Beginner.

Meanwhile, I'm continuing my quest for the best point / switch / turnout engine / machine for my new OO/HO hybrid layout. The idea is to use the layout that I'm not currently operating as the fiddle yard for the other layout, if that makes sense.

I'll keep you posted; it's a bit chilly in the attic these days!

Using Forced and False Perspective in HO/OO Gauge with N Gauge Models

One of the challenges when modelling in smaller scales is giving the illusion of space. HO/OO and N gauge layouts are also often synonymous with limited availability of space. It seems that fewer and fewer people have access to the once ubiquitous spare room.

This means that there are two challenges to address:

• smaller scale, less imposing models (locomotives, rolling stock and scenery);
• less space to create the illusion of more.

Backscenes are often used to good effect to create the illusion that the layout is merely a part of a larger geographic area, as are techniques for enclosing the layout using scenic breaks (such as bridges) and varying the height of rails, embankments, and so forth.


Using HO/OO and N Gauge Together to Create False Perspectives


However, there is another option - to use smaller scale models, scenic items (such as low-relief models and trees) to create an illusion of perspective. So, OO and HO modelers can use N, or even Z guage items to represent things that are distant, provided that some basic guidelines are followed.

One great example of this in action is the MRC's Copenhagen Fields layout. The rolling stock is N gauge (actually finescale 2mm standard) and the surrounding models and scenery goes right down to 1:450 to give the illusion of vast scale.

While I accept that Copenhagen Fields is also a large layout (9m x 3m), the techniques can still be applied to a smaller layout that is only 36 inches deep. To do so, however, a few guidelines need to be followed.

Scale Differences Between the Gauges

The first thing to establish is what the scale differences are between gauges (for a complete run-down, check out the Gauge & Scale Guide at RailMania). For example:

- O gauge is 1/43.5 scale
- OO gauge is 1/76 scale
- HO gauge is 1/87 scale
- N gauge is 1/148 scale
- Z gauge is 1/220 scale

Therefore, the difference between an OO gauge and N gauge model, in terms of scale is roughly half. It follows that, from a given viewpoint, there is a point at which, if an N gauge model is placed behind an OO gauge one, it will appear to be more distant, and not merely smaller.

That is the point of the false perspective, also known as forced perspective - to use a 3D model in place of a flat backscene to imply depth, hopefully giving a more realistic result.

Because of the way perspective works, pieces of scenery that are trying to force the perspective need to be diagonally behind - i.e. up and back from - the foreground objects.

There are so many variables, that often trial and error is the best way to proceed.

Trial and Error

Firstly, you need to decide what you are going to use to create the false perspective:

• low relief card models (i.e. from scalescenes.com);
• modified card models (i.e. from Metcalfe);
• modified plastic models;
• small scale models (vehicles, people, etc.) placed on the layout, in front of the back scene. 

The obvious advantage of using Scalescenes models is that they can be easily modified, and if you make a mistake, re-printed! Destroying an expensive Metcalfe kit in an attempt to make it low-relief is a bigger risk, and the same goes for plastic models.

Once you have decided what models you will use to create the false perspective, it is a case of placing the various bits and pieces of scenery on the layout and observing the effect from different points.

You will find that there are places where the effect works, and places where it doesn't. If it really doesn't work from a particular angle, consider blocking the view with a scenic break, or changing the shape of the layout.

(The late Carl Arendt wrote an excellent piece on designing micro layouts, and one trick he used was forced perspective.)

Having gone through the trial and error exercise above, the modeler will now be acutely aware that not only is there a 'sweet spot' in which models can be placed for the best affect, but that this sweet spot will move around depending on the viewer's position.

Trawling through the forums on the topic, the accepted wisdom appears to be that forced perspective is fine for backscenes and supporting scenery, but needs to be used wisely.

In addition, while three to four feet is the smallest width that most people recommend, more enclosed 'micro layouts' work well because they naturally restrict the viewer's line of sight, thereby reducing the chance that the illusion is broken.

Finally, don't ever forget that it's not just about the models and backscene. Roads need to narrow into the distance, fences and walls will diminish, and if one part of the layout is out of kilter, the illusion will start to fall apart!

How to Add Sound to a Model Rail Layout

A little bit of sound on a layout can add an extra dimension to the experience, albeit at a cost.

DCC Sound

The sound is provided by a speaker, connected to a special DCC decoder that can store sound files to be played back through the speaker.

The decoder can store several sounds, depending on what the locomotive is supposed to be doing:

• idling;
• starting;
• running;
• braking;
• etc.

The decoder and speaker are then mounted in the locomotive.

DCC Sound on Locos

This can be a delicate operation : as with fitting any decoder, it requires taking the locomotive apart, and fitting both the decoder and the speaker.

Larger diesels will have space between the bogies, steam locomotives ought to have space in the tender, or in the body itself.

Smaller locomotives, such as the Class 08 diesel or 0-4-0 steam engines will be fiddly, and where possible, pre-fitted DCC sound models should be bought in preference to trying to retro fit the sound kit.

DCC Sound on the Layout

There is, however, another way, and that is to use one decoder for all the locos, mounted on the baseboard.

This has some obvious advantages, such as sound quality, and some clear disadvantages, such as the sound not following the locomotive around the layout.

Of course, a big advantage is that the decoder and speaker do not need to be mounted in the loco, although they do still need to be DCC. This is because the decoder needs to decode the control signals, decide which loco it is destined for, and play the appropriate sound file.

So, in a nutshell, that's how DCC sound works. It's a complex topic, covered in some depth in the book DCC Projects & Applications: Digital Command Control for Your Model Railroad (Model Railroader). It covers all aspects of DCC, and provides information that can be applied immediately to those who want to add DCC to their layout, or extend an existing layout.

Building Layouts with a Roundhouse in OO/HO Gauge and N Scale Modelling

A roundhouse is a place to store locomotives, and as the name suggests is usually round. Typically, pre-built model roundhouses are described by the number of stalls that they have - Atlas, for example, has a three stall roundhouse designed to fit its specific track geometry.

On the other hand, the Faller roundhouse, pictured here in N gauge, has multiple stalls. There needs to be easy access to the stalls from the track, and so most layouts are based on a track plan that includes a turntable.

A Roundhouse with a Turntable


A track plan that uses both a roundhouse and a turntable benefits from:

• easy expandability (adding more stalls);
• easy access to stalls;
• somewhere to turn the locomotive around.

They might take up a little space, and can be both pricey and technically challenging to fit, but they provide the most flexible solution. For layouts that are restricted in space and budget, a sector plate can offer an alternative.


A Roundhouse with a Sector Plate or Traverser


A sector plate is a (usually) manually operated track selection device. It can be thought of as a piece of track on a moving platform which can slide along a horizontal plane (usually called a traverser), or at an angle (kind of like a hinged piece of track.)


Sector plates allow for selection of rolling stock (i.e. locomotives stored in a roundhouse) but do not give the ability to turn them around.


Creating a sector plate can be technically challenging, but ultimately it can help solve issues relating to space for both roundhouse layouts and those with multiple sidings.


For those who don't have the skills, then there is also another way - to use a three way point.


A Roundhouse with 3-Way Points (Switches, or Turnouts)


Three way points are expensive. They occupy much the same space as a Y-turnout in most track geometries, and so are quite compact. Whether or not they're prototypical is probably also a point for discussion.


Nonetheless, many manufacturers who supply three stall roundhouses have made them compatible with their 3 way points (switches, turnouts) and so they do offer a quick and easy way to provide access to multiple locos.


However, as with sector plates, they don't allow for turning around the loco, which is where the turntable has a real advantage.


Other Track Plan Ideas for Layouts with a Roundhouse


Finally, it is possible to use multiple points (switches, turnouts) to feed track to the roundhouse, but usually they will need to have a bit of give in the track. 


Lining up the roundhouse stalls with the track becomes an issue when using multiple points, curves, and other pieces of track.


However, some layout designs simply use the roundhouse as a feature purely to store locomotives, and have lines running out from them in all directions - in such cases there's no need to try and merge the track into a single line.