What are the available options for Nn3 locomotives? I am looking at the possibilty of modelling the Cedar Tap Railroad of Lampasas and San Saba Counties, Texas, the only narrow gauge tramway not in East Texas in the state. The CTRR met the GC&SF in Lometa. The CTRR had a 24 ton Shay and a Climax of unknown type. There were also two F-M No.14 motor cars. Liked the idea of modeling this unique Texas shortline. Probably as a series of modules from Lometa to a logging camp at the Scholten Cedar Brakes. It used 36" gauge, which translates to Nn3. What is the most accurate commercialy available Nn3 track? All information from the Journal of Texas Shortlines Vol. 2 No. 2 I'm a rookie at any narrow gauge. Photos would be nice, too.
I know there are some folks who hand lay Nn3 track. But seems to me that others use Z scale track? Boxcab E50
Someone, I believe Aspen Models makes Nn3 track. It is hard to find and expensive. Of the Z scale track available the Peco flex track has the best tie size and spacing to look like North American narrow gauge. The ties are not long enough but that can be overlooked. The big problem is that Peco does not sell turnouts for it. The Marklin Z scale turnouts are kind of clunky looking with a big switch motor hanging on the side kind of like the old Atlas N scale switches. Microtrains sectional track is nice but the tie size is very small and closely spaced. I use the Peco flex track and hand lay all my switches. As for power, there is not much out there. You have to convert Marklin Z scale steam engine and MT diesel mechanisms to Nn3 engines. There are kits available from Republic Locomotive Works. Micro Trains sold a 2-6-0 based on a Colorado & Southern Mogul but they are hard to come by lately. Micro Trains is bringing out more and more Z scale diesels that could be bashed into Nn3 logging steamers or box cabs. A good place for information is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nn3/
