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SPECIAL ISSUEPAGE 33a -
JANUARY 2005, ©2005 Carl Arendt |
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A PRIDE OF N-SCALE MICROS!WEBMASTER'S NOTE: Every so often I run across a story that is so full of interest and fun that it calls for a special issue to tell you about it. Here's one that involves an online group of N-scale modelers who declared a challenge in 2004, to build micro layouts occupying no more than two square feet. The deadline was January 1, 2005. The venue for progress reports was the All Model Railroading Forum for N/Z Scales. Seven modelers rose to the occasion -- here are their results! |
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JIM
Jim Marksberry, from Butler, Kentucky USA, chose to fill his 12x24 inch layout with elaborate urban details, a la George Sellios. You can see some of Jim's fine scenery in these views and much more of it -- along with a bunch of modeling tips -- in his folder on the Discussion Forum. Jim definitely disproves the old saw that N scale is too small to require much detailing! Jim's track plan for Templar Street is a simple 180-degree half-loop with a couple sidings, both facing in the same direction for ease of switching. The real focus of this micro layout is on the many delightful scenic details.
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RORY
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DAVID
David Walker, from Raleigh,
North Carolina USA, had trouble finding time to work on his challenge layout, but
prepared an excellent plan for a local switching district. His setting is similar
to Rory's, but the plan has more operating chores to do. The main line (blue) disappears
behind the fuel dealer and the bed factory, to create a small fiddle yard for adjusting
cars and their loads backstage. The baseboard measures 36x8 inches. |
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DREW
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NELSON
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UPDATE (March 2005)
 Nelson has completed the scenery on his two-square-foot layout and
sent us these photos. Looks good! He's also opened a web forum
for Portuguese-speaking modelers. Boa sorte, Nelson!
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JON
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MIKE
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Rory Glasgow, from Huntsville, Texas
USA, chose to make his 12x24 inch layout an open, local-switching area that can be
added onto a larger layout later. Some switching is possible on the standalone version,
but it's limited.
Drew Allison, from Louisville, Kentucky
USA, also built a 36x8 inch switching line in an urban setting. His layout is still
under construction, but the view above shows how he is using large-scale architecture
to realistically dwarf the trains. Notice too that Drew has made use of the air rights
above the tracks to build a structure that also serves as a view block. 
Nelson Almeida lives in S. João
do Campo, Portugal. He chose to use 9mm track but HOn30 scale for the two-foot challenge.
His 24x12-inch logging layout, still under construction, will use a short extension
to the right for the engine to switch cars in the Inglenook track pattern. For more
on Nelson's model, see his 
Mike Goad, who lives in Bryson City,
North Carolina USA, moderates the N/Z Scale Discussion Forum under the nickname,
"Tyson Rayles". Mike's entry in the challenge is this delightful mountain
line with autumn scenery, artfully divided into several viewing areas as indicated
on the plan. There's lots more information, including how he did it, in Mike's 