Oh God. Here we go Again... TTn3 AND N scale on one layout? Excellent points, DSP&P. After reading your post, I've now considered the following: Scratchbuilding doesn't scare me either--I actually prefer it to kitbashing in most cases except steam engine-building, where I can modify existing N scale steamers for TTn3-- and I planned on scratchbuilding much of my N scale freight fleet, anyway (they don't make wooden gondolas or flats in N from what I've seen), leaving TTn3 open for discussion. (If I'm gonna scratchbuild, why not make it 100% accurate, right?) But I still find HOn3 and up to be too large and expensive. Really, the only things keeping me in N scale are my two SD&AE steamers, but I think I found a way to incorporate them into a TTn3 layout, filling my 10% side interest while keeping my 90% focus on PC narrow gauge: I can use forced perspective and run an N scale outside loop with the SP yards in San luis Obispo along the back edge of that part of a TTn3 layout. That way I can model the SP's standard gauge transfer in SLO and keep an SP tenwheeler and 2-8-0 around while I focus on making some 1:120 scale PC 2-8-0's from an MDC 2-8-0 (the N scale mdc consolidation scales out perfectly in TT, and even has correct driver counterbalances and blind driver sets 2 & 3!) With this, I can satisfy both interests, not compromise either, and still keep my focus on the Slim Gauge! OK. This is final. SERIOUSLY. This is it. I'm done waffling my decisions. TTn3 AND N scale on one layout. But mostly TTn3. Consider it done. (I think.)
Tom, I'm glad you have a goal. Now focus on it and don't let yourself be sidetracked. Track down everything you can on Tom Knapp's Nn3 work and adapt it to your scale...your doing the same thing as him but 25% larger. Focus on building your fleet of equipment and a test layout to see what works (I picked up a number of dos and don'ts from mine). Michael
Aw, who am I kidding? I'm "a proud SD&AE modeler" for a reason... Hate to waste your time, but all this flip-flopping was for nothing. The only thing I've ever been consistent in was my current SD&AE layout. I think I need the San Diego Short Line for some much-needed focus... Here's a summary of my facing of reality: I've spent so much time rambling about what I could be doing in the future, I forgot about what I've already done. After not looking at my layout for over a month, I realized that I should stay with the railroad that I've neglected all this time: the wonderfully awesome San Diego & Arizona Eastern. (Aw hell, who am I kidding, anyway? I LOVE running doubleheaders on the main, not switching on wharves. Helper opserations and a bit of mainline switching are all I need. Fill the rest with open right of way.) The one option I've never considered but many before me have recommended is looking at my current modeling scenario and remembering all the good memories I had and why I modeled the SD&AE in N scale in the first place. I've also realized the sad truth that I haven't even touched my layout or trains in about a month, now. Yikes. I need to get #2353 out of her box again! In conclusion, I apologize for showing that I'm less decisive than Brett Favre, I am truly sorry, but I will stand by the SD&AE. I am, after all, a proud SD&AE modeler. I need to defend my title :0). And I live less than an hour from its rails. I guess this goes to show that I need to freakin' build something or my mind will rebel at stagnation. BTW If at some point I do end up wanting narrow gauge again, I can think a bit closer to home: Plaster City US Gypsum in Nn3. But that won't be for a while. I see at leat six years or more with my current layout. Might as well finish it. Once I've settled into my future home, I'll go from there. So I look at myself and say, "Hey, Self. Remember the past, prepare for the future, but live in the present. And the present is SD&AE in N scale."
And if you do the Plaster City line, I seem to recall seeing kits for the SPNG #9 which subbed on the USG line... I think you would have to have a marklin donor chassis though.
Your much nicer to your self. My self tends to be "HEY! SELF!" *Gibbs smack* "Thanks, I needed that. Good talk." "Likewise. Do it again sometime?"
