Here is a layout tour right after I completed the three-track staging yard by laying the track and wiring all the feeders to the DCC bus.
Since the staging turnouts are operated with Caboose Industries ground throws, I also installed a frog juicer to power the frogs.
The three staging tracks are more than enough to cope with the Burbank Branch in N scale layout traffic. See the trackplan for more details.
After completing 90% of the trackwork, I performed a first running test to check the work done so far. Turnouts were of course under close examination. A few spots revealed two things:
Overall the test went well, and I was able to simulate a short switching operating session.
It’s essential to get reliable operations on a layout, especially in smaller scales like N. The first test run offered valuable insight into both track and rolling stock performance.
While a few adjustments are still needed, it’s encouraging to see the layout begin to function as intended. With minor fine-tuning, the SP Burbank Branch will soon be ready for smooth and reliable operations.
I had wanted to embark into scratchbuilding a styrene structure for years but never did it properly. This time, I decided to model the Hendricks Builders Supply Company in Lankershim/North Hollywood.
This structure will be placed on the layout according to the trackplan.
I started by drawing a rough plan on millimeter graph paper.
I used Evergreen styrene 4041 clapboard 1mm (.040″) sheets for the main walls.
I had some doors and windows on hand that matched the building’s style.
Using a nibbler tool, I cut out the door openings from the wall.
Then, using a small file I refined the door and window openings.
Test-fitting a window.
The four main walls are ready to glue. I reinforced each corner with 2.5 mm Evergreen 175 styrene strips for stability.
I used Tamiya Cement to glue the parts.
Two 2.5 mm strips also reinforce the middle of the structure.
I made the wooden door from clapboard styrene sheet and glued it inside the wall. On the outside, I added vertical styrene strips for detail. For smaller pieces, I used Tamiya Extra-Thin Cement.
To strengthen the loading platform, I inserted reinforcement strips underneath.
Then, I glued the platform to the main structure.
Before adding the roof, I reinforced the center with a triangular styrene piece.
I wanted interior lighting, so I mounted a warm-white LED onto a small styrene support.
Then, I installed the roof. I used Vallejo Plastic Putty to fill a few gaps in the roof joint.
I spray-painted the interior walls black to prevent light from bleeding through the thin styrene.
I painted the roof with a few shades of Vallejo gray paint, and the walls with Vallejo Aged White (71.132).
I started weathering the walls by applying a dark brown acrylic wash.
Next, I added more streaks of brown paint to weather the roof.
Then, I glued the windows and the door in place. I used products made by the German firm Auhagen.
I added a piece of clear plastic to the inside of the windows.
Next, I applied the “Hendricks Builders Supply” sign on the structure side.
Here is a test-fit on the final location on the Burbank Branch in N scale layout.
Scratchbuilding a structure has been a rewarding project. While I had scratchbuilt a few simple structures before, this is the first time I completed a slightly more complex one.
The structure is not a perfect replica of the real thing; however, it works well as a rail-served industry and adds to the visual experience during operating sessions.
Adding a fascia gives the layout a clean, finished appearance. It also frames the scene and hides wiring underneath. The fascia also gives me a place to mount toggles and labels without cluttering the scene. I kept the design simple, just enough to tidy up without overcomplicating things.
Toggle switches for turnouts are mounted near the turnout they control, making access easier and the track plan more intuitive. I designed a recessed mount for the toggle switch, which I plan to 3D print and install behind the fascia.
The recessed controls help keep the fascia flat and avoid accidental bump or damage during operating sessions.
I use Autodesk Fusion for 3D drawings. The personal edition is free for non-commercial use.
I also installed red LEDs – one for each DCC power district – along with a push-button to reset the power breakers after a short.
I’ll fill the gaps in the curved section of the fascia with precisely cut extruded foam board.
Next, I measured and cut an opening for the NCE UTP panels, where the throttles will connect. Then, I used a Dremel with the appropriate bit to make the cut cleanly.
I refined the opening with a rasp. Then, I drilled four pilot holes for the NCE mounting plate.
The image below shows the NCE UTP Panel installed from the inside of the fascia.
In the end, the fascia helps the layout feel finished, even while things are still in progress. It’s a small touch, but it goes a long way toward visual consistency and reliability.
The fascia adds both function and polish to the layout. Therefore, it hides clutter and supports controls. In addition, it frames the scene beautifully. I installed toggles and panels cleanly and efficiently. As a result, the layout looks more finished and cohesive, and overall operations feel easier and more enjoyable.
Trackwork fine tuning is crucial for reliable operations. This is especially true in N scale. I added small pieces of styrene to fill gaps at rail joints, helping wheels roll smoothly. The styrene is fixed in place with CA glue, then carefully carved to shape with a sharp hobby knife.
I also replaced the ties I had removed when soldering feeders to the underside of the rails.
In the photo, you can see sections where ties were temporarily removed for easier soldering.
First, I sanded the ties to remove the molded spike details. I laid a sheet of sandpaper on a flat surface and rubbed the ties across it.
Once the spikes were gone, I test-fitted the ties under the rails.
Then I applied a few drops of Titebond glue and slid the ties into place, adjusting the position as needed.
Once painted and ballasted, these small fixes will be barely noticeable.
These small improvements may seem minor, but they make a big difference in how smooth trains run.
On an N scale switching layout, reliable operations depend on well-prepared trackwork and solid electrical connections.
Nothing ruins the flow of a session like derailments or stalling at a poorly aligned joint. Paying attention to these details brings your layout closer to realistic railroad performance.
Clean solder joints and neatly replaced ties also enhance the visual appeal of your track. Each detail you refine adds to the overall reliability and realism of your scene.
Good trackwork is the backbone of stress-free operations. Investing time early pays off later when the layout runs smoothly without surprises. For N scale, especially, precision matters – both for looks and reliable running.
Before committing to adding scenery to my N scale layout, I want to build an N scale diorama featuring a section of static grass.
Click to read part I about ballast.
On this second part we’ll focus on applying static grass with a Noch Gras-Master 3.0 applicator.
I applied a first layer of 2 mm Woodland Scenics Straw static grass mixed with some Noch 2 mm green static grass, using Liquitex Matte Medium to glue it in place. I brushed on a random patch of glue, then loaded the Gras-Master with static grass and applied it over the glued area.
After the glue had dried, I applied a second layer of matte medium in a random patchwork and added 7 mm Woodland Scenics Straw static grass.
To create some variety, I mixed Light Green and Straw Woodland Scenics static grass. I applied both 7mm and 4mm layers.
Honestly, the result wasn’t as good as I’d hoped. I had better outcomes on previous layouts. The problem seems to be the sieve filters I used for the 7mm grass – the finest one isn’t ideal. I also switched to a 9V DC external power supply instead of using a battery.
Here’s the result of applying a mix of Light Green, Medium Green, and Straw static grass in roughly random proportions. I applied separate layers of 7mm and 4mm grass in different spots. I also kept the ground clip close to the applicator and moved it along during application.
Overall I am quite satisfied, but I wanted to add more variety to the grass. A few touch ups were necessary.
I used an airbrush to paint the grass with three different colors. Vallejo Light Green Chromate (71.006), Camouflage Medium Brown (71.038) and Beige (71.074).
I started with the green, then added beige, followed by brown. I sprayed a light, diluted coat in a random pattern to highlight a few spots here and there.
I like the result. The final airbrush touch-ups helped break up the uniform color and add more variation and more realism.
Once again, working on an N Scale diorama proved to be a smart choice for experimenting with static grass. Before committing to applying grass on the full SP Burbank Branch in N scale layout, I fine-tuned the technique on a disposable base.
The final steps of laying tracks is one of my favorite aspect of the hobby. It’s when the layout starts to take shape, and the first test operations can take place. At this point all trackwork is done, but the staging and the LA River bridge.
I finished laying track for the spurs, here pictured are the Team Track and Hendrick’s Builders Supply.
Then, I laid the curve on the west end of the layout – near the Oroweat Bakery and Terry Lumber spurs. First I test-fit the curve.
Then I laid EVA foam roadbed.
Then I laid track and connected the feeders, soldered under the rails.
I used metal weights to hold the track firmly in place while the glue dried.
While the removable (foldable) staging isn’t ready yet, I started figuring out the mechanical connection. I screwed two brass screws into the roadbed and plywood subroadbed, then soldered the rails right on top of them.
This should keep the track from shifting and create a solid connection between the layout and the foldable staging yard.
Each section of flextrack and each turnout have their own feeders. I also divided the layout into three separate DCC districts, each managed by an NCE EB-1 Electronic Breaker.
Should a short circuit occur in one power district, its dedicated power breaker would cut power to that district, while the other two would remain operational
Keeping wiring tidy and well-organized is crucial for troubleshooting. I’ve connected LEDs to each power line – for the Tortoise switch machines and the layout lights – by screwing them onto the terminal connectors. This allows me to instantly see if a section loses power.
Here’s a panoramic view of my N scale switching layout with the track laid so far. Next step is to install the LA River section with its bridge and connect the missing piece of flextrack.
West-end of the layout.
East-end of the layout.
After that, I’ll assemble and install the foldable staging yard.