N scale 18'' x 48''

[YpsiAmtrakBoy]

I'm helping my uncle with a small n scale layout. It has not been set in stone yet but what I would like to do is a 4 foot by 18 inches table that is a single loop with a siding in the front of the table and 2 track yard in the back of the table with an engine lead. It will be simple and easy to run. What I am looking for are ideas on what type of track to use and who makes good n scale buildings. There will probably be a few buildings around the layout and possibably a small town... Also trying to keep it pretty cheap, no need to be prefect.
Here's the track plan that I drew up, the first half is the left, track is orange and brown is a one foot grid. Scale is 1/2 inch = 1 inch. You might be able to see the inch grid on the sides of the drawings.

Untitled by YpsiAmtrakBoy, on Flickr

Untitled by YpsiAmtrakBoy, on Flickr

My uncle also has 2 n scale sets

[YpsiAmtrakBoy]

"yard boss" with a PRR 0-6-0

Untitled by YpsiAmtrakBoy, on Flickr

Untitled by YpsiAmtrakBoy, on Flickr
Santa fe long hauler with powered and dummy f7's

Untitled by YpsiAmtrakBoy, on Flickr

Untitled by YpsiAmtrakBoy, on Flickr

My uncle picked up a few extra cars along the way but has no track

[Chrisracer8903]

Since the train sets are Bachmann, you'd probably want Bachmann EZ Track and Bachmann's pre-built buildings.

[MKT_fan11]

You could also use Kato's Unitrack system. It's more expensive than the Bachmann track, but it's also really nice in terms of quality and appearance. It's also quite durable if you have to disassemble your layout or make changes to the track plan over time.

Even though you mention that you don't care if its perfect, you'll want your track to be as close to perfect as possible. Otherwise you could wind up with track problems that may cause you to lose interest in the project all together, or at least that will make the layout less enjoyable than it could be.

If you aren't interested in using the track with the molded on roadbed, you could try using sectional track with either cork, foam or some other form of roadbed material. It will take more time and energy to make the roadbed look realistic, but you won't be limited to a gray limestone-like ballast material.

Good luck with your project!

[Chrisracer8903]

Ypsi, if you want N scale track for cheap, I'll be selling random Bachmann, Kato, and Atlas sectional track at the Train-O-Rama, you can come and find my table there and I will work with you on a reasonable price for them.

[YpsiAmtrakBoy]

thanks guys i am going to try to make it to train o rama and will just be planning with my uncle

[MQT3001]

any updates?

[YpsiAmtrakBoy]

any updates?

no I have not worked with my uncle on this yet I have not seen him enought to do any work. hopefully soon I will talk with him about building the table and stuff... It'd probably have gone faster if he was really into trains. He has had those sinve he was a kid and told me he wants to get a small table...