N Scale Column for Model Railroad Hobbyist

[AlkemScaleModels]

I have signed on to Model Railroad Hobbyist as a contributing editor for a column on N Scale subjects. I am soliciting feedback from N Scale modelers with suggestions on what you would like to see in the column. So if you have an idea or subject that you think needs coverage post it here, or drop me a private email at info@alkemscalemodels.com

I expect my column to focus on commentary and analysis on the world of N Scale railroading.  The following subjects are in the hopper:  model track,  couplers, and the state of N Scale modular railroading.

Model Railroad Hobbyist is a new venture that will offer a free on-line magazine (it will be ad supported) devoted to model railroad subjects. The intent is to take advantage of the rich media opportunities available to on-line content.  The website is http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/  Subscriptions are free. The first issue will be published in January 09.

[Van Horne]

Glad to hear you are contributing, Bernie.  Saw some of your modules in Louisville and was blown away!!  For those of you who don't follow Joe Fugate's contributions since he is in HO, ( Joe is the spark behind this venture) I think it is hard to say enough about what a force he is becoming in and for the hobby.  His Siskiyou Line series of videos is beyond the gold standard in my opinion.  I don't know how he gets the time to get everything done that he does!

David

[wm3798]

How about a dissertation on how N scale is so hard to see, and that it's hard to keep on the track, and how serious modelers only pursue larger scales...

Oh wait, that's already on the MR forum...  Nevermind...

But seriously folks, I think it's great.  And I can only wonder how long it will be before MR realizes what an on-line publication should be.

I think the topics you've suggested are limited to mechanical questions, though.  I would broaden the spectrum to include some discussion of the philosophy of the scale...  Why do we do what we do, and how we feel our choice of scale helps us meet the goals we set for ourselves and our layouts.  Another interesting topic might be how the advent of high quality, relatively inexpensive digital photography has affected N scale's approach to detailing.  This should hit pretty close to home for you, Bernie, being as you sell the products that can be macro-sized...  Before we could really zero in on these things, how important were they?

You know, stuff like that... ;D

Lee

[AlkemScaleModels]

How about a dissertation on how N scale is so hard to see, and that it's hard to keep on the track, and how serious modelers only pursue larger scales...

Oh wait, that's already on the MR forum...  Nevermind...

But seriously folks, I think it's great.  And I can only wonder how long it will be before MR realizes what an on-line publication should be.

I think the topics you've suggested are limited to mechanical questions, though.  I would broaden the spectrum to include some discussion of the philosophy of the scale...  Why do we do what we do, and how we feel our choice of scale helps us meet the goals we set for ourselves and our layouts.  Another interesting topic might be how the advent of high quality, relatively inexpensive digital photography has affected N scale's approach to detailing.  This should hit pretty close to home for you, Bernie, being as you sell the products that can be macro-sized...  Before we could really zero in on these things, how important were they?

You know, stuff like that... ;D

Lee

Good points. Modeling for/with the digital camera is definitely going in the hopper.

[ryourstone]

I'd like to see some details on sectional (as opposed to modular) layouts, like the C&O mountain sub. Tighter tolerances than N-trak and near invisible joints, but still movable. With more people always on the move, renting, and getting priced out of the real estate market this is quickly becoming the only option left for building a large layout.

[asarge]

How about something about scenery detailing in N scale. It's come along way in the last 5 years and even though N is smaller. Scenery detailing can easily in N can easily rival HO. May even convince a few manufacturer's to beef up their details production.

[71jeep]

How about something on lineside details like marker signs ,boxes ect ect.

Like where these signs, boxes ect should belong to make your layout more prototypical, I hope I saying these things right or that you know what I mean.

Allen.....

[AlkemScaleModels]

I'd like to see some details on sectional (as opposed to modular) layouts, like the C&O mountain sub. Tighter tolerances than N-trak and near invisible joints, but still movable. With more people always on the move, renting, and getting priced out of the real estate market this is quickly becoming the only option left for building a large layout.

That's an interesting point and worth discussing. I recently read that high-rise inner city condos are becoming very popular in Los Angeles, the quintessential suburban metropolis. The article attributed the shift from suburban homes to urban condos as a response to traffic congestion and high gas prices. I know in my own case, my wife and I elected to move to a smaller house in an urban setting, vice a MacMansion with its attendant mega-basement in the suburbs  to avoid long commutes. We were fortunate to find a house with a one car garage and a nice basement that fit our budget, but we don't have the big yard or a lot of extra space. Usually urban condos don't have a lot of room for big layouts.  So designing for small spaces using sectional layouts is a good topic.

[wm3798]

I'm planning the next phase of my layout to be on sectional benchwork, at least.  I like the idea of having re-useable frames in the event I decide to change my layout, or of other factors in my life require a move...
Lee

[SAH]

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
That's an interesting point and worth discussing. I recently read that high-rise inner city condos are becoming very popular in Los Angeles, the quintessential suburban metropolis. . . . . . .   So designing for small spaces using sectional layouts is a good topic.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Designing for a small space is only part of the challenge.  What about building the thing in a high rise condo.  Saw dust all over the granite countertops in the kitchen?  I think not.  How would you build it if you couldn't make sawdust?  Lots of possibilities, but a topic worth exploring.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Agreed.
That's been one of my biggest challenges with working on stuff here.

It's not JUST the lack of room, it's the lack of things like table saws, or a place to even store a whole sheet of plywood if I had one.

[MichaelT]

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
That's an interesting point and worth discussing. I recently read that high-rise inner city condos are becoming very popular in Los Angeles, the quintessential suburban metropolis. . . . . . .   So designing for small spaces using sectional layouts is a good topic.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Designing for a small space is only part of the challenge.  What about building the thing in a high rise condo.  Saw dust all over the granite countertops in the kitchen?  I think not.  How would you build it if you couldn't make sawdust?  Lots of possibilities, but a topic worth exploring.

There are some home centers, Lowes and HD are two, who will cut plywood and other woods for you if you request.
I've known a few guys who built some shelving and a doghouse, took their dimensions to Lowes, bought the wood, and a Lowes lumber guy made all the cuts for them.

[AlkemScaleModels]

Agreed.
That's been one of my biggest challenges with working on stuff here.

It's not JUST the lack of room, it's the lack of things like table saws, or a place to even store a whole sheet of plywood if I had one.

An interesting question. What have you done to get around this limitation?

[AlkemScaleModels]

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
That's an interesting point and worth discussing. I recently read that high-rise inner city condos are becoming very popular in Los Angeles, the quintessential suburban metropolis. . . . . . .   So designing for small spaces using sectional layouts is a good topic.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Designing for a small space is only part of the challenge.  What about building the thing in a high rise condo.  Saw dust all over the granite countertops in the kitchen?  I think not.  How would you build it if you couldn't make sawdust?  Lots of possibilities, but a topic worth exploring.

There are some home centers, Lowes and HD are two, who will cut plywood and other woods for you if you request.
I've known a few guys who built some shelving and a doghouse, took their dimensions to Lowes, bought the wood, and a Lowes lumber guy made all the cuts for them.

If you live in a major metro area, I recommend finding a lumber yard other than Lowes or Home Deport to cut wood. I have found that the saw operators at the chain lumber yards are generally not carpenters. The accuracy of their cuts cannot be depended on.  In my case in Northern Va, there is a lumber yard called Colonial Hardwood. They will cut wood to what ever dimensions you specify. I do not own a table saw, so I had them rip a 4x8 sheet into 1 inch strips. They did it without batting an eye. The fee for all the cutting was less than $50. I suggest looking for a lumber yard like that.

If I had to build in an apartment, I'd look for  benchwork designs that don't require power tools. I'd probably use foam for the road bed and scenery. I'd have the lumber yard precut the majority of bench work pieces. I'd get a sharp hand saw with a miter box to make any cuts as the design layout progresses.

There are some vendors that sell ready made benchwork kits. I'd take a look at them.

Hey, this is starting to read like a column......

[wm3798]

You better hesh up before John copyrights your post then pins Joe's ears back when he publishes it!
Lee