How Do I Build a N Scale Train Layout?

Measure your available space for the train layout. Re-create the available space on a piece of graph paper to scale. Plan your train table on the graph paper. Draw the size and shape of the train table you wish to use for your train layout. Make sure you leave room in the planned space for accessing the table.

Test your table plans. Walk the area where you plan to place your train table, making sure that all surfaces on your panned table will be reachable when the actual table is in place, so that you can lay the track.

Draw the track positions, and larger scenery elements such as mountains and buildings on the train table drawing. In larger spaces, N scale allows you to build multiple scenes in the same layout; for example, a town with tracks leading to a mine or a combination of cityscape connected with small town via a rail line.

Purchase a table that fits your planned table size. Ready-made train tables are available in a large assortment of sizes and are more than strong enough to hold the weight of an N scale layout. Set the table up in your chosen space, following the assembly instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Modify the train table for track layout. Place a layer of 1-inch extruded foam onto the train table as a sub-bed for your train layout. The inch-thick foam provides a surface that you can dig into to create waterways, ditches and other sub-terrain features. Cut the foam to fit using a utility knife, then glue it on the table surface using wood glue. Allow the glue to set for 30 minutes to secure the foam layer in place.

Lay out the track on your table according to your graphed plans. Use a cork roadbed for your track, available from any store that sells model-railroading supplies. Glue the roadbed pieces to the tabletop, following the proposed track layout. Allow the cork to dry for 30 minutes and then glue the train track in place following the roadbed center. Connect the track pieces at the joints by sliding the two separate pieces into the grooves of track joiners. Make sure the rails of the tracks are level and butted closely together. Pin the track in place using thumbtacks, pressing the tacks firmly in place with a tack hammer. Allow the track glue to set for 30 minutes.

Solder the joints of the tracks with silver solder to keep a stable electrical connection. Place resin flux paste across the outside of the track rails at the joints using a toothpick. Turn on the soldering iron and heat both rail ends and the track joiner. Place the solder onto the tip of the soldering iron at the joint and allow the solder to flow along the joint, completing the rail connection. Wait for the solder to cool and harden, about 10 minutes, and then go over the solder with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove any residue left from the flux paste.

Place the scenery elements onto your train set. Work from the ground upward. Start by placing ground cover, grass, moss, dirt, whatever your scene calls for. Spread a layer of the cover across the surface of the train table and then soak the layer with diluted water-based wood glue. Dilute the glue to about one part glue and four parts water. With the ground cover in place, mount buildings and other scenery elements. Allow the glue to dry for an hour.

Wire your layout by drilling holes through the tabletop where the wires are to connect to electric elements of your layout. Connect the wires, and then slip them through the drilled holes. Run them along the bottom of the table, taped in place with electrical tape, and then connect them to your train transformer.

Place the train onto the tracks and power up your layout.