Back around 10 years ago when I got started in On30, I built a lot of models but found that they never really satisfied me. I knew that I really wanted to model the 2 foot stuff and On30, at 31", was a bit wide for me. Last summer I was building an Sn3 idler flat and I got the idea that Sn3 track might be close to 2' in O. I measured it, and it came up to 27"! Close enough! Plus, I can get flex track and turnouts from PBL in both code 55 and code 70. Since I don't like to lay track, this was perfect! Here is a pic of a narrowed Boulder Valley Models 20' boxcar. I narrowed it up by removing 2 boards from each end, built an underframe from styrene and added some Grandt Line details. The car is around 6-1/2 feet wide. I had Foothill Model Works build me some custom wheelsets to match the NMRA Sn3 gauge. Foothill also supplied the McLeoud Western trucks. The couplers are set to HO height. The car still needs to be lettered, detail painted, and weathered.
Here is a pic of the truck kit and wheelsets that I got from Foothill Model Works. They custom built the wheelsets to my specs. They only make them in 24" in diameter, but that is what I wanted anyway. The 2' stuff in Mexico was equipped with 24" wheels and I'm trying to achieve that look.
Here is a pic of my boxcar and a Bachmann gas-mechanical that is narrowed to On2-1/4. I also narrowed the chassis, removed the side rods and added details. It also need to be finished. I still have a lot to do to it!
Here is a pic showing the difference between the Sn3 (On2-1/4) track on the left, and HO (On30) on the right. As you can see the is bit of a difference!
Howdy. You might look at using 1:35 scale on 16.5MM gauge...it is around 23 5/8" gauge. There is a lot of stuff available in 1:35 and quite a few modelers are into 35n2 now. You can have your On30 flex track and great running loco mechanisms and trucks. Just a thought. Woodie
cf7- Very interesting. I wonder of how many others you've encountered, who have thought about this concept? Boxcab E50
1:35 is too big for me. O scale is also a bit big (my main layout is HO) but I've decided to use all small buildings and let the scenery overpower the layout. It's fun and that's what matters!
Since I'm pretty much a lone wolf type of modeler, I have only told a few people about this. I have never seen anyone else do it. To me, the appeal is that it looks right. It is definitely a lot closer to 2 foot than On30!
Exactly. That's the secret to it all. :thumbs_up: Please be sure to post up more photos and reports of your work! Boxcab E50
What brand of Sn3 track are you using and what steps did you take to narrow the Bachmann gas-mechanical? Thanks, Andy Tetsu Uma
Hi Andy - I'm using PBL track. I've gotten a few pieces of code 55, but I'm thinking I might try a bit of the code 70 before I make up my mind. PBL offers both. Let's see if I remember on the gas mechanical since I did it last year! After removing the axles, you will find that each wheel is on a plastic sleeve that has a collar on the back. I used a razor blade against the backside of each wheel and sliced the collar off all the way to the axle. Then I just pressed each wheel inwards equally to regauge to Sn3. I then narrowed the plastic axle retainer to clear the wheels. I also needed to bend the wipers a bit. It looks like the wheel might contact the metal axle, but there is enough clearance to not be a problem. I went ahead and added a bit of super glue to the back of each wheel just in case. I hope that explanation is clear. I plan to do another soon.
Thanks and where do you get your PBL track? Your "On2.25" caught my eye because of my interest in 600mm gauge trench railways. The 100th Anniversary of the "Great War" is coming up in 2014 and I would like to get a little portable railway depicting trench railways up and running by then but I'm still up in the air about scale. That B-mann mech (narrowed) might make a good starting point for a Baldwin 50hp 7.5t gas mechanical. You only had to go in 1.1mm per side (if I've figured correctly), right? Andy Tetsu Uma
Try this link for PBL - http://www.p-b-l.com/ They are the number one manufacturer of Sn3 stuff. Trench railways, huh..that's neat! As far as the measurement of the wheelsets, I have no idea. I just pushed them in until they were centered and fit the NMRA Sn3 gauge. I can measure them later if that would help.
Thanks for the link. I will have to look them up. Sn3 track is 14.3mm gauge and HO/On30 is 16.5mm. Taking one from the other leaves 2.2mm which I assumed you tried to balance. Your way is probably better as you have the gauge right there to check. Andy Tetsu Uma
Hi Rick! I am happy with my choice so far. Although my main modeling scale is HO, this gives me something different to work on. I am currently working on rounding up parts to modify a Bachmann railtruck. The gears are split and it won't run; it sits there and the motor just spins! So, I've gotten an NWSL order placed to supply everything needed to completely repower this thing while converting it to run on Sn3 track. I also have a new cab and a few other parts for it. My next step is to figure out what to do about decals so I can finish up what is painted. I just like the narrower stuff! Like I said before, to me, it looks right.
Mine main layout is N scale. Always wanted to do an Narrow gauge small layout. Tried Nn3 but hard to work on for me. Have been kicking around a H0n30 or On30 idea but can't decide. Like you said I'm looking for something a little differant but not to frustrating like Nn3.
