So, I had this idea to make a branch line that will lead to some coal mines Nn3, instead of standard gauge. It will be on a 2% grade up to the mines and oil field where it will be level. Then I realized I DON'T know anyting about Nn3!!!!!! So, here goes: 1)What type of track is available in Nn3, or is it all hand layed? 2)I would want to run steam, what is available say in 2-8-0 wheel configuration?? Is the Roundhouse model the only one?? 3)If DCC decoding is hard in N scale locos, is not even possible in Nn3?? 4)Do the steam engines run as poorly as those in N?? 5) What are some of the basic costs?? I know I'm not asking much here, but you guys with superior intellects need SOMETHING to think about lol!! Happy Modelling!! John ------------------ The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!! Proud to be NARA Member #14 [This message has been edited by JCater (edited 28 January 2001).]
Dwight, Where do you find this stuff!! Thanks, very useful info!! Happy Modelling!! John ------------------ The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!! Proud to be NARA Member #14
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by JCater: Dwight, Where do you find this stuff!! Thanks, very useful info!! Happy Modelling!! John <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Usually at Yahoo or one of the other search engines. I had actually found that page the day before. I'm thinking of doing a coffee table layout, and regular N scale just seems a bit too big for what I had in mind. I thought about Z scale, especially after seeing the Z scale layout at GATS on Saturday. Then I realized I could do Nn3, since it uses Z scale track, yet it would still be in the scale I am used to. It's probably going to stay in the "thinking about it" stage for awhile, though. Dwight
In looking at the Nn3 homepage I still am wondering whether these things can be made to run DCC?? I suspect that they can, since they are generally modified N scale models. I'll post this question in DCC also!! Happy Modelling!! John ------------------ The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!! Proud to be NARA Member #14
A picture of my narrow gauge railroad for example. No steam or diesel but cars are present in this branch line (static layout in my N Scale layout) Anothers pictures of WLSW (and narrow gauge) in traiN'ternet, http://www.trainternet.org [This message has been edited by ffayolle (edited 30 January 2001).]
Great picture...great looking diplay too !! The more I think about this portion of my layout, the more I think that Nn3 is the way to go !! Sad thing is I am (scale) miles away from even beginning that portion of the layout, but I can start planning at least!! Happy Modelling!! John ------------------ The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!! Proud to be NARA Member #14
I am one of those lucky (and crazy) few who own the famous D&RGW K-27 2-8-2 Mikado which was made by LOK 14 of Germany in brass. To be honest, I usually don't like brass locomotives but this one was an exception being the first and so far the only built-from-the-ground-up Nn3 locomotive. There are some incorrect reports (including that Nn3 page referenced above) that this engine is built on a Marklin Z chasis but take it from me who owns one, it is not. It was designed to be what is was from the start. The chassis is all brass and no part of this engine is "borrowed" from Marklin or any other manufacturer. I paid about $775.00 for it direct from Europe and let me tell you it is worth every penny of that because it coasts like a KATO diesel when the power is pulled off. I understand the run is long sold out but if one should ever become available like on eBay or something and you want an incredible good looking and great running Nn3 locomotive this is the ultimate piece to have.
Actually, TexNrails has the K-27 listed as available in their online catalog (last updated 1/1/2001; goto 'by manufacturer,' then down to 'TexNrails Exclusives'). They are also taking reservations for the K-36. Dwight [This message has been edited by drbooher (edited 31 January 2001).]
Man, Nothing I would like more than a K-27 DRGW engine in brass , but unfortunately it is WAY out of my price range . I am afraid if I want Nn3, it will have to be modified Bacmann or a Nn3 kit on a modified Marklin chassis. There is always the remote hope of some unknown rich uncle leaving me his fortune (or at least his brass K-27 !!) when he goes to the Great Beyond! Thanks for the info, and Happy Modelling!! John ------------------ The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!! Proud to be NARA Member #14
It's not cheap (it is compared to other Nn3 locos), but N Scale Supply currently has the Micro-Trains 2-6-0 on sale for $375 (usually $450, list $499.99). Also, there is currently a Republic Locomotive Works 0-6-0 tank locomotive kit up for auction at eBay. This is just the conversion kit. You have to buy the mechanism separately. Dwight [This message has been edited by drbooher (edited 01 February 2001).]
Thanks for the info Dwight!! I do think that Nn3 will appear on my layout, but it is way down the road. Engine cost appears pretty prohibitive, especially now that I am a "student" again!! Happy Modelling!! John
