The Burbank Branch in N scale

Modeling the Southern Pacific Burbank Branch in N scale in 1970s

Progress

NCE DCC Command Station

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Digital Command Control for better realistic operations

I opted for the NCE PH5, which is a 5A power booster and DCC command station that includes an NCE Pro Cab, a fascia mounting panel, and an international power supply.

I used a Lenz Compact (easily found in the EU) paired with a few Lokmaus 2 handheld controllers for a long time with my previous layouts 15 years ago. This time, I felt I needed a more advanced command station.

NCE DCC PH5 System

More is more

With advanced consisting, multiple locomotives can be controlled as a single unit, allowing for more realistic train operations on the layout.

The NCE Power Cab supports 4-digit addresses, whereas the Lenz + Lokmaus 2 only support 2-digit addresses. This makes it easier to assign a DCC-equipped locomotive its road number as its DCC address.

Additionally, the Power Cab supports more function keys beyond F4, which is the limit on the Lokmaus 2. With modern sound-equipped locomotives, having access to additional functions is a significant advantage.

I also ordered an additional CAB06p cab, which is what I’ll use normally, while keeping the Pro Cab mainly for programming.

NCE DCC PH5 Control Station and Booster
Controlling a loco (SP GP-20) with NCE ProCab

In comparison to my previous DCC command station (Lenz Compact), the NCE PH5 provides better performance, handling more complex operations with ease.

The fascia mounting panel makes the NCE PH5 easy to integrate into my layout, offering a clean, organized setup.

The NCE PH5’s advanced features give me the flexibility to expand and customize my layout’s operations as needed.

Model Railroad Layout Benchwork

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Building the foundation of a model railroad layout. Benchwork key steps and materials

On a cold Sunday afternoon, I started preparing the main model railroad layout benchwork brackets that will be screwed to the wall. I’m using 55mm x 20mm lumber.

Below is a short (~30 sec) timelapse video of benchwork installation.

Brackets

The construction of the benchwork is a crucial step in the layout-building process. I’ve measured and cut the lumber to ensure proper alignment and support for the future layout. The brackets will be spaced along the wall, allowing for even weight distribution and access to all areas of the layout.

The wall-mounted design helps save valuable floor space while providing room for the layout to expand horizontally. Once the brackets are in place, I’ll add a layer of plywood. The plywood forms the base for the track and scenery, ensuring a smooth and level surface for the entire layout.

Model railroad benchwork brackets

I then added cantilevered brackets for increased support. Once finished I lined them up ready for installation.

Model railroad layout benchwork brackets ready to be screwed to the wall.

Securing the supports to the wall

Installation is done. The upper brackets will support the valance and layout lighting.

Model railroad layout benchwork secured to the wall.
Model railroad layout benchwork secured to the wall.

In the photo above, you can see how the bracket on the far right revealed that the wall is not straight at all. I had to use a piece of scrap wood as a shim to mount the bracket correctly.

A very useful book on model railroad layout benchwork construction is How to Build Model Railroad Benchwork, Second Edition (Model Railroader).

Finishing the layout space and new trackplan!

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The garage has been renovated

Finishing the layout space is essential before cutting a single piece of wood for the benchwork. With some concrete repairs and a fresh coat of paint, the old garage has been transformed into a refreshed space. The good news is that I managed to rearrange a few pieces of furniture and gain extra room for the layout! Check out the updated trackplan.

You can see the same space before the renovation work.

A garage isn’t the ideal space for a model railroad layout due to dust, temperature fluctuations, and humidity. However, when it’s the only option available, taking the right steps can make a big difference. By repairing concrete, applying fresh paint, and sealing gaps, I minimized dust and created a cleaner environment for the layout.

Preparing the space

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Preparing the space of an old, neglected garage to accommodate a model railroad layout.

The only space I have for the layout is in my garage. It’s not much, especially compared to what I had in the late 2000s with my previous N scale layouts – a whole room of about 20 square meters (220 square feet), which is quite a lot when you live in Europe, where space is generally more compact compared to the United States.

The layout will be anchored to the wall, leaving enough space underneath for the car’s hood. The garage is part of a 1969-built condo located in a big city in southern Europe.

Heated car garage

At that time it wasn’t uncommon to have heated car garages, but nowadays nobody is willing to spend money in (rather expensive) energy just to keep the car warm during the harsh winters days. It’s also not the most environmentally friendly choice.

Thankfully, modern cars come with heated seats and steering wheels, making a warm garage unnecessary. This setup allows me to maximize space for the layout while still keeping the garage functional.

Garage heating radiator

The first thing to do is remove the radiator as it is right in the way of the layout. After that, the walls needs some minor repairs and a fresh coat of white paint.

Initial Considerations

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A model railroad layout starts with a good plan

Given the limited space (an L-shaped shelf layout in a car garage), the track plan will focus on realistic operations rather than simply running trains for the sake of it. Selective compression is essential. I plan to model the most interesting industries along the branch line, compressing them into a small area to enhance operational appeal.

Realistic operations

I have always been a realistic operations modeler with my previous layouts, even though both were much larger (built in a 220 square feet room) and allowed for simply running a train from one end of the layout to the other. They all featured point-to-point operations and switching cars at industries along the main line.

Fewer operators

The layout will feature a limited number of engines and cars, with no more than two people operating at a time – which works perfectly for me. My time for the hobby is very limited, and I don’t anticipate hosting complex operating sessions.

The whole idea is to return to the hobby after a 15-year hiatus and enjoy every aspect: trackwork, scenery, building, weathering, and ultimately running trains and switching cars in a prototypical fashion.