Greetings! I thought I’d share some better photos of my small Nn3 layout. The layout is 14” x 14” in a wood base and glass case I made myself. I wanted an operating display diorama I could take to shows perhaps. The layout depicts the Rio Grande Southern but the timeline is a bit skewed. While the locomotive and cars are squarely mid-1890s, I doubt the buildings would have taken on that sort of patina by that time. I’ve always wanted to model a ghost town, so I did. If I ever update my equipment, it’ll fit better. The buildings are scratch built and loosely based on JV Models craftsman kits. I decided they weren’t as detailed as I wanted so I built them with full interior framing, individual board siding, and sagging rooflines. They were changed and scratch built in almost every way. The mine hoist is a craftsman from JV that I modified and added to. With the buildings, I essentially used the JV outline and built the rest from scratch. The trestle is completely built from scratch from photos but I added a little more bracing here and there for the drama. The water tank is entirely scratch built from photos of late 19th century tanks. I made it about 15% smaller to look better in the scene. Tunnel portals and tunnel linings were scratched in place. The track was hand laid which wasn’t difficult at all and added a lot of realism to the scene. I wanted dirty ties with grass growing up between them so there are many layers of materials. I started with a base of cinders, then sanded grout, then some more cinders, and finally static grass to complete the look. The pine trees were made by me. I wanted some tall pines and while they’re still a bit short, I think they work well. For the rolling stock, I used Republic Locomotive Works semi-kit for the RGS 0-6-0. RGS 14 was a real locomotive and the RGS operates her for several years. She was a hand-me-down from the DRG. I added many extra details and the model runs very well. I’d like to try my hand at their larger kits one day. Maybe a K27. The cars are RLW craftsman kits and absolutely gorgeous. I lettered the boxcar for the RGS but I read that the RGS used flat cars from the DRG. The couplers are functional pin and link. Yes, functional. That was an ordeal to make but they work well. I used photo etched brass pins that are so fine I could barely see them. The links are blackened chain links. Well, if anyone has any questions please feel free to ask.
Wow... looks fantastic! Too bad that we don't have reliable manufacturers to support Nn3. That has pretty much stopped me from investing further in that 'sub-scale' of N.
Thanks guys! Yeah, Nn3 has a few locomotives, mostly brass, that are RTR, but the prices are higher than brass HO. It’s not a biginner’s scale, that’s for sure! But with a little experience and some patience, one can achieve results.
I do stock most the Aspen line of German brass Nn3 . True it does cost more but then it is not made in the far east either. I do have some of the kits also that cost less , I do need to make up a list. if you see something you like let me know as have a little wiggle room in pricing as the Euro goes up and down. I have them on site now at 25% off list. rich www.rslaserkits.com
I completely agree, Aspen is great, and I understand such a low volume, niche market like Nn3 will require higher prices, nothing against them at all. They are, however, pay-to-play.
I really like my Showcase Miniatures locos and rolling stock. I enjoy your photos and I’m about to begin a small Nn3 layout. Not quite as small as yours but still very small. Nice track work as well.
Love narrow gauge and I even flirted with it years ago. But then the realization of aging eyes and arthritis in the hands put a stop to it. Z scale mechanisms and track just became to much. If I ever decide to venture there again I will be going up in scale. However there is more narrow gauge out there than one would think. RLW has a big selection of cars, kits, and track, MT has some stuff, and then of course Aspen. There is even an Nn2 scale. One of my class A Climax is from a RLW kit that I machined out to fit a N mechanism. With a solid metal body it is one of my best pullers.
