N Scale Model

At the 2000 Adelaide Model Railway Show my dad decided that N scale was the way to go and bought a starter kit and some second hand items to go with it. This got me thinking, if I also swapped to N scale and used a modular system we would be able to combine modules on occassions. At this point I also bought a secondhand engine, some carriages and track. I then began my plot to get the trains in the house again.

I started with some leftover modules from the HO attempt which did not get used in the garden shed. I had one 1200mmx600mm and one 900mmx600mm, I put some track down and quickly had a train running.

About this time I came across the Aust-N-Scale Web site and sent away for the AusTrak, NTRAK and oNeTRAK booklets. After looking through these and experimenting with the modules I had, I managed to get agreement (from management) for a small layout in the house to which modules could be added. The fixed layout had to be 'presentable' so I built a cabinet, a fixed portion sits on top and the modules are stored inside. Due to space restrictions I had to make it the minimum size which could store a module. Unfortunately due to some errors during construction the internal dimensions are about 5mm to small all round to accomodate a 1200mmx600mm module as planned. This led me to settle on oNeTRAK size modules 1200mmx300mm which would fit and will be cheaper to build anyway.

The top of the cabinet ended up at 1330mmx655mm so I had to compromise on some of the minumum standards however I could still get a basic oval into this.

I built my first 1200mmx300mm module and squeezed a return loop onto the 900mmx600mm module I already had. The new empire had begun...

As I have a preference for seeing trains running I decided to put double tracks on the modules even though they are only 300mm wide. As you can see I have varied from the oNeTRAK standards where it suites me but hopefully not in a way which prevents connecting fully standard modules.

I added some more modules and the total size (when assembled) was rather large and soon resulted in objections.

As you can see from these early pictures the modular system can be quite flexible, however it was only on rare occasions that it could be completely assembled.