Micro N Scale 23

This is my first attempt at building a micro N scale model RR. The layout is based heavily on information from the YouTube channel "Steves Trains". His channel is excellent for learning how to create a similar setup, if you watch his step by step instructions. His videos for both for the 2 foot diameter setups, and especially his 32 part video series on his 2x3 layout are great learning tools. My pine trees were made from hemp rope and twisted wire, and the leafy trees were wire framed and filled in with Woodland Scenic materials. The signals are controlled with an Arduino Nano processor with infrared sensors at each tunnel entrance. It is a slightly modified version of the arrangement presented on the YouTube channel "DIY & Digital Railroad" in his videos concerning the "Arduino based Block Signal". This is a very good site to learn about the Arduino and how to use it on your RR. I learned about scenery and waterfalls from the "Luke Towan" channel, which has a series of great scenery making videos. The eagles and nest were made with a hand held 3-d printer (like a glue gun with a very fine glue stick). The ponds and initial streams were made with a clear epoxy, then textured with glossy Mod Podge. Thanks to all for the outstanding instructional help!

I incorporated a lot of types of detail in this small layout, because I wanted to learn a bit about each of them. I have never done dioramas, nor train scenery, nor ever used an Arduino processor. Turns out, it is both interesting and relaxing. Thanks to all the YouTubers who have posted how to do it videos on all aspects of model RR. Your info is appreciated.


Who is Hot Spot & Hot Grease? Well, we have a friend here in NH who is through-hiking the 2,200 mile Georgia to Maine Appalachian Trail. His trail name is Hot Grease. His friend from Florida is traveling with him and he has been given the trail name of Hot Spot. If you would like to follow them in their journey north, visit their channel: https://www.youtube.com/channe....l/UC4aWeYdLFNKf0vQC4



 Steves Trains 2' dia layout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4w1axp2eXM

Steves 2x3 layout-32 part video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKG2oWZL9ic&list=PLBicIqyKswmZwTGPxhVW1F2M4Fr1WFD6Q

Steves Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/sgstrum

DIY & Digital Railroad: https://www.youtube.com/channe....l/UCzIUj-V9MDz1YmuRV

Waterfall (Luke Towan): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1QtnvgxFKA

 Luke Towan Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channe....l/UCjRkUtHQ774mTg1vr

I made the pine trees using untwisted pieces of hemp rope and twisted wire using a hand cranked home made twister machine, similar to the powered version shown on this site. The method was the same: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7Ner_w6LvM

I made the leafy trees using this method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JexnWKnc-xI

Once again, thanks to all the YouTube contributors who made it possible for me to be able to construct this train diorama.