Hello, folks. I’ve been an HO modeler for 40 years but my recent Nn3 Shay build has me focused on building a micro layout based loosely on turn of the last century Arizona mining. Absolutely freelanced. I’m talking about a figure 8 over and under style foam board layout. I’m not interested in operations. I wouldn’t mind a spur to hold a future loco. I basically want a roundy round as a diversion. I want dramatic vertical cliff hanging roadbed and accurate scenery. What I need help with is solid recommendations for roadbed and track manufacturers and cheap power supply. I plan to stack pink foam board for the foundation and scenery base. Thanks in advance for advice from some old pros in this tiny scale.
Oh wow... MTL and Atlas makes Z Scale flex, nobody makes a true Nn3 track. MTL sells a 9 volt power pack...
I modeled Nn3 back in the 1990's. Marshall at https://www.republiclocomotiveworks.com is Mr. Nn3 and makes great products....spend an hour or three on a desktop computer since his site is not mobile friendly.
Does something like this have any place in your vision? That chassis will have a battery style mine loco body. It's still in the works.
Yes. They are Nn3 from Roy Stevens. https://www.shapeways.com/product/9ZJSBCH8U/nn3-v-tipper-train-of-ten?optionId=40891520
I’ve just received my power pack and 20’ of Atlas Z scale flex track. I should be able to make an interesting micro layout with this. No turnouts. Just a continuous relaxing over and under loop of cliff hanging track and a short tunnel or two. The size comparison between standard and narrow gauge track is pretty significant. I just wish the ties were more in scale for Nn3.
You can split the tie joints under the rail and spread the ties apart a little if that's the dimension most troubling to you. The problem with that is the track can become really floppy and will need pretty careful handling. If you were to go that route you might do all of your track fitting first using push pins to hold it in place and then when satisfactory, pull it up, snip the ties and spread to your liking, then lay it back down. Work your way along setting the tie spread and dropping some CA at each tie center as you go might be a good idea to assure stability over time. You have the advantage that ballasting and tie painting will tend to hide any evidence of the gluing if it's even noticeable. And your engine looks good.
Thanks. Great advice. That’s exactly how I do my HO scale branch line track. This stuff is crazy small but I’ll give it a try.
I haven't actually done this with this exact track but have done it with N scale track. I wouldn't expect it to be fundamentally different, just smaller. Let us know how it went if you try it. And you might have a better glue choice or method than I suggested.
