So I'm happily modeling an N scale N&W layout which is progressing nicely, BUT, being the complete basket case I am, I've been gaining interest in NG. I grew up close to the East Broad Top Railroad in PA, and remember riding it as a kid. Now I'm thinking about modeling it. I might not start this for a while and it's on my list for when the N&W layout is "done". My biggest dilemma is what scale? On30 would be great but I don't have the acreage to support it. HOn3 is super expensive for locos and while I've been thinking about the possibility of modifying N scale running gear to run on HOn3 track, there is still the issue of having to buy HOn3 track. It's not super expensive, but it aint cheap either. Then there's Nn3. I'm a young guy w/ better than 20/20 vision and am pretty mechanically inclined. I love to scratch build, but N scale is already "kinda small" and I can't really imagine scratch building on Z scale running gear. Now, HO scale on N gauge gear I think I could live with. My current thoughts are with HOn30. You get fairly cheap running gear, but you have to scratch essentially all of the locos. HOn30 isn't true to the EBT railroad's gauge either (they run 36" track), but then aren't most of the On30 locos in the same boat? Weren't most of the Bachmann ON30 prototypes on 36" rails? I don't mind modeling with rail gauge out of scale (in HOn30 it would be about 1/16") and I'm not trying to be uber correct to the prototype. Just looking to replicate the "look and feel". I've got more thoughts but have to run. Just curious on some thoughts about this.
NWPHIL-----It seems to me that your main concern is cost. I'm not trying to be unpleasant but there is an old saying that goes: If you want to run with the rest of the dogpack you have to get off the porch. If you really want to save money then don't get in the hobby. You have to spend some bucks no matter which scale you choose. And since you are making a decision that you will probably live with for years get the trains you actually want rather than trying to cobble together some home made trains that might be too hard to build if you lack experience. You will be happier with the trains you like than with cheaper trains that you don't really like. My best advice is not to plunge in buying lots of trains at once. Buy On30 because they are reasonably priced, good looking and reliable right out of the box. Odd-d
I'm with ODD-D on this one. Narrow gauge modeling is a bit more costly than standard gauge modeling..some things can save you a little money however. In both HOn3 and On30, you can hand lay your track & turnouts...I ain't talking about "handlaying flex track" as I read in another post but cutting your own ties and laying the rails using spikes. It ain't as hard as it sounds and there are many who go this route. Locomotives can be found if you look, MDC/Roundhouse made some great HOn3 2-8-0 and Shay kits that can be kitbashed into whatever you would like to have. Freight/passenger cars can be older wood kits or scratchbuilt, only trucks & couplers and some detail parts need be bought. In On30, there are some great RTR locos from Bachmann that can be found reasonabily priced and rolling stock also. Track can be handlaid easily also. So, it could be done on the "semi-cheap" if you are a skillful modeler. What you need to decide is whether you want to devote yourself to some building (equals saving some $$) or buying everything RTR (equals spending some $$$). And of course, you really need to research real narrow gauge lines, many fellows don't know a Porter from a Baldwin and never heard of Mathias Forney but build narrow gauge anyway. Do some "learning" and then decide what you want to do. The truth is out there...somewhere. Woodie
Actually, I think layout space is more important than cost. I would probably have decided on HOn3 except that the rule of thumb is 30" minimum radius curves. The layout has to fit in a 10'x4' area, so unless I did an HOn3 "out n back", it's too big. Really, $340 for a brass K28 from brasstrains.com isn't bad at all. My main reason for this is that I WANT to scratch build everything. I love scratch building, and would like to be able to scratch in a larger scale than N. I scratch build because I love it, not to save money. I'm currently building several structures on my N layout. Here's a station I'm building now: (latest pics on page 2) http://forum.nscalelimited.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=3713 I'm even keen on the idea of building my own locos, but I can't fab drivers and running gear, so I've got to go with at least a mechanism from a smaller gauge like N or Z to fit my space requirements. I'd like to model in a scale larger than N, which is why I said I've been thinking about HOn30 to represent HOn3. My latest conundrum is that RLW sells EBT kits for their Mikes (#14 & 15) and even hoppers and decals. I'm still exploring the mechanism offerings, and it looks like some new donors are showing up in Z. Like I said though, I'd like to model larger than N. I got plans for a k28, and picked up a couple 8 driver N scale locos off ebay to see if their drivers would work, and so far they're too small to even represent the 49" wheel centers on the prototype. I'm still looking for an N scale Mike or other 8 driver loco with larger drivers that might work. I guess for now, I've "narrowed" it down to HOn30(not accurate) and Nn3. Harold, I've come across your site several times in my research, and while I like the idea, 55n3 again, uses HO as a base track, which I don't really have room for. Thanks for the thoughts on this...
Is there a reason you don't like the "out n back" idea? Seems to me 10' x 4' is plenty of space for a point-to-point HOn3 layout with a small yard. I'll bet you could even do Sn3 in that space. From an operation standpoint, that would be more realistic than a loop. It would also be great for showing off scratchbuilt structures and rolling stock.
You know, when I posted that, it made me start thinking about the issue. One major realization that hit me in the face was that the EBT IS an out n back. They use wye's to turn the engines around at each end and at several locations along their original route. More to think about.
Really? I'm no expert but since H0 typically goes down to 18" a lot of the time, surely narrow gauge can do better (like it does in real life ). A quick Google does indeed suggest 18...20" is a decent target, unless you have a specific loco in mind that can only do 30" of course.
I forget now where I had read that. I think it was on a specific loco. You're right though, 18" - 20" is a more realistic minimum.
For Narrow Gauge, you WANT the tighter radius. I guess i'm a little confused by this thread, I'm not a narrow gauge modeler by any means, but I've been reading about HOn3 modelers for the past 25 years. Malcom Furlow's Narrow Gauge you can build series from the early 80s MR really is inspiring in this and while I know they're no longer around, the MDC kits made getting started very simple. I'd think with all the switchbacks, tight curves and such that you would have a luxurious amount of space for HOn3.
