Where are "N" scale products?

[Jacktal]

I model in "N" scale and haven't had any success in locating makers of different items I'd like to add to my layout.First I love collecting locos and would love to get a Big Boy(Con-Cor advertise one but say they can't deliver).And with time I'd like to add a Challenger and/or an Allegheny.I understand these models would carry a hefty price,so they're for the future but for now I'd be very happy to find an Alco C-855 to fit my diesel roster.I usually buy two ways,either new or used/good condition.....

I'd also like to find makers of MOW equipment in "N" scale,along with graders,road pavers,cranes,etc.These don't seem to exist in this scale,am I a poor searcher or they simply don't exist?Would appreciate any input...thanks.

[tree68]

I've been in "N" for 25 years, and the selection of lineside stuff is better that it's ever been. While it may never get to the level of HO, companies like GHQ, to mention one, are turning out some pretty good stuff. The selection of structures, from plastic to craftsman, and accessories therefore, is also impressive.

Spend some time on the Walthers website, read MR and RMC, and look for catalogs that have N. Go to train shows (the bigger the better, although you'd be surprised what you can find at a "local" show). I'm always sniffing around for that "one of a kind" item that I can use.

I just finished a cast metal road grader. After I finish a pair of laser cut speeder sheds, I may start work on a side lift crawler/crane. I've also get an etched brass bandstand in the works. A number of the vehicles on my layout are either cast resin or cast metal, all finished by moi.

I've got kits I haven't even cracked the box on. There's plenty out there!

[Anonymous]

Ebay has a bunch of listings. That's where I have bought 80% of my N scale.

[Anonymous]

The Alco C-855 will be hard to find, because it hasn't been made commercially, in any scale. I've seen a custom kitbash of these, using the GE U-50C chassis (and Alco Century shells from a variety of locos, I suspect), but the real things were only made for Union Pacific, and only three were made, so I doubt there ever will be a commercial product.

Ebay is good, I've been snarfing up Alco RSD-15's left and right (one day I shall own them all! [maniacal villain laughter]), but you have to pay close attention to it because the offerings change so rapidly, and you may be outbid for items at the last few minutes before closing.

I think there are some models of European-prototype MOW equipment, which might be converted to American if you can't find what you're looking for. I've never searched for the types of equipment you mention, though.

When I first saw the subject of this thread, I thought I'd offer a snappy reply "why, N-scale's all around you!" I got started in the resourceful early years of N-scale, in the mid 80's, and I have to say there are a few plastic kits which were intended for HO scale which I have seen OVER and OVER again in use on N-scale layouts, and never on an HO pike. N-scalers back then perceived that the HO kits were highly compressed versions of the industries they represented, which when dressed up with N-scale details like door and window castings, didn't look quite so compressed in the smaller scale. Plus, there was a line of toy cars that came out (Micro Machines) which were approximately N-scale, just a little work was needed to hide their toy roots. And, sometimes things like souvenirs (a casting of a landmark building for instance) would prove to be close enough to N-scale to work, assuming you wanted that Bavarian castle on you layout... I frequently look at the HO dealers tables at train shows, just to see if there are bits and pieces of things which could be adapted for use in N-scale (obviously not a locomotive or rolling stock, but what about using an HO gondola's sides for a deck girder bridge? you get the idea).

[Roadtrp]

I've found a huge variety of 'N' scale product on the internet, and even a surprising variety at my LHS. I've also talked to the owner at my LHS, and he is more than happy to order me anything I find on the net that I want. He doesn't always meet the price on the net (but to my surprise, sometimes he beats it), but I don't mind paying a little extra to have a local place where I am known and where I can get help with problems.

I've only been back in MR for a little over two months now, but it felt kind of neat when I walked into my LHS today and the owner said "Hi Jerry".

[Anonymous]

The closest LHS to me is an hour and a half away. It would be nice if there was one closer! Given that, if anyone is in the same situation in which a LHS is far and few between, the internet and places like this forum serve as the help I would get at a LHS.

[DSchmitt]

N Scale Maintenance and Construction Equipment - Railway Express Miniatures

N Scale Construction Equipment - GHQ

They are both widely distributed. I've seen and purchased them in many loco train stores, and they are available on all the major Internet store sites[:)]

You can also do what I have also done. Buy or borrow an HO scale kit then duplicate the parts in N scale using Evergreen styrene. It's not hard, jus takes a little time[;)]

[Wdlgln005]

MicroMachines/Hot Wheels used to have a set of CAT equipment in a set. There should also be a set of Nascar trucks/cars. Micromachines seem to be back by Hasbro at Target and other stores. Another toy store product to look for are the tokens for Monopoly sets. Watch for clearance sales! With a little paint & a lot of weathering they can be made to look ok. Some trucks can be backdated if you take off the air wings.

I'm surprised that the old Lifelike ModelPower Bachmann sets of plastic cars are no longer produced? Should be a set with Greyhound bus, VW bus, and other items.