NEW to AUSSIE N?

We’ve put together a list of tips and tricks to help you navigate Australian N Scale with the help of experienced modellers.

Track Starter sets

We like starter packs! Although please keep in mind the two common PECO start packs in Australia have points / turnouts that are not great for larger Australian locomotives and rolling stock.

It is advised that medium or large PECO points are used instead.

For a more fail safe option, we recommend Kato starter packs M2, V1 or V3 

Kato and PECO
Rail profiles

Track CODEs

PECO Code 80
Maximum compatibility, beginners, older rolling stock. Compatible with PECO Setrack

PECO Code 55
More realistic appearance, modern layouts

Run your trains often

Track Cleaning

PECO Track Rubber
This rail cleaner is by far the most popular and effective. It is recommended to vacuum up the power left behind.

Inox MX3
New to the game! But showing signs of promise. Use sparingly as it can reduce traction. Apply small amounts with a microfibre cloth (glasses cloth)

DC or DCC?

train Control

DC controller changes track power (voltage) to control speed and direction of all trains together; DCC sends digital commands so each train is controlled individually—allowing independent control, sounds, and lighting per locomotive. With each locomotive having a DCC chip.

DC is the most simple way to control your train.

DCC has advanced now to the point where you can control your train from your phone.

Consider a circuit breaker to stop a short circuit damaging your DCC chips
Curves

Track design

DC controller changes track power (voltage) to control speed and direction of all trains together; DCC sends digital commands so each train is controlled individually—allowing independent control, sounds, and lighting per locomotive. With each locomotive having a DCC chip.

DC is the most simple way to control your train.

DCC has advanced now to the point where you can control your train from your phone.

Consider a circuit breaker to stop a short circuit damaging your DCC chips

Locomotives

  • Auscision Models

  • Gopher Models

  • Aust-N-Rail

  • Lyndon’s Trains

Manufacturers making ready to run

Rollingstock

  • Auscision Models

  • Gopher Models

  • Aust-N-Rail

  • Buckambool Model Trains

Manufacturers making ready to run

Resin Kits & 3d printing

Small manufacturers making kits

There are many people out there making speciality items the manufacturers aren’t making in bulk overseas.

When it comes to kits there are things to keep in mind. Is it a resin casting or 3D printed. Resin casting is stronger whilst 3D printing can be more brittle.

  • Lyndon’s Trains

  • Gopher Models

  • Aust-N-Rail

  • Spirit Design

  • Frate N

Before you go racing to get a 3D printer there are a few things to consider.

  • Filament printers (strong but less detail)

  • Resin printers (fine high quality)

  • There are limited quality 3D files online for you to download, especially of Australian things.

Baseboards

We recommend using plywood for your baseboard over other materials. Bunnings will cut your boards to size for you at most stores.

Stuck for ideas? The T-Trak standard is a great way to start. 

Timber Base
Foam

We recommend using the blue or green foam from Bunnings.

This foam is great for carving terrain. A hot wire foam cutter is recommended.

Standard white foam from packaging is very messy and won’t cut cleanly.

Scenery material

Real dirt which has been sifted, washed and dried is very effective. It can be mixed with grout to get the desired colour. There are many YouTube videos which will help show this technique.

Pick something like Dulux Vogel as your base paint colour before applying your dirt layer.

Woodland Scenics do a range of products which can be found in most hobby shops. Keep in mind that our colours aren’t as rich and dark as other countries.

Ground Up Scenery do a fantastic range of Australian coloured static grass. 

Dirt and Grass