HOn3 help needed

[Anonymous]

Hey all, I'm looking for an HOn3 2-6-0 Mogul like the one in my signature. What manufacture should I look at for this Loco?

What's the minimum radius on HOn3? Is it 18" like HO?

Wanting to build a coffee Table layout for my Dad for X-mas[:D]

[Anonymous]

You've picked quite a unique engine to find in HOn3. I don't believe that you are going to find a loco that resembles this interesting Pennsylvania loco, but you should be able to get something reasonably close.

I have seen narrow gauge operated on curves as sharp as 16 inch radius with no trouble at all, with 14" in sidings and spurs.

The real narrow gauge railroads had the advantage of being able to operate in difficult terrain around twisting routes with low construction costs, so your tighter radius will have the authentic look and shouldn't be a problem for a small steamer like you are hoping to find.

[Anonymous]

murrieta, Any ideas on a manufacture?

[Jetrock]

Minimum radius for HOn3, like any other gauge, depends more on the equipment being run than the gauge. An 0-4-0 can turn significantly tighter corners than an articulated engine (and yes, there were articulated narrow-gauge engines.) I'd hazard a guess that a decent 2-6-0 in HOn3 wouldn't blink at 10-12" curves. Rolling stock makes a difference too--logging disconnects and single-truck ore jennies are the best at dealing with tight curves, as well as "bobber" cabooses. Two-truck "shorty" boxcars and passenger equipment works well, but needs a little more radius for proper coupler operation.

Making those curves look right, of course, depends on setting: if you're going for a big open desert type of space 12" curves in HOn3 will look a little squirrelly, but in the high mountains snaky curves through impossible canyons were the rule.

There are folks out there running narrow-gauge HO with 6" or tighter radius curves (http://www.carendt.com). Heck, if you count trolley modelers, there are folks out there running standard-gauge HO with 6" curves too!

As far as the engine goes, you're probably going to have to go brass...

[Anonymous]

Jetrock, I'm willing to go brass, but as I stated previously it's for a coffee table layout for my Dad. 12" to 14" radius would be ideal. I have a few loco's already that are 2-6-0's Brass but I'm unsure if I can get a 12" to 14" radius to work with them. I'm guessing flex track would be my best bet.

[Jetrock]

15" sectional track is available, but one of the nice things about flextrack and tight curves is that one can generally get a whole half-circle in one piece of flextrack--and it is at joints between pieces of track where derailments on curves are most likely to happen. Careful bending and tight trackwork is important on sharp curves!

Assuming you can do a coffee-table layout about 30-36" wide, try making a loop with 12" ends, using one 3' length of flextrack for the curves on each end (assuming you're doing a loop track plan, rather than a point-to-point.) Be sure to provide a little easement at each end (15-18") before going into the sharp 12" radius curve--this will help reduce derailments as well.

[Anonymous]

There is flex track available in HOn3 that is truly flexible. You can get down to about an 8 or 9 inch radius.

MDC Roundhouse makes the only non brass HOn3 steamer that I am aware of. It's not a craftsman kit, but you need to use care in assembly if you want a smooth runner. NWSL makes a upgrade gear kit for it that really does the trick for smooth operation. The MDC 2-8-0 looks a lot like the Pennsy in the picture. MDC models are discounted at several sites on the internet and at large mail order stores.

There are several different small 2-6-0 steamers in brass that can handle the short radius. The C&S 2-6-0 has very small drivers, a very short wheel base and can negotiate some really tight curves.

I have seen coffee table size layouts in HOn3 and the sharp curves really gives character to the scene with a small loco snaking around the mountains. I'd much prefer the sharp curves in narrow gauge to a long boring straightaway. Brass might be more expensive but the HOn3 models hold their value well and you won't lose any money on them. I would guess that between 1965 and 2004 over 10,000 HOn3 steam locos were imported in the 2-6-0 and 2-8-0 wheel arrangement. Caboose Hobbies in Denver probably has the best selection of used HOn3 engines but their prices are usually a little high. Most of the better internet hobby shops specializing in brass will have a few moguls for sale. Ebay always has some narrow gauge up for bid.

[Anonymous]

murrieta, This was I currently have in HO. I figured HOn3 would give me the ablity to have tighter curves than 18". What do ya think.



1. Far East Distributors- Spartan Series 2-6-0 Mogul- brass unpainted
2.Balboa Katsuma-Porter mogul 2-6-0- brass painted flat black
3.kyong dong Korea(all that's on the bottom no box) brass 4-6-0 unpainted
4. Matua-(no box written on tender 0-4-0 plastic.
5.Associated Hobby Manufacture 0-6-0 switcher plastic in box.
6. 2-Round House- old timer series2-8-0 kits unassembled.

[Anonymous]

Both the FED and Balboa 2-6-0's are going to accept sharper curves than a 18 radius. FED also made that same loco in narrow gauge, but I don't know how much sharper a curve it would accept. If I remember correctly the FED engine may have blind center drivers, which would allow for much sharper turning abilities. The only advantage with going with maybe a C&S 2-6-0 is that it is a slightly smaller engine than the above two and likely can handle even sharper radius curves.

Since you already own the FED loco I would probably work with it, maybe do some slight modifications to clearances to get the desired results. Of course anything in an 0-4-0 like you have will handle about as tight a curve as is possible with a locomotive.

[Jetrock]

The Mantua 0-4-0 and AHM 0-6-0 will handle 12" curves with no problem, but would be better suited for an urban industrial or yard scene than something involving mountains.

Go buy some 15" Atlas curved sectional track and try running your 2-6-0's around it--then try that loop of 12" flextrack.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Guy's! I'll do the the test with the Balboa do to the FED does'nt have a motor in it and let you know.