James Model Trains

N scale track plans 2×4 are the best choice for enjoying a model train layout in small spaces. This type of track plan still comes with all of the bells and whistles of larger layouts but in a limited space.

Every model railroader knows the satisfaction of seeing a model railroad come to full fruition. Here, you get to see, step-by-step, the construction of an N scale with a figure 8 layout.

What started as a simple track plan on a 2×4 sheet of plywood resulted in a track that’s far more interesting than others that are twice its size. Despite the relatively small size of the base board, the modeler was able to maximize its entire surface to create breathtaking scenery.

Whether you’re just starting out as a modeler or have been doing it for decades, here’s a 2×4 model train layout you can learn from.

2x4 N Scale Track Plan on Plywood

The track plan is on a 2×4 sheet of plywood framed by 1×3 boards. Use a Sabre saw to cut through the 1/4-inch plywood for the elevated track and grade changes. The darker line cuts are the only ones that are visible on the plywood board.

Incline Baseboard on 2’x4’ Plywood

At this stage, the grades and track areas have been elevated with plenty of support underneath to carry the weight of the model trains. Additionally, a cork roadbed was installed. Notice that the cork roadbed was painted a darker shade than the ballast. This is so that if pieces of the ballast chip off, the roadbed will still maintain its old look. 

N Scale 2×4 Track Plan with Mountains

Next up is the Atlas flex track. Along with a viaduct and tunnel portals, this was installed and ballasted. The part draped over with a plaster cloth is the mountain in progress. This was constructed with corrugated cardboard web and plenty of hot glue.

Baseboard with Plaster Cloth for Mountain

What you’re seeing here is the finished mountain as well as the elevated areas. Paint has also been applied for sections to make them look like they’re covered in soil. The rocky texture was achieved by covering aluminum foil with plaster and a layer of plaster cloth. After the plaster cured, it was separated from the foil and was used to cover the mountain. Finally, the spackle compound was used to fill in the smaller cracks.

2×4 N Scale Layout with Tunnels

It’s essential to prime the surface before applying colors, Unfortunately, that was not done here. This was supposed to bear washes of brown, gray, and yellow. The resulting shade is not what was intended due to the plaster’s alkalinity changing the final color.

N Scale 2×4 Figure 8 Design

The overall landscaping of the layout is slowly taking shape. Elements such as grass have been added, which gives it a pop of color. Not only does this make the whole more realistic, but it also emphasizes the Figure 8 layout of the tracks. Still, more detail is yet to be added.

Complete N Scale Track Plan 2×4 Layout Design

From a bare 2×4 sheet of plywood, the model railroad has transformed into a realistic piece of work. The empty spaces have been filled out with trees, more color, and structures such as buildings and a bridge. Despite the earlier mistake of not priming the mountains before painting, a rugged and life-like appearance was achieved.

4×8 N scale track plans are best if you’re planning to grow the layout over time. The main benefit of this track plan size is the flexibility it provides in terms of expanding your layout. If you have the available space, simply adding another 4’x8′ sheet of plywood can double the size of your railroad. The ability to expand provides endless possibilities as your model railroad evolves.

The model railroad track plans come in a variety track types including continuous running, point to point and more complex double track types. The main points to keep in mind when choosing the type of track plan is the level of realism that you’re expecting from the layout and the amount of time that you plan on dedicating to the construction and playing with it.

4×8 Union Pacific Yard Track Plan

This N scale 4×8 track plan features a smaller tunnel on the lower portion of the track in order to make the trains more visible. There is an advantage to this: the train will pass through a canyon and a natural river setting. The disadvantage to this is that you won’t be able to “hide” the trains. 

The trackwork is Atlas Right Track and the dimensions for minimum mainline curves of 18” radius and sidings are 11” radius. The sidings are specifically designed to transfer to another turnout and to incorporate more street tracks. The reverse loop becomes an issue as it might not be suitable for passenger trains.

Traditional 4×8 N Scale Rectangle Track Plan

This is the best example of a traditional 4×8 rectangle N layout. It is designed using a Minitrix N-scale track featuring a double mainline that comes with a small branch track. Other key features of this track are the two train stations and one yard. They are all beautifully integrated into this rectangle track that showcases your N scale trains best. It also provides a wide range of possibilities for later expansion of your layout.

Double Track 4×8 N Scale Layout with Yard

This N scale track layout uses a 15”r curve with quite a few turnouts (mostly #5s and #7s). In terms of the grade of this track, the slope isn’t too stiff given the required 2-inch clearance. 

This layout offers opportunities for future expansion via the upper left or lower right corners. The scenery can be changed too; you can create it based on the location you prefer. For this one, in particular, I used the old west scenery because the shorter cars would make the curves more appealing. The major downsides to this layout are the modest yard and shorter passing sidings. However, these can be remedied by setting the time frame back.

One of the most popular N scale track plans is the 3×6 foot model train layout. For N scale, 3×6, 3×8 and 4×8 all provide plenty of space for running large freight or passenger trains. 

An N scale 3×6 track plan isn’t nearly as restrictive as the same size in HO scale. You can drive trains faster, avoid derailments with tighter turning radius because of the smaller size of N scale. A standard 30” hollow core door is large enough to build a 3×6 track plan that contains two loops for running two trains and sidings plus spurs.

1. N Scale Track Plan with Switching

This 3×6 n scale track plan consists of switching layout to three different sections the locomotives can go to depending on the scope of the layout. The three different stops can be customized to your specific N scale layout theme and what you’re looking to achieve from each pit spot. This can be changed to any sort of industry you desire but the main component is the ability to switch from the mainline continuous loop to and double the track operations by switching the track. Like many common track plans, the crossover section area of this 3×6 layout allows the trains to switch directions and reverse as well.

Scale:	N Scale (1/160)
Size:	Small to Medium
Dimensions	3 feet x 6 feet; 36 inches x 72 inches; 91.4 centimeters x 182.8 centimeters

2. N Scale Turntable Track Plan

This 3×6 n scale plan started with a main loop with an Atlas turntable. It’s a great track to build on for n scale layout beginners because it contains a single line and the track is made for passengers, freight and switching. It’s powered by DC wiring is closed route with using the Peco N scale streamline turnouts.

Scale:	N Scale (1/160)
Size:	Small to Medium
Dimensions:	3 feet x 6 feet; 36 inches x 72 inches; 91.4 centimeters x 182.8 centimeters

3. N Scale Scenic Ridge Layout

When choosing an N scale track plan in 3×6 dimensions, you should always consider Kato Unitrack track plans. Each track plan mentions the exact quantities needed of Unitrack to complete the track plan. This 3×6 N scale track plan from Kato is called the scenic ridge layout as it contains an upwards gradient and a single girder bridge. The girder bridge really makes the layout standout as is suitable for moving loads from the factories or industries that you setup based on the theme of your model train layout.

Scale:	N Scale (1/160)
Size:	Small to Medium
Dimensions:	3 feet x 6 feet; 36 inches x 72 inches; 91.4 centimeters x 182.8 centimeters

Tip from a Model Railroading Pro: The general consensus is to either switch up to HO scale to eventually further expand or try to reconfigure the 3×6 n scale layout plans into 90 degree L-shaped layouts with 2×4 modules or a 2×2 corner section, which ever takes up less space.

The theme and era of the layout plays a big factor for 3×6 n scale track plans to operate successfully. Therefore, it’s important to try and reduce curves due to potential derailment issues. The best way to get the most out of a 3×6 plan to reduce the radius of the curves and focus on making an L-shape, which will take up less floor spaces and still give you easy access to the layout from at least one side.

Make sure to triple check the turning radius of the locomotives and cars on you plan to run on the track as that can make or break the layout in terms of enjoyment. The key factor when building a 3×6 N scale layout is the minimum turning radius of each locomotive that will be running on the track.