This review is from: Woodland Scenics N Scale Scenic Ridge Layout Kit (Toy)
I bought this layout as a way to learn the many skills that go in to making a model railroad. Except for a few tools and supplies, such as liquid nails and a foam cutting tool, everything is here (if you by one of the track packs either from Atlas or Kato). The instructions are detailed and easy to follow. The entire “subTerrain” system is very well engineered. The layout is essentially an up and over folded dogbone configuration. One note though, this is not for unsupervised children (Grandpa talking here). The foam and track pieces are fragile until glued together and some of them are small and a swallowing hazard. However, with adult supervision and care, the layout can be assembled and then is very sturdy, not that you can hike along the creek bed.
There are two issues I have with the layout though. One there is only one siding and it looks more like a yard track than an industry. I can’t imagine playing with this for very long without getting bored watching the train go round and round and not really performing any work like a real railroad. There are two large flat areas in the middle of the layout. Other than the fact that they would have to include two more switches, these are ideal for some industries where the train could drop some cars and pick up cars like in the real world.
The other issue is that you can’t turn an engine or car around without picking it up off the layout. So there are no eastbound and westbound freights; just around and around and around freights. With a little effort(and four more switches and some flex track) I added two interchanges that could turn each of the ends of the dogbone into alternative reversing tracks.
I’m taking pictures as I assemble the track and hope soon to write an online commentary about the process.
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This review is from: Woodland Scenics N Scale Scenic Ridge Layout Kit (Toy)
Having built many similar sized N Scale layouts I’m not particularly impressed with this kit. Firstly, the retail price of almost $400 is beyond ridiculous! If it came with everything in the picture on the box it might not be so bad but, when it boils down to it, it only comes with the very basic necessities, most of which could be purchased separately for well under $100 along with bits of odds and ends you probably have lying around the house, especially if you are into modelling.
The construction of the kit is at least, if not more, complex than starting a layout from scratch. I would estimate that in order to make this kit appear as it does on the box you’d probably end up spending in excess of $1000.
I’m a great fan of Woodland Scenics’ products but this is an overpriced disaster. They should make the thing in an already premoulded styrofoam or extruded foam format with all the topography and base railbed so all you have to do is add the track, ground cover, scenery, buildings and bridges etc. That would cost about $50 and weigh just a couple of pounds
My advice to anyone considering buying this is just go to your local Lowes or Home Depot, buy a sheet of plywood then head off to the hobby shop and use your imagination.
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This review is from: Woodland Scenics N Scale Scenic Ridge Layout Kit (Toy)
I bought this for my son to make along with me and right away the layout was taking shape, we also had bought the track pack and buildings to have almost everything we needed. They say there is everything you need, but you will still need a hotglue gun, foam cutting wire, glue, liquid nails (Better than track nails) as well as a few other things. The track plan was good other than the large amount of covered track towards the back left of the layout. It can run a single train, though it can also store a train in the spur at the front right of the layout. other than that, it was a good purchase as we have it set up now in our basement along with a connecting track to my other, larger layout.
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One Way Casey,
There are two issues I have with the layout though. One there is only one siding and it looks more like a yard track than an industry. I can’t imagine playing with this for very long without getting bored watching the train go round and round and not really performing any work like a real railroad. There are two large flat areas in the middle of the layout. Other than the fact that they would have to include two more switches, these are ideal for some industries where the train could drop some cars and pick up cars like in the real world.
The other issue is that you can’t turn an engine or car around without picking it up off the layout. So there are no eastbound and westbound freights; just around and around and around freights. With a little effort(and four more switches and some flex track) I added two interchanges that could turn each of the ends of the dogbone into alternative reversing tracks.
I’m taking pictures as I assemble the track and hope soon to write an online commentary about the process.
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|Scenic Ridge Layout,
The construction of the kit is at least, if not more, complex than starting a layout from scratch. I would estimate that in order to make this kit appear as it does on the box you’d probably end up spending in excess of $1000.
I’m a great fan of Woodland Scenics’ products but this is an overpriced disaster. They should make the thing in an already premoulded styrofoam or extruded foam format with all the topography and base railbed so all you have to do is add the track, ground cover, scenery, buildings and bridges etc. That would cost about $50 and weigh just a couple of pounds
My advice to anyone considering buying this is just go to your local Lowes or Home Depot, buy a sheet of plywood then head off to the hobby shop and use your imagination.
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|Great vehicle for woodland’s products, but not for the view,
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