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There’s something really satisfying about modeling small N scale model trains layouts. Their tiny size also means that no matter what kind of place you’re living in, you’ll be able to find one that suits your needs.
So chances are good you’re on this page because you’re not sure what type of model layout you want. Well, we’re here to help!
The numbers in the title refer to feet. So a 4×8 N scale train layout plan is just a layout that fits in a 4×8 feet (which is roughly 1.25×2.5 meters for non-Americans) area and so on.
Building a layout can be a personal thing because it totally depends on your personal preference. Are you building an early 1800’s American Wild West-style train layout, or a futuristic Japanese bullet train layout? Maybe you’ve got a big 8×8 area to work in, whereas the next person can only fit something in a 2×3. It’s totally dependant on you!
Before you start though, you need to know what you’re going to be building on as well! Are you going to spend the time to build a permanent model train table in your garage, or just use an old trestle table? A really popular method is to use a door as your base.
Hollow-core doors layouts are an excellent choice to consider! They’re super light and maneuverable, but still strong enough not to buckle under your layout. They’re a cheap alternative and will fit most of the sizes below.
An N scale door layout usually fits on an average door of 80×36 inches or roughly 3×6 feet.
So on that note, let’s dive straight into some n scale layout plans and have a look at a variety of different track layouts to hopefully give you some kind of idea about what you can do with your own n scale layout.
4×8 N scale Layouts
This great little L-shaped N scale set-up is roughly 4×8 feet, although it’s just slightly larger than described.
This layout is designed with a Minitrix N-scale track plan that combines a double mainline look-alike with a small branch track, giving tons of opportunities to expand and show off your N scale trains.
This is a more traditional n scale layout in 4×8. It’s a track plan with a double mainline, two train stations and one yard, all snugly fit into the one space.
This is perfect for someone who wants to get the most bang for their buck!
This 4×8 n scale layout is awesome as it allows for tons of extra detailing to take place, while still letting the trains take centre stage.
This complete track plan features an industrial area, a small town and two independent railroad lines – one for a passenger train and another for the freight train.
2×4 N scale Layouts
Want a small n scale train layout? This cool little N scale track layout in 2×4 design is set up so that the train will loop back on itself before returning to the station. It includes a small terminus station from which the trains are departing, and completing the route in the shape of a long reverse loop and then returning back.
Looping back like this, however, can sometimes cause a few problems. This will require special wiring in order to prevent short circuits in the track route. You can use a special reversing loop set like the Fleischmann 9199 or from another manufacturer to help prevent any issues.
This is a super simple 2×4 n scale track plan with an oval layout and a dual branch inside of it. While there’s nothing overly groundbreaking about this design, if you’re looking to start or get into the hobby of N scale modelling, this is the perfect type of track to start with.
It’s designed so that you can do a number of different things; dual rails at the top if you want, a terminal inside the oval, or even a model mountain anything else you can think of!
2×3 N scale layouts
This layout is technically a little smaller than a 2×3 layout (1×3 in fact!) but is perfect for those people who only have a small layout inside their homes.
Designed more for showing off your n scale locomotive, it’s designed to be reminiscent of the old Inglenook Sidings puzzle designed by Alan Wright.
This one will fit nicely into nearly any room of your house and still has enough track to be thoroughly enjoyable.
It’s a compact little layout in a 2×3 N scale track layout plan with an oval route featuring a small train station, cargo branch with rolling stock storage yard and a turntable with four tracks.
3×6 N Scale Layouts
This great n scale track plan in 3×6 is built running a double main-line, so you really get more train for your line with this layout!
It also includes 2 areas for train stations as well as a yard in the middle! Plus, it’s got an awesome tunnel in the top left, that’s an awesome way to add some height variety to your layout.
This neat 3×6 n scale train layout is built using flex tracks and turnouts from Fleischmann, a German model train manufacturer. This 3×6 layout is equipped with 3 different train stations that all have plenty of room for decorating and interesting layout ideas!
3×5 N Scale Layouts
Moving into only a slightly smaller layout, this N scale track plan 3×5 is made up of three concentric ovals and is aptly named the Eye. The great part about this layout is the large area in the middle with a shunting area for plenty of space for different designs to suit everyone.
There are a lot of different ways to set up your n scale layout depending on the size and price you have in mind.
Hopefully, this at least helps you get started on your journey to building an N scale layout. If you want to take a look at some other layouts, check out these Layouts for Small Spaces guide.
Otherwise if you need a train to put on your new layout, take a look out our model train guide!
PeterSmith
Peter has been building model trains for longer than he can remember. An avid fan of HO and O scale this blog is a creative outlet to allow him to dive further into other scales and aspects of the model train community and hobby.
