Just curious how many dedicated Z scale folks here also model Nn3? I'd really like to hear about it, as well as see any photos. John Ztrains.com http://www.ztrains.com
i've several engines and quite a few cars in Nn3. Since first getting into N scale i had a desire to model narrow gauge (it was actually my preference). as hard as Nn3 modeling WAS, it is easier now. as hard as Z IS (in some respects) it too will get easier and better. i'm not interested in doing it all over again and modeling from Z to Zn3. I'm enjoying reliving the glory of the Rio Grande and doing the best work i can. Z is just too much fun. dave f.
I just received a bunch of Nn3 kits to build from Republic Loco Works, the best place in the land for Nn3 supplies. Marshall offers just about whatever you could want in Nn3 from detail parts to the decals. Here are a few photos of the kits I have built.
I've been doing a bit of reading on locomotives recently that I just assumed were narrow gauge... only to find out they were either standard gauge, or something of a hybrid. I've been looking at info on Baldwin saddle tank engines from app. 1900 - 1924. Operated on 42-inch gauge rails, a narrow-gauge variety commonly referred to in those days as "Bastar_ gauge". Closer to standard gauge then the 3 foot narrow gauge I'm familiar with. I was playing with the idea of building some pieces that very much have a narrow gauge feel to them but were actually standard gauge. Funny that I always think of logging rails as strictly narrow gauge, but have run across historical documents that express ideas such as: "For logging railroads the standard gauge of four feet eight and one-half inches is generally preferable, as the cars can then have long bolsters and be heavily loaded without piling the logs too high". It's all pretty interesting stuff! John Ztrains.com http://www.ztrains.com
the largest Rio Grande narrow gauge steam loco (the K-37 series mikados) were orignally standard gauge 2-8-0s. One ran through the Royal Gorge along the Arkansas River as a standard gauge, and after narrow gauge conversion was on display in the Royal Gorge parking lot on the ridge above (where the bridge crosses the gorge). dave f.
Have about 40 peices Nn3 rolling stock now,mostly DRGW. 1 X GHQ C-16 2-8-0 kit nearly finished & just recieved my first MT 2-6-0 thanks to JDG Nn3 Ophir Loop modual still unfinished Anyone got any Nn3 gons or flats they want to sell?Trying to build a pipe train.
I have a mate who models in N gauge the local ( Merredin, Western Australia ) trains in standard gauge and he does a world class job, and he would love to get into Nn3 as the Merredin depot is a dual gauge facility, the only problem is that no-one does an Alco RSD which is what is needed to model the local narrow gauge AB class of loco. If that were to happen then i would jump on the band wagon and build a fleet or two of the now defunct RCH type vacuum braked wagons. Until then it is only a dream. sigh!
I would think you could kitbash one easily enough nowadays, but it would not be cheap. If you purchase an N Scale RSD5 for the shell and truck sideframes, and an AZL SD70 for the mechanism, you might just be able to pull it off!:shade:
I enjoy looking at narrow gauge work. Especially the Nn3 as it has applications directly to Z. However, I am propbably never going to model anything.
Many of the Nn3 guys bought the Marklin Mogul for direct use as an Nn3 loco, because they say it is closer to Nn3 than to Z. I have seen Tom Knapp's reworked Mogul, and it does fit in with his other Nn3 locos.
I guess that a lot off what I build on the NEER layout could also blend right in to the Nn3 stuff. Allot off what I build is probably between 1:300-1:220-1:160 depending on what it is and where on the layout it's gone be placed. Like this one ? PS: That is a Z-Scale figure.
every now and then, when you think torsja is busy working on his train stuff ... you find him milling around.