N-Gauge Layouts
I have at present two N Gauge layouts. Archie’s Yard is a small
shunting layout and is completed. Rowandale is under development,
with some areas nearly completed, but with a lot still to do. Both are
N Gauge, and designed for DCC operation, with no isolation sections.
Control of the locos is using the free open-source software JMRI
DeCoder-Pro, with the interface to the track via a USB connection to
a SPROG Controller, which in turn generates the DCC signals for the
track. The Decoder-Pro software does have throttles you can use on
the PC, however it also allows for Wi-Fi connection to Android mobile
phones and tablets. Again free software Engine Driver can be
downloaded to the phones and tablets for extremely convenient
wireless control of the locos.
Archie’s Yard started out as a quick test
bed for magnetic uncoupling and as a
relaxing shunting puzzle. Gradually bits of
scenery and then buildings were added until
it has become a self contained small layout.
N Gauge
Uses a 9 mm track gauge, hence
the name, and is nominally to a
scale of 2mm to the foot.
There are however two
variations of the scale.
1:160 is used on the Continent
and 1:148 for British models.
Rowandale will be my main layout,
representing a double main line with a small
town, station and goods yard, together with a
reasonable length of double track running
through the landscape.
At present just the goods yard, station and town
areas are completed, with three other sections
being worked on.
