Model Train Resource: N-Scale Track Plans to Inspire Your Own Layout Designs

N-scale track plans pack twice as much model railroading into the same space as their HO big brothers. It doesn't matter if the pike is a switching lay only eight inches wide or forms a complete oval on 2 x 4-foot shelves.

Enjoy this collection of dozens of N-scale track plans, and you're sure to find one with ideas you can use.

© 2011 by Aurelio Locsin

Kato N-Scale Track Plans

Kato, a well-known Japanese manufacturer of model railroading equipment, created Unitrack as an easy way of creating N-scale track plans. This modular track snaps together to form simple or complex configurations. To show what is possible with their product, Kato presents over two dozen track plans ranging from a tiny 2 x 3-foot space with an eight-inch radius and one station to 36 x 180-inch behemoth representing coal hauler. Each plan appears in a convenient-to-print PDF file displaying a track plan and list of required pieces.

You’ve probably heard of Ntrak a national set of standards that allows N-scale modules to be joined together into larger layouts at shows and exhibitions. But have you heard of T-Trak, which uses even smaller modules measuring 12-1/8” long by 8-1/4” wide and 2-3/4” high, designed to sit on folding tables (which represents the “T” in T-Trak.). The official website shows a few modular N-scale track plans, describes the module standards, lists clubs, shows pictures and sells inexpensive kits for the three modules.

Proving that n-scale track plans are not the exclusive domain of companies, Mad Trackplanner Mike Fischer offers over 60 multi-colored examples, with three-dozen alone for a 2 x 4-foot layout. His design program of choice is Right Track Software, and clicking on the track plan graphic lets you download that plan for the program. My favorite is one double-tracked oval boasting six grade crossings and seven industries, allowing hours of operations for two locomotives.

Carl Arendt has many N-scale track plans as part of the over 1,500 examples on his Micro/Small Layouts Website. Unfortunately, the layouts are not arranged according to scale, and so the link takes you to a Google page listing the relevant pikes. Most consist of pictures with easy-to-glean trackplans, though a few have actual diagrams. For example, check out Marc Miller’s Brewhouse Yard, which shows an off-scene fiddle yard so locomotives can move between two rails. Sadly, the layout no longer exists, but he promises a bigger and better effort.

Brandt Hickman's website only shows four layouts but each is highly detailed, which is typical of British pikes, and showcased with n-scale track plans and photographs. Three even have videos. Their small sizes allow convenient transport to exhibitions, where thousands have enjoyed them. Rorgyle, which has appeared on the pages of Continental Modeller, even shows construction techniques.

His website forms a fine end to this collection of N-scale track plans.