The SD&AE layout is pretty much done for now, and the Pacific Coast Railway presented some challenges, so in the meantime, I'm revitalizing my old fascination with the South Park's steamers (an interest dating back to my G scale days). Here's my ideas for some DSP&P engines in TTn3, using N scale mechanisms. The three shown here are 2-8-0 #191 and 2-6-6T/2-8-6T Mason Bogies #'s 42 and 28. I am building the #191 first, and then I may tackle the 2-6-6T Mason. The Mason will require serious chassis modifications, many scratchbuilt parts, a new trailing truck, and the flexible driveshaft between the engine and tender will be removed and the motor will be moved forward. Does anyone have ideas for a DSP&P Cooke 2-6-0?
I would certainly like to see those Mason Bogies done! Such would be neat and rare in N scale. Boxcab E50
Actually, they aren't designed for true N scale. They will run on N scale standard gauge track (probably an oversized code 55 brand that is closer to a narrow gauge look) and will be built to a scale of 1:120. My athearn 2-6-0 engine is on order (I will swap parts between the athearn 2-6-0 and an athearn 2-8-0 chassis I have) and it will be hopefully arriving today, so I will begin work on #191 very soon, possibly within an hour or two!
Yep! Sounds crazy, but I think I can pull it off, since I enjoy scratchbuilding, and TT is "the scratchbuilder's scale" at 1/10"=1 scale foot. Besides, this is essentially just a beefed up version of Nn3, a bit bigger and with mechanisms, wheelsets, etc. that run on N scale track instead of Z scale. (Of course, just like Nn3, in which the track is actually 41", TTn3 track is actually 42".)
When using manufactured, a lot of the narrow gauge track is a compromise. Except for those who hand lay their ties and rails. Being able to purchase ready made switches and track helps many get into the narrow gauge venue. Including my dabblings with On30. Boxcab E50
When you build this Mason Bogie, will it have a swiveling engine as the real ones? I'd like to see how you do that. Woodie
Unfortunately, the drivers will habe to be fixed to fit with the athearn/mdc mechanism. HOWEVER, I DO HAVE GREAT NEWS! I've started work on DSP&P #191! Here's an under-construction shot: You can see some of the extent of my kitbashing. The hardest part was shortening the main rod to connect to the second driver set (not the third) like the real #191. The smokebox was also shortened, scratchbuilt details added, domes extended and fluted, and much more to come!
***600th Post!*** And what a post it is! More work done to the DSP&P #191. Haven't started on the tender, but the locomotive itself is coming along very nicely! This proves that TTn3 is a viable option for US narrow gauge!!!
Here's a couple more: Now I just need to break in the motor. (I haven't run it that much since I got it, just enough to prove it worked, but now she's running pace laps on my SD&AE layout. I had to remove low-clearance overpasses to make room for her congdon stack!)
Thanks! The biggest changes for that "narrow gauge look" were the larger details like the number plate, headlight, stack, domes, and cab. Also, the smokebox supports were anchored closer together on the pilot deck, much like the real #191, and while chunky as an N scale engine, the TTn3 version seems better proportioned and appears lower than the engine did with "stock" details. I'm still breaking in the 2-8-0 right now; I may consider opening up the mechanism and clean it out after a few more hours of running to see if there's anything causing a bind, for it's still a bit herky-jerky at slow speeds. I checked the shortened main rods, and they seem to be working well without a pinch.
