Nm-adventure: Harz-based narrow gauge (freelance)

Steffen B Aug 30, 2022

  1. Steffen B

    Steffen B TrainBoard Member

    200
    667
    18
    Hi all,

    I was looking a while for a small layout concept with transfer activity done by so called "Rollwagen" or "Rollbock". Recently I fell in love with Nm-scale rolling stock made by a new company "lemiso" (https://www.lemiso.de/de/Spur-N--1-160-/Schmalspur-Nm/).
    Now it seems I can do this layout even in N scale together with some scenes from my favorite narrow gauge network in the Harz mountains.

    I ordered a set of idler cars and trucks for the "Rollbock"-technology plus transfer ramp just for testing purpose. And yes, I can load / unload standard gauge cars on these trucks automatically!
    Ok, now I was looking for a low budget locomotive. The little "Südharzeisenbahn" SHE, which ran between Walkenried and Braunlage in South-Harz mountains used some kind of RDCs even to run its freights, take a look here:
    https://www.kleinbahn-museum.de/bildarchiv/index.php?/tags/203-sudharzeisenbahn#content

    For my own RR I wanted to do a freelance model. Piko has a nice RDC trailer car VB 98. I found it could be converted to narrow gauge:
    VT Zeichnung_snipping.JPG

    From my Z scale layout I have 2 GP 7s. So I combined Piko shell and AZL chassis and have now a nice running RDC. The chassis is not lost for Z scale, I still can reassemble my Geep ;). Because of longer coupler shafts I adapted 2 spare AZL-trucks with MTL-couplers and removed the original trucks for storing.
    Painting and decals are still to be done.
    20220609_203753.jpg

    20220609_203812.jpg

    20220609_213516.jpg

    Beside this I found shell and ballast for the "Brockenlok"-steamer class 99.72 at shapeways:
    https://www.shapeways.com/product/U...99-247-1-160?optionId=62817321&li=marketplace
    https://www.shapeways.com/product/MY3MRKMA2/harzlok-weight?optionId=64516285&li=marketplace

    You can power the model by a Märklin class 42.90/50/52 or 85 chassis. I replaced the original motor with an already existing mini-can motor. Currently I am making new cylinders using the reworked Märklin original part as a base and reworked Fleischmann class 81-cylinders as a "shell":
    20220804_175817.jpg

    20220827_181309.jpg

    20220828_123527.jpg

    20220828_123230.jpg

    20220805_221059.jpg
     
    CNE1899, Moose2013, BoxcabE50 and 6 others like this.
  2. ArtinCA

    ArtinCA TrainBoard Member

    901
    218
    24
    Looks good Steffen! I saw a video awhile back that someone was doing this in HOe I think. That's a neat concept.
     
    Steffen B likes this.
  3. Steffen B

    Steffen B TrainBoard Member

    200
    667
    18
    Thank you very much. Sometimes it seems to me I have the most fun by combining already existing material into something new. :)

    This picture shows what I try to model: switching standard gauge freight cars on narrow gauge by Rollbock operation:
    upload_2022-9-7_10-28-33.png
    Nordhausen 1984
    https://www.drehscheibe-online.de/foren/read.php?017,8710889,8710890#msg-8710890

    You can see an idler car at front of train for coupling purpose. Each standard gauge axle is supported by a narrow gauge truck. Rollbock operation in Wernigerode (the other end of line) used two idler cars at each end of train because of run-around movements.

    Another system uses flat narrow gauge transporter cars:
    upload_2022-9-7_10-15-27.png
    Drei Annen Hohne 1988
    https://www.drehscheibe-online.de/foren/read.php?017,8708793,8708796#msg-8708796

    Both systems were common on Harz lines as well as on other narrow gauge lines in middle europe.
    But it is interesting for me to know of only one example outside continental europe using transporter cars, the Leek and Manifold Railway in UK:
    upload_2022-9-7_10-20-59.png



    As for american narrow gauge lines I know only of transferring freight by man power/crane or changing trucks like on the EBT.
     
    Last edited: Sep 7, 2022
    CNE1899, Moose2013, Rip Track and 3 others like this.
  4. ArtinCA

    ArtinCA TrainBoard Member

    901
    218
    24
    >>As for american narrow gauge lines I know only of transferring freight by man power/crane or changing trucks like on the EBT.

    Yeah, that was pretty much it. Not sure how it worked in the very early days of railroading. But probably alot of transfers.
     
    Steffen B likes this.
  5. Steffen B

    Steffen B TrainBoard Member

    200
    667
    18
    Hi all,

    after assembling the right cylinder and running gear she is making her first steps for break-in in a strange setting on my Arkansas & Western:
    20220915_210322.jpg

    20220915_213525.jpg

    The next step is to mount leading and trailing axles with MTL couplings and in the most correct position possible, as these parts are very close to cylinders and tool boxes, respectively.

    upload_2022-9-16_11-35-54.png
     
    CNE1899, mdvholland, JoeTodd and 2 others like this.
  6. Steffen B

    Steffen B TrainBoard Member

    200
    667
    18
    Last edited: Sep 20, 2022
    CNE1899, gmorider, Kurt Moose and 3 others like this.
  7. Steffen B

    Steffen B TrainBoard Member

    200
    667
    18
    Hi all,

    yesterday I could complete the chassis with pilot and trailing axle. And she has a nice short wheel base while still running through R220. :)
    I had to cut back front end and rear plate of the frame for free coupler movement.
    20220928_152634.jpg

    20220928_184025_001.jpg

    20220928_183954.jpg

    Here she makes her first steps with a train, pushing cars for test purpose through some switches.
    Idler car is quite a lightweight, but I can push up to 3 standard gauge cars.
    20220928_165754.jpg

    Now it's time for detailling!
     
    CNE1899, BoxcabE50, JoeTodd and 4 others like this.
  8. ArtinCA

    ArtinCA TrainBoard Member

    901
    218
    24
    Did you get the shell painted yet Steffen? I really like the bulky look of the German NG steamers..
     
  9. Steffen B

    Steffen B TrainBoard Member

    200
    667
    18
    Hi Art,

    I would like to be some steps further on.
    But because I had to redirect my spare time for some garden projects my modeling activities came to a stop the last weeks.
    Hope to continue in December...
    Before painting I try to add the prominent gear frame for expansion link support.

    upload_2022-11-11_8-18-35.png
     
    JoeTodd and ArtinCA like this.
  10. Steffen B

    Steffen B TrainBoard Member

    200
    667
    18
    Now some little progress...
    I finished the RH gear frame made of brass stripe pieces. I am pleased with this, looks better than a black hole at this area.

    20221122_190227.jpg

    20221122_190311.jpg
     
    CNE1899, BoxcabE50, ArtinCA and 5 others like this.
  11. Steffen B

    Steffen B TrainBoard Member

    200
    667
    18
    Some steps further on with detailing.
    On the engineer's side there is some piping of air brake. I made this from brass wire d=0.3 mm. The parts are glued on 2 stripes of paper.
    20221201_213707.jpg

    On the fireman's side the prototype has a thicker and prominent pipe for getting the water from tank to feedwater pump at front of the machine.
    Tis pipe is 0.5mm brass wire.
    20221201_215759.jpg

    The third front light at top of smoke box is broken away (I did expect this mishape...)
    Made a replacement from 1.5 mm plastic, held in smoke box by 0.3 wire. Now it will be hopefully less sensitive.
    Finally I added the big counterweights on driver wheels made from little pieces of paper, what improves the heavy look of this engine very much.
    20221201_234205.jpg

    20221201_234145.jpg
     
    JoeTodd, CNE1899, BoxcabE50 and 2 others like this.
  12. gmorider

    gmorider TrainBoard Member

    2,093
    6,283
    65
    This going to look great.
     
    Steffen B likes this.
  13. Steffen B

    Steffen B TrainBoard Member

    200
    667
    18
    I did a small test setup to check functions of transfer operation:
    20221212_105042[1].jpg

    And yeah, I am quite pleased. It is a smooth operation and really great to see cars are switching from broad gauge to narrow gauge and back, done only by movements of both locomotives and a coupler stick.
    Here are 2 short clips on youtube, hope you enjoy it:

    From broad gauge to narrow gauge


    From narrow gauge to broad gauge
     
    Last edited: Dec 12, 2022
  14. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

    67,560
    22,735
    653
    Wow. I have never seen anyone build a gauge transition project. (y)(y)(y)
     
  15. ArtinCA

    ArtinCA TrainBoard Member

    901
    218
    24
    That is pretty cool!!
     
  16. Steffen B

    Steffen B TrainBoard Member

    200
    667
    18
    While preparing the shell with primer the front pilot broke away. That was the moment where I wanted to throw the whole thing in trash...
    I had to learn that 3D-parts are very fragile....
    I fixed it with a support under smoke box, it was a fiddly repair.
    20230114_222416[1].jpg

    Now it is slowly becoming a hard working steam locomotive.
    I am in the weathering process and will highlight some parts with paint powder.
    20230126_095918[1].jpg
    20230126_095841[1].jpg
     
  17. gmorider

    gmorider TrainBoard Member

    2,093
    6,283
    65
    Glad you worked out the pilot problem. This is a very fine locomotive.
     
    Steffen B likes this.
  18. CNE1899

    CNE1899 TrainBoard Member

    1,097
    1,872
    36
    Steffen,
    I just found your thread, fantastic work!
    I like the combination of 3D, kitbashing, and handmade parts.
    Your working transfer operation is impressive.
    I miss your Z scale work.

    Scott
     
    Steffen B likes this.
  19. Steffen B

    Steffen B TrainBoard Member

    200
    667
    18
    Hi Scott, nice to read from you (y)
    Yes, Z scale was a very fine experience, but it was time for something new too.
    And this locomotive is an important thing of my childhood. Every holiday in Harz mountains meant looking at an d riding with these very impressive engines. Since now it is possible to model this in N scale I really had to do so.:)
     
  20. Steffen B

    Steffen B TrainBoard Member

    200
    667
    18
    Hi all,

    after a year of doing other things it's time now to go on with this one.
    Recently I added nice number plates, grab irons on the back lights and signs on the tanks.

    20231122_221049_kopie.jpg
    20231122_220309 - Kopie.jpg
    20231122_223100_kopie.jpg 20231122_224243_kopie.jpg

    Final steps are decodering and some crew members on the footplate.
     
    JoeTodd, Kurt Moose, mikethi and 5 others like this.

Share This Page