James’ N Scale Train Layout Project- Episode 13: Complete 3x8 Performance Track!

Hey Everybody! I’ve just finished building my 3x8 N Scale “Performance Track” Train Layout, and I’m glad to share what I did!
This project took me about 5 months to complete. It’s my second train layout; my goal in building this one was to do all the stuff I couldn’t do with my 4x8 Scenic N Scale Layout!
I also wanted to build a layout that was perfectly flat and allowed me to run multiple long trains simultaneously. Another requirement was building a layout that’s easy to keep clean. This layout allows this!
This 3x8 layout is semi-permanent. I chose not to glue the track or components down, in order to easily replace anything that wears out or breaks. The entire layout is built upon 3/16” closed cell foam rubber, which acts as a sound dampener/shock absorber and provides a durable padded surface that’s super easy to clean.
The Performance Track isn’t right for everyone, but it’s perfect for me! Thanks for taking a look.
February 2024 UPDATE:
Please Subscribe and Check out the Compilation Video which shows the BEST highlights of the building of this layout all in ONE FUN EPISODE! • James’ N Scale Train L...
Download Links (The link sends me a permission request and I grant access ASAP!):
Completed 3x8 N Scale “Performance Track” Train Layout (JPG):
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Completed 3x8 N Scale Performance Track Train Layout (SCARM file):
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Cool hi-res version of the completed 3x8 layout for Inspiration!
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[@20thcentlimited]

I have been doing toy/model trains since 1950 and I have to say this is the most unique and outside of the box application of toy trains I have ever seen. What a joy to watch your trains in the different ambient colors that your lighting system furnishes. James, this is a project that is more than well done and you should be totally proud of your accomplishment.

[@JamesTuverson]

Thank you!!

[@JackBWatkins]

James, a layout that can run 4 trains is usually found in a full basement track plan. Here in 3x8 you have learned the electronics and wiring techniques of layouts that fit in 1,200 sq ft or more. This project offers so many cool options for running operations in large scenic layouts. In this compact space you have the framework to scale up your layout to almost any size room. This is a great investment in the core hardware needed to build larger scenic layouts and learning complex wiring. This is a great strategy others should follow before jumping into a whole room or basement layout. And you made it cool too. Thanks for the update.

[@JamesTuverson]

Thank you, Jack! Your comments are always so meaningful to me. Thank you.

[@JackBWatkins]

@@JamesTuverson Three modelers I really like are Chandwell, EverardJunction, and Boomer Diorama. They are all masters of land and city scapes. They make buildings from scratch using paper and card stock printed on a color printer. After a career as a business owner I taught high school business and marketing for 16 years before retiring. Two things I always tried to do were to encourage and not kill dreams. Sometimes dreamers need to be asked, “So what does a 5’6” former NBA player do when he retires.” Even the kid who will play pro ball needs to think ahead, but you can throw some reality on there passion without trying to kill their dream. How can I not encourage someone like you who has creative talent and passion? So many people have lost the natural creative process we are born with that they throw cold water on the creative ideas of those who were able to keep their wonder and imagination. Being ADHD/ADD I don’t have the time and resources for every creative outlet I have. Even though I no longer have a layout, I get great joy in watching other’s projects. So you have brought almost as much joy as if I was building a layout myself. My creative wheels spin away in my head and my railroad dream is kept alive. I chuckled at a comment that asked what the stripes were for. Hey, it’s James’ layout and he likes stripes and he had so paint left over, plus they are just James being James. I wouldn’t put stripes on my layout, but I knew why you did. I am so glad that there are a few of us in the comments who can keep you encouraged. Sorry for rambling, Jack.

[@JamesTuverson]

Ps I like your rambling. Thank you.

[@thomasgriffing5902]

Very creative and unique. I really like it.

[@JamesTuverson]

Thank you!!

[@waynemattson2187]

James, this has to be one of the coolest layouts I’ve ever seen. It has a very cool mid-century modern vibe to it, almost like some advertising art work done in the 50’s that illustrates the future. I dig how you threw convention to the wind and did your own thing.

[@JamesTuverson]

Thank you, Wayne! You are so right, the choices i made to differentiate it from the scenic 4x8 all fall into that mid50’s ad vibe, colors, opacity, textures, light placement. Wow, I never noticed it lined up like that but I love it. THANK YOU for checking it out!!

[@markarmour4256]

I was sceptical, but this is awesome!

[@JamesTuverson]

Thanks, Mark! I’m glad you gave it a chance.

[@falconeye577]

WOW Man I have just completed my layout on AnyRail I was sure it maybe just too much for a new rail road guy but after seeing this I am sure I can do it Thanks

[@JamesTuverson]

Awesome, thanks for checking it out and saying hi!!

[@ModelSceneryExpert]

This is absolutely wonderful! Thank you for using our Just-Plug System.

[@JamesTuverson]

Yeah Just Plug is awesome

[@SevenWelt]

Hello, Looks very cool!👍 Greetings Seven🖖

[@JamesTuverson]

Thanks!

[@trainsandboatschannel8777]

Hello my bro .! you're so smart and the narration is so engaging, I'm really captivated by your voice, so much fun, Thank you for sharing a great art a well done video, best regards from Vietnam . Dan Zobell

[@JamesTuverson]

Thank you, Dan!

[@jdigg2007]

This is what the hobby is all about! Very awesome!

[@JamesTuverson]

Thank you so much!

[@elleryparsons2433]

That’s why you remember Slow and Easy. Take your time Model With Pride.

[@JamesTuverson]

Right on

[@oggarage9388]

Great job 🛠👀🤙

[@JamesTuverson]

Thank you!

[@craigthompson4055]

Very groovy James! Great concept to running and having fun running trains. I like just sitting back and just watching the trains run. Very nice look.

[@JamesTuverson]

Thanks, Craig! You can also see my 4x8 scenic layout build on this channel too. Thanks for checking it out!

[@mikeluther60]

I like the South Park style back drop. 😊

[@JamesTuverson]

Thank you👍🏻

[@raymondhambleton9452]

A fantastic colorful layout.

[@JamesTuverson]

Thank you!!

[@nscalefun]

AWESOME, EXCELLENT and PERFECT!!! Thank you for sharing and keep up the good work.

[@JamesTuverson]

Thank you!!

[@Coreyt1976]

Great video James, you did an awesome job.

[@JamesTuverson]

Thank you!!

[@Miertreg1]

Cool train👍🛤👌. Best regards Gert

[@JamesTuverson]

Thank you!!

[@tonyantonuccio4748]

Model railroading as performance art! Excellent job!

[@JamesTuverson]

Ha right!! Thank you

[@johnjohnston2962]

very cool build

[@JamesTuverson]

Thank you!!

[@kenfolstad1346]

Wow

[@JamesTuverson]

Thanks! 😊

[@elleryparsons2433]

Lookin Sharp.Nice.

[@JamesTuverson]

Thanks!!

[@elleryparsons2433]

Your welcome.

[@mrcpu9999]

That was pretty clever. It looks really good.

[@JamesTuverson]

Thank you!!

[@acrranscaleandlifejourney4330]

Wow🥰😍! What an awesome layout James. Glad I stopped by and watched. Really a great job. Thanks for sharing!

[@JamesTuverson]

Thank you!! I’m glad you stopped by, too!!

[@anthonythompson4718]

Amazing!!

[@JamesTuverson]

Thank you!!

[@photosbyjf]

usually American layouts have either a stick figure, or an ultra realistic vibe. Europeans either Brutalistic or old world look and Japan layouts ultra modern. Yours gives a streamlined look of what an artist might do. very good job. I am working on a 3x8 layout as well

[@JamesTuverson]

Wow, thanks John! I’d love to see your 3x8 sometime!

[@funcarsnow5973]

TERRIFIC JOB! It looks wonderful. So many interesting details like the red inside wall behind the switches, Is there a special meaning to the multicolored stripes on the outboard side all around? I'm guessing your artistic self needed to add detail to the external frame to offset plain white - Or maybe it has another purpose... Looks interesting. Super lighting detail. The far wall scenes set an interesting backdrop. What's amazing is how different your two layouts are. Your design diversity is striking - I wouldn't have guessed the same mind dreamt up both layouts.The biggest accomplishment, in my view, is the use of all the technology and the successful wiring of the 3x8! SUPER JOB! Lastly, will the 3x8 spend its life in the garage or do you have plans afoot to convert the garage into a play land? Thanks for sharing. John

[@JamesTuverson]

Thanks for your feedback, John!! Yep the stripes were just to offset that white exterior! And yeah, this 3x8 lives in the garage, unless it decides to live with another owner someday!! 🙂

[@tony791999]

I like how you call it "performance track"!! It's like the "proving grounds" :)

[@JamesTuverson]

So true, Anthony! This track allows me to have multiple train lines assembled and running, full-speed if I want and that’s good for the locos to keep them in top shape. Yep, it’s a proving grounds!!

[@brotherhorse3746]

This is . . . "Not Your father's layout !" This takes model railroading Out into the Future. Thanks for the enjoyment !

[@JamesTuverson]

Thank you!!

[@cmu3rd]

Nice! This layout is screaming for computer automation. Something lile Rocrail could have the trains all taking different paths.

[@JamesTuverson]

Thanks, Chris!! You’re absolutely right and I’ve heard that comment before, about automating the switches and getting really dialed-in with transponders and mapping the movement of multiple locos in a synchronized way. I love the concept and mastering automation could really elevate the layout play to “performance art” in my humble opinion. So perhaps that’s a goal for 2023!! 😁

[@CLLynn-oi2ki]

Wow James! Both of your layouts are phenomenal and so colorful-I love them both! I could sit and watch them for hours. I’d love to incorporate some colorful lighting into our layout. Did you accomplice all of the lighting with the WS just plug and play? It’s something we are looking into ourselves as we are electrically challenged. 😄Your color choices and designs make your layouts two of the most unique I’ve ever seen. Bravo! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@JamesTuverson]

Thank you so much!! There are two lighting systems: above the layout around the perimeter, I installed 2x 16 Ft Kasa LED wi-fi light strips- so that’s super easy and straightforward to install. The second system with the on-board color LEDs and spots is all WS just plug- pricey, but easy to install and works flawlessly. I’m electrically challenged too, so I designed everything without soldering!!

[@CLLynn-oi2ki]

Thank you for you kind reply, James! No soldering skill here either, so it looks like the plug and play will be are starting point over the winter. We both enjoy your videos… keep them coming!!

[@JamesTuverson]

I sure will. Thanks for the encouragement

[@Rockdagger]

i would have bought gauze and powdered plaster for 1/100th the cost

[@JamesTuverson]

Awesome!! Let’s see your layout

[@Rockdagger]

@@JamesTuverson we just bought a new home the layout is not up. will be n gauge filling a 45x25 area

[@Rockdagger]

@@JamesTuverson but your layout is really nice i will be following

[@JamesTuverson]

Thanks

[@effenbeezeetravel4474]

RATHER INTERESTING LAYOUT , AND I AM BUILDING a similar set-up and think you should consider adding industrial switching complex added on to front area of layout would add much enjoyment as you watch- 'm-roll on mainlines ; AWESOME-JOB!

[@JamesTuverson]

Thank you!!