N to Nn3 Steam Locomotives

B-T Nov 29, 2023

  1. B-T

    B-T TrainBoard Member

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    So...I am considering getting a Bachmann 2-6-2 and making it a DRGW 2-8-0 278 (C-16 Class) and I was wondering if anybody has any experience narrow-gauging a 2-6-2/2-6-0/0-6-0 (all same chassis). I know that people do narrow-gauge Bachmann 4-4-0s so I can't imagine that it would be too hard in theory to narrow-gauge other locomotives, because, I can't exactly buy a brass locomotives or Z scale chassis due to them being more money than I can justify spending on a chassis that I am going to destroy!
     
    BNSF FAN likes this.
  2. Curn

    Curn TrainBoard Member

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    I have not seen anyone modify the 0-6-0/2-6-2 chassis to Nn3. The drivers have a round bushing, and the frame has thin walls where these bushing fit in. There unfortunately isn't enough wall thickness with this design (unlike the simpler 4-4-0) to narrow the frame.

    Frame image:
    https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/images/n_parts/505XX-N50502-03.JPG

    Driver image:
    https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/i...linder with Drive wheels black and silver.JPG

    I have seen people turn the boiler into a useable Nn3 engine. If I were going to do this conversion, I would spend the money on a Z scale Marklin 2-8-2 chassis, and then buy the just the boiler as a spare part from Bachmann as it is about $19.

    Here are some images from the Nn3 Group on Groups.io (Basically old Yahoo groups) of other people who have made this work:

    Stefan Boersma's K-36
    Bachmann boiler modified.jpg

    David Bellomy's West Ridge Railway #135
    WRRy 135 right side.jpg
     
  3. r_i_straw

    r_i_straw Mostly N Scale Staff Member

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    I have only gone the Z scale Marklin 2-8-2 with Republic conversion kit route.
    [​IMG]
     
    SP-Wolf, gmorider, Kurt Moose and 3 others like this.
  4. B-T

    B-T TrainBoard Member

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    Okay, I will have to go hunting for some chassis under $100-$150 as I am not willing to spend even that really for a chassis that I am going to destroy :rolleyes::D

    Thats a thats a wonderful looking locomotive! Pretty much what I am planning on doing except it being number #476 of the D&S.
     
    BNSF FAN and r_i_straw like this.
  5. JoeTodd

    JoeTodd TrainBoard Member

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    Nn3 is n scale that runs on z Scale track. So you should start with a z Scale locomotive for the power train.
     
    Kurt Moose and BNSF FAN like this.

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