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Mine is on a doorslab. (You could use a 4 x 4 sheet of CDX plywood framed with 1 X 2 firring strips). I glued down to table surface a sheet of 3/4" thick foam insulation board which helps deaden sound. You can also cut rivers or lakes in it. Over that I glued down a grass mat like brakie linked...

Atlas claims to pre-lube their engines during assembly and recomends not lubing them until they really need it. This is because oil and grease are dirt and hair magnets with N scale and you want as little lube as possible on the moving parts. When I first get a new Atlas engine, I usually check...

The variety and availability of N scale is nowhere near as good as HO. But, it has improved vastly in recent years with a wealth of manuafacturers and new products being announced almost weekly. Atlas and Kato have a good selection of engines that run as well as HO. N scale is futzier to work...

I agree with everyone on knuckle couplers. I have only been into N scale for a 1 1/2 years and bought most stuff with knuckle couplers. I have converted only a handful of cars and engines and yes it is confusing. After converting a few cars, it starts becoming clearer to you. Micro Trains...

What everyone is saying about the MT conversion is the best advice. As far as the Rapidos are concerned, sounds like they are sticking. Try putting a dab of dry grahite lube between moving parts. Auto parts stores carry dry graphite lube for door locks. Check the spring too. Sometimes a weak...

Instead of asking for 3 feet, get a metric tape measure and ask her for one meter. This works out to about 3'-3"

Four or Five Kato SD's.

When all the rivets are there, they gripe about the price. There is a thread on another N scale forum written by an N tracker protesting the price of building 100 car trains is killing him. He goes on griping he can't get enough different car numbers that are correct for the cars. Good Greif! If...

There hasn't been any review since the cars aren't out yet. They will use the Accumate coupler truck assemblies like their regular stuff. Much of the detail, however will be cast in and they won't have as much detail, if any, on the underbody. I'm sure there are some rivet counters who have a...

N scale isn't exactly half the size of HO. 15" mininum radius is what you want in N scale for running long trains or larger equipment such as E8 diesels and passenger coaches. For a layout his size, 15" minimum radius makes sense.

I would recomend a dogbone shaped track plan with the ends widened to 36" for 15" radius curves on the end loops. The S curves that approach the end loops would be great for run-by viewing (a feature John Armstrong recomends in his book). You could have one or two mainlines with a double...

I chose N scale due to space constraints but I also enjoy the jewel like quality of the better stuff. Do you like running long trains in a realistic setting? N scale will give you this on a 4 X 8 where HO almost looks like it's chasing its tail for reasons others pointed out. How much HO do...

Keeping everything large wheel flanges won't improve running unless you are experienceing derailments with the low profile flanges. Otherwise the larger flanges increase drag.

Don't forget Mini Metals. They make 50's style trucks and cars. They look good too.

Large flanged wheels (pizza cutter wheels) are to prevent rolling stock, especially in long trains from derailing on sharp curves like 9" radius. If you are running 12" radius or larger, you shouldn't have a problem.

Wow, that is awesome work. I've been wanting an Atlas shay. But to bash two together? Man, I have trouble getting my N scale trains on the track. How does the Atlas shay perform by the way?

I understand what you are saying. I don't know specifically what Kato Unitrack pieces you need to do this. I have a Unitrack layout with two main lines but it is flat. I have never worked with unitrack viaduct pieces so I am at loss with your questions as to spectifically what you need to do...

I would be more patient. Very few N scalers use rising and elevated Unitrack pieces due to lack of realism. They elevate their roadbed instead.

Have you tried trainboard.com - N scale? There are some guys well versed with Unitrack. http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/forumdisplay.php?f=170

I should add I picked up a Life Like starter set power pack at a show for $2.00 to use as lighting power for my N scale setup and I see them all the time at shows in piles at these prices. They will work with your Bachman set. Hobby Lobby has occasional 1/2 price sales on all train stuff and...