Switching the 6”x42” N Scale Micro Layout

Take a look as I move a few cars around on the micro. The Locomotive is a Kato SD40-2 with a Digitrax DN163K1C decoder, controlled by an MRC Prodigy Express system. I still have to adjust the low end speed on the loco and get this outside for another take!
Don’t think you have enough time money or space to build a functional layout? This micro lives on a piece of furniture, could be completed in a day, and uses very little track/scenery supplies. Since I am already in the hobby, I built it entirely out of leftovers.
If one is new to the hobby, a basic DC power pack and locomotive can get you off and running on a small budget!
--
Made in the InShot app
Music: Acoustic Guitar 1
Musician: music by audionautix.com
License: creativecommon...

[@Shelfandtabletoplayouts00gauge]

How much fun is that👍 definitely my kind of layout.

[@mark.scale.models]

Quick and simple operations. I really enjoy these brief runs.

[@frankdemski7242]

Hi! A wonderful small layout in N-Scale. Very good detailed. It Sshows impressivly what is passable in N-Scale. Good Job.

[@mark.scale.models]

Thank you! It doesn't take much to get up and running. The way I look at it a 5 minute operating session is better than none!

[@craigcorson1235]

For a layout that small, I would have used something like an NW2 for power because I am not brave enough to think big. With slow deliberate switching moves and great camera angles you pulled it off beautifully. I really enjoyed your scenery. Thank you for sharing this.

[@mark.scale.models]

Thanks!! I plan to run my shorter Alco's and some 40' rolling stock (and maybe a caboose to clog things up) and see how it goes!

[@tracksidemike]

Great share looks great thanks for sharing enjoy trains Have a great weekend 😎🚂TSM

[@mark.scale.models]

Thanks for watching, happy (model) railroading!

[@ajknaup3530]

Nice video. Love the trees!

[@mark.scale.models]

Thanks! When I built this it was my first time using super trees. Have used them almost exclusively for deciduous trees ever since…

[@raymondmarkesteijn3198]

Very nice little layout

[@mark.scale.models]

Thank you!!

[@RCBlooms]

wonderful scale train! I like the details of miniature trees and rails

[@mark.scale.models]

Much appreciated! It was a fun little project.

[@TheClosetBranch]

Awesome modeling. Looking forward to seeing more of this layout!

[@mark.scale.models]

Thank you! I'd love to get outside for a video in natural light and also add a few more details and possibly a structure..

[@MichaelManiscalco-k5k]

Great video,shows how much can be done in a small space.

[@mark.scale.models]

Thanks, it’s a great way to fit in a small slice of this hobby including operations.

[@MichaelManiscalco-k5k]

@@mark.scale.models your welcome,love the weathering.

[@silverfox5319]

Very nice switching layout in a space of only 6" x 42." Also you know how to run a locomotive at realistic scale speeds. That makes it look so real.

[@mark.scale.models]

Thank you.. Keep it slow and keep it on the shelf!

[@adriengadson3544]

Well spent money on that Kato Sd 40-2 . I have some and excellent running locomotive.

[@mark.scale.models]

I agree- they are a great performer for the price, both out of the box DC and also with a drop in DCC decoder like this one! I’d love to pick up a few more eventually.

[@jhonny1392]

Even a modest Mehano F40PH can run as good as a Kato in N scale, if you put your mind and hands on it and know how to take the best of her !. Cheers from Santiago de Chile, South America. John.

[@adriengadson3544]

@@jhonny1392 do not try that with a Bachmann diesel in N scale. The chassis , wipers , and trucks are garbage. So all Brands locomotives will not run smooth as a Kato.

[@StxPhonesetup]

I love it

[@jaapongeveer6203]

I'm interested in how you decouple the rolling stock. Also the boxcars etc wobble. Wondering if a little added weight would inhibit that. Asking because I'm building an N scale layout.

[@mark.scale.models]

I uncouple with a small pick type of tool, nothing fancy. The wobble may be partly due to no added weight (the cars are out of the box & unmodified) but I also used a larger ballast than most would for N scale and there are some places along the track where the wheels still bounce over it. Enjoy your layout build!

[@TSmith-ns45]

I understand that you said you used HO ballast here. Many N ballasts are too big to me. An even better N ballast is grout! It comes in various colors and looks much more realistic.

[@ericcallender1575]

I belong to a great club so I dont have a home layout, but this.... Nah my gf would kill me! Thanks for sharing. TMRCI

[@mark.scale.models]

Have you tried the "think of how much money we'd be saving over a full-sized layout" pitch? Especially if you can get scraps and leftover supplies from your club!

[@ericcallender1575]

@@mark.scale.models nope. She's not that gullible to give up space.

[@andyjackson3127]

The “ballast” looks more like large sharp rocks! ~}

[@mark.scale.models]

Yes - this micro was built as a test track to try out different materials. Some worked well, others I won’t use again for N scale. I picked this ballast up for an HO scale project that I shelved for a future date.

[@larrybaughman618]

🤠🖐🚂

[@mark.scale.models]

🚂 💨

[@larrybaughman618]

@@mark.scale.models 🤠🫵🚂💥💨

[@glensword2590]

Horrible music. Makes me want to quit modeling.

[@mark.scale.models]

Appreciate the feedback! Now accepting donations for sound decoders so I don’t have to subject you guys to these free audio tracks.