Layout Size Question

[rbrpguy]

Hi Ya'll, I am a G scale guy but would like to have a small N scale layout. When an N scale set says it is 34 x 24, does that mean it will fit on a table that size? I want to put it on a sofa table. Thanks!

[Fred Klein]

Usually, track is measured to the centerline of roadbed, so in this case, for N, you'd best allow at least 3/4 inch to the outside edge of the roadbed. This means that for a full oval, you need to add at least 1-1/2 inches to both the width and the depth of the layout, which in your case would would measure out to 35-1/2 x 25-1/2. However this would put the track on the very edge of the table. Realistically, you should probably allow at least another 1-1/2 inch additionally in each direction in case of derailment. This would make for a table size of 37 x 27 inches. Even with an inch-and-a-half on each side, there's good risk of rolling stock impacting the floor in case of derailment (don't ask me how I know - I used to model in N-scale    ). Hope this helps.

[Terry Toenges]

I looked at some Bachmann sets. They advertise from the outside edge of the track to the outside edge of track. 34" means it's 34" from outside edge to outside edge. Same with 24". Their N scale track with the set is 11.25" radius.

[Tenwheeler01]

I model N scale also.   Depending on the equipment you want to run, you can go with a 9 3/4 radius curves.  But any rolling stock over 50' starts to look odd on the tight radius.   But 90% navigates the 9 3/4 curves.  All but one of may cars will navigate 11" radius curves.   

I highly recommend before you buy any N scale track to visit nScale.net.  And do some track research to figure out will work for you.