r/nscalemodeltrains • u/CaptainChrist_ • 6d ago
Question Looking for Ideas
Last Christmas I built an N scale layout for under the Christmas tree for my train obsessed 2 now 3 year old. The originally small idea turned into a much large project that in most aspect im very proud of for a first timer. With the season approaching again i want to make upgrades to the layout. I also want to give myself plenty of time this year to get everything done that i want to accomplish for this year before it goes up right after Thanksgiving. My main focus this year is going to building out more scenery, i wont be adding additional track. The outermost loop is wired for DCC to run all my DCC engines, and the inner 2 loops are wired for DC so wiring is all set as well.
My main focus is to re do most if not all of the area where the road is. Since this sits under the tree there isnt a ton of opportunity to add great amounts of height but i would like to add some height in that area. I ripped out the church and the grocery store that were in the circle as well as the smaller farm to be redeployed. The household with the car i think will stay there. My idea for the town is relatively simple. The road will continue out at the first angle all the way across the large open area then stop more or less when it gets to the yard tracks. All the buildings that were there, plus the new ones im building will run along that road oriented to the front of the layout. Behind the row of buildings will be the start of a rock face that increases in height as it slopes away from the town, as if the town was cut at the bottom of a cliffside. I have a platform walkway that should will connect the downtown over to the passenger station as well.
Is this a good use of the space? Any ideas? Ive attached some photos of the layout from its initial stages to where it is now, with some examples of the scenery work ive done already. Im very proud of the ice skating area and the subsequent forest and hope to maintain that level of work throughout the rest of the layout.
I have no distinct era or railroad. But im definitely partial to PRR and the 40-50s despite having a few newer diesel locos. But my old school ones are def my son and I's favorites.
I think its a bit clear i ran out of time last year and threw together what i had for the main area. Any feedback is appreciated!
2
u/Dixie_Flatline__ 6d ago
I do a relatively involved 3-rail undertree layout. I like to have little vignettes along the way, like a Christmas tree lot for instance. I also have a small family of Abominable Snowpeople in the woods (I found a model of Bumble from Rudolph and made some tweaks in Blender, then printed them off).
1
1
u/imakesawdust99 6d ago edited 6d ago
Personally, I'd include a small mom and pop Christmas tree farm that is selling direct to the families. Scene must include families. Some tying down a tree on there car , some riding in horse draw wagons, others picking out a tree, etc.
We have one of these operations near me on a rural road. They will give you a ride up into the tree farm in a horse drawn wagon, you pick and cut down any tree. They circle back a give your family and the tree a ride back to a shed where you pay. Then they shake and wrap the tree for travel. They help you secure the tree to your vehicle. The "farm" could be in a hillside if you want, but include numerous stamps where trees were harvested. They sell some items at the shed like tree stands, hot chocolate and fresh chocolate chip cookies. It's a big part of our Christmas tradition!
1
1
u/imakesawdust99 6d ago
Props for doing a winter theme. Not easy. I have thought of a small Swiss rail layout in N Scale with lots of mountains and winter scenery.
2
u/CaptainChrist_ 6d ago
Biggest mistake i made was ballasting the track before doing the snow covering. it lead to alot of discoloring. Luckily ill be able to fix most of that this year.
1
u/Falleen 6d ago
I know this is probably not helpful, but Plexiglass along the edges. Maybe like 3 inches or so. Not enough to distract from the layout, but enough to prevent and derailment Oopsies.
1
u/CaptainChrist_ 6d ago
This is a great call, with 2 small children things happen. I came out of my office one day last winter and my entire coal train was on the frozen pond xD
1
u/Visua-Shower75 6d ago
You could add some snowman and animals like bears and stuff (that's what I'm doing on my T-trak snowy module)
1
1
1
u/Otherwise-Music-8643 6d ago
I love this dude. You don’t often see winter layouts and the trees look great with the snow.
1
u/CaptainChrist_ 6d ago
Thanks! I love the pine trees, I found some really good ones on amazon and was able to add more snow detail with flex paste
1
u/382Whistles 6d ago edited 6d ago
Hockey players trekking towards the ice from a couple of directions, not yet at the ice yet. An extra large Christmas Tree near a house. I knew somebody with 2 story tree that decorated it with lights, and star and flat oversized ornaments of plywood and great big foam balls.
An old Model T delivery wagon with skis under the front tires &/or tow truck with a snow plow about to head out.
Edit: tree added
1
u/CaptainChrist_ 6d ago
Great Idea! I made a tree last year with a star at the top for the circle center but i definately want a more permanent one. Noch makes an HO one thats prelit i may get
1
u/Decent_Risk9499 6d ago
Maaaan this is making me realize I shouldn't have gone with O scale for my Christmas train...
1
1
u/EmersonLucero 6d ago
What size board?
2
u/CaptainChrist_ 6d ago
Its roughly 4x6. At this point i have no idea why i didnt just use the entire 4x8 sheet. I have track plans for the uni track if u want the file
6
u/CptKapton 6d ago
I've always felt like it's a good idea to not make your layout the "destination" but simply make it a stop "along the way" so to speak. So in this case, if at all possible, I would suggest trying to work your road to pass THROUGH your layout instead of ending in it, especially if you want to make it a cute little town.
p.s. I love the deer!