TT scale is a live and well. Although not much modeling is done in the US, Europe has a large following of the 1:120 scale.
One of the reasons for TT not being popular besides what was mentioned in the article is the fact that tiny motors were not available back then like they are today. When Treble O (N scale) came along with the smaller motors it was to late for TT scale to catch up.
There are forums available for the modeler that might be interested in TT scale. One is TTnut.com, there are several Yahoo TT scale forums available also.
Several individuals are interested in getting TT scale back on the map. There are several vendors who provide North American models.
I got intereste in TT scale a couple of years ago. It's a nice size for a layout in a smaller space but yet bigger equipment for the seeeing challenged.
Bernd
New York, Vermont & Northern Rwy. - Route of the Black Diamonds
protolancer(at)kingstonemodelworks(dot)com
Every time I go to a train show there seems to be just a wee bit more on the TT front. Here are a few offerings from the last show.
By the way I still have enough Treble O to fill a 5' x 10' sheet of plywood.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
Hello all,
Antonio Banderas would be proud of the musical instrument case pike!
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
There seems to be a ripple of interest in Japan, 1:120 scale on 9mm (N gauge) rails. Looks good in the examples which appeared in Tetsudo Mokei Shumi, the Japanese model railroad magazine.
It makes sense. 1080 scale millimeters (model) versus 1067 1:1 millimeters (prototype) is closer than any of the popular scale-gauge combinations now in use for Japanese prototype models of that country's ubiquitous 42 inch gauge prototypes. Until now, the only Japanese models with accurately gauged wheels were model of Shinkansen trains - in scales that aren't used for anything else except dinky 30 inch gauge loggers and country tramways.
If you get the idea that Japanese prototype modeling is a hodgepodge of oddball scale-gauge compromises, you got it in one.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
Consider this: If you fiddle around with scale rules and conversion factors, contemporary North American TT models, like SD90s and auto racks, are about the same length as HO GP9s and 40-foot freight cars were 50 years ago. What we model in HO now works well on railroads built to the minimum curvature of S scale layouts in the 1950s.
TT what? I do remember when it tried to make a comback what, in the 1990's? A curiosity yes and something to chat about if things are slow.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
tomikawaTT There seems to be a ripple of interest in Japan, 1:120 scale on 9mm (N gauge) rails.
There seems to be a ripple of interest in Japan, 1:120 scale on 9mm (N gauge) rails.
Actually that's common, in New Zealand they use NZ120, TT scale on N scale chassis and track.
And standard gauge TT is common in Europe, and it's getting a little better in North America as well. American prototype TT is in a Catch 22- no manufacturer wants to make anything since there aren't that many modelers, and few guys want to get into it because there's not much available! But there are a few individuals and small companies still making goodies, we recently got our first RTR diesel (an SW1200) and with the newer technologies of 3D printing, laser cutting aand resin casting small scale production is possible.
To see what's "new" in TT, here's a Youtube video of some of our German TT friends and their NA prototype modular layout, the Iris Creek RR-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yegMUPJccw
Al Reibel
areibelActually that's common, in New Zealand they use NZ120, TT scale on N scale chassis and track.
IIRC, Al, some of the Newfoundland modelers also use that combination, as they are also running 42" gauge.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
I have watched TT struggle to gain a footing in the U.S. over the years. I think it's a pity that it isn't more popular. It's the perfect size for the sheet of plywood (4'x8') layout.
Enjoy
Paul
I think there is some confusion on TT, I certainly am. I have seen the guitar case layouts that Brent showed and they were called TT. I have a 1952 edition of "Model Railroad Handbook," edited by AC Kalmbach (who), that lists TT as 1/10" a scale just smaller than HO (3.5mm). (N and Z are not listed) It appears to me that the new TT is much smaller than the TT of 1952.
Are two different sized being listed as TT?
Thoughts?
Have fun,
Richard
cowman I think there is some confusion on TT, I certainly am. I have seen the guitar case layouts that Brent showed and they were called TT. I have a 1952 edition of "Model Railroad Handbook," edited by AC Kalmbach (who), that lists TT as 1/10" a scale just smaller than HO (3.5mm). (N and Z are not listed) It appears to me that the new TT is much smaller than the TT of 1952. Are two different sized being listed as TT? Thoughts? Have fun, Richard
American TT scale, the country that started it, is 1:120 or 1/10" to the foot. I believe there is British TT scale of 1:100. TT scale is 27.4% smaller than HO.
Here's a two minute video of the Guitar Case layout.
Enjoy,
I believe that (US) TT has always been 1:120. (HO is 1:87.1, N is 1:160, so TT is roughly in the middle)
cowmanthat lists TT as 1/10" a scale just smaller than HO
It has been said of TT that one inch equals 10 feet. That may be the source of the confusion.
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
What I've seen in guitar cases is smaller than Z, but the fellow displaying it called it TT (Tiny Train - which it was). I'm not sure what it's scale was. Next time I see one I'll have to ask.
cowmanWhat I've seen in guitar cases is smaller than Z
If smaller than Z scale, it is probably what is being called "T" gauge. 1:450 scale ratio.
Yes, confusing. Not the best choice of names, in my opinion, given that TT has existed for many years.
TT scale is alive and kicking in my country. Quite a number of new players have entered this growing market in recent years.
I West Germany, TT scale was the unloved stepchild with only one manufacturer in the market. Rokal went belly-up in the late 1960´s and that was more or less the end of that scale in the West. Eastern Germany was quite different. There was also only one manufacturer - Zeuke, later BTTB and now Tillig, but the people were used to that in the communist part of my country. Auhagen provided accessories and TT scale enjoyed a quite large market share - without the competing N scale. Piko dabbled a little in that scale, but it never got off the ground properly.
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, TT scale made the march into the basement and spare bedrooms of the West. We now have Tillig, Roco, Piko, Kühn, Gützold, Auhagen, Faller, Kibri, Viessmann and lots of smaller, cottage type businesses to cater for the TT scale aficionado.
Tillig has some great TT items. There is one dealer that I know of here in the states that carries a fair amount of TT items (eurotrainhobby.com). From what I have seen, it is perfect for those with limited space. The models are nicely detailed. I only wish I had discovered it before launching into HO scale. If I am not mistaken, both Tillig and Auhagen are still made in Germany.
DRfanIf I am not mistaken, both Tillig and Auhagen are still made in Germany.
That´s correct!
Was not TT more found in eastern Europe?
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
Here are some pictures of two projects I'm working on in TT scale. I also model in HO.
One other thing lacking in TT scale is North American style flex track. Although flex track is available through Euorpean dealers, I like to keep my money at home. Also the smallest size available in TT scale is Code 80 as far as I know and have found. What to do? Well, make your own. I had the idea of trying resin cast TT scale sections. Something similar to "Atlas Snap Track". I made a mold to pour resin track sections.
Tie plates are cast in to hold the Code55 rail. Pliobond glue is used to glue the rail to the resin track panels.
The resin track is quite flexible. It will easliy bend into a 10" radius curve without breaking.
Aleenes tacky glue is used to glue the track down. T pins are used to hold the panels in place until the glue dries.
Once the glue dried a quick spray of brown paint to give the ties a base coat.
The rails are glued down. I used Micro Spikes to hold the rail down until the Pliobond set up.
I added some rock formations and a some coloring. Still needs vegatation.
Close clearances. There's about .2" clearance between the boxcar and the rock formation. That would be 2 prototype feet. More than enough for a spur track to an industry.
That's it for the first diorama that I started. It will be used mainly for display of scratchbuilt equipment and photo shots outdoors.
In another post I'll post the second project. A TT scale version of the Snow Shoe & Gum Stump shelf layout made popular by Chuck Yungkurth. (sp?)
BroadwayLion Was not TT more found in eastern Europe? ROAR
Here in Russia TT is very popular, more popular than N. We have 2 major manufacturers producing Russian railroad cars in TT and some locomotives. Also some scenery is available, especially automobiles.
As for me, I am trying to build TT-scale version of "Virginian" layout from Model Railroader. And also I have quite a lot of American automobiles in TT! :)
Virginian? Here's some hoppers (I don't know if Virginian ran these exact styles):http://www.shapeways.com/product/3H6KE6PWJ/tt-scale-40-triple-hopper-9-panel
http://www.shapeways.com/product/C5JKVKYR8/tt-scale-40-triple-hopper-14-panel
This loco would be a fun scratchbuild:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VGN_EL-C
modorneyVirginian? Here's some hoppers (I don't know if Virginian ran these exact styles): http://www.shapeways.com/product/3H6KE6PWJ/tt-scale-40-triple-hopper-9-panel http://www.shapeways.com/product/C5JKVKYR8/tt-scale-40-triple-hopper-14-panel
http://www.shapeways.com/product/3H6KE6PWJ/tt-scale-40-triple-hopper-9-panel
Yes, nice cars. I have some. But they are too ribbed; it's difficult to paint and apply decals well on them.
But I have some resin cars.
modorney This loco would be a fun scratchbuild:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VGN_EL-C
Nah, I dont't like electric trains :)
To be more precise, I mean I like the track plan of that "Virginian" layout.
But I have some locomotives painted and lettered for SOO Line and DSS&A railroad, so I am to combine that track plan, coal traffic (not only) and SOO Line locomotives...
Forgot to add a picture to my last post. Here's a 3 foot section using the resin cast sections.
This is the start of the Gum Stump & Snowshoe shelf layout.
I used the resin cast sections to layout the track up the first grade. That grade is around 9%.
Turnouts in Code55 are not avilable in TT scale. So I made a turnout using my CNC mill and printed circuit board.
Using a jig to assemble straight track using Clover House PC ties.
I soldered the single rail with the PC ties to the turnout rail. This allows for easy bending of the rail.
Using a home made roller gauge I soldered the second rail to the first.
The finished sections. Clover House wood ties can now be added to fill in the gaps between the PC ties.
Pic of the milling process to make the #4 turnout.
So, TT scale is alive and well in my basememnt anyway.
TT scale is quite popular in Poland as well - more than N scale. There are a lot of clubs and modelers who build moduls and layouts in this scale here.
It is very interesting how the invention of American engineer Hal Joyce became the most popular in Europe and practically dead in US. In my opinion it is true that TT is even more popular in East Europe. I believe it comes from communist era. The biggest company which produced TT models in 60s (BTTB - Berliner TT Bahnen - former Zeuke) was in East Germany. Trade between western and communist countries practically didn't exist so the only source of models was this national German company. Therefore TT became very popular and other countries from "communist bloc" developed their own markets for these models. This is why TT is still strong here in Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Russia. Especially if we are talking about older modelers. New generations (if they are interested in something else beside smartphones) are interested rather in HO models.
TT (Table Top) scale was also perfect for small flats in which most people in communist era lived. It changed a lot since 1989. More people own houses and have more space for layouts. I also started with TT scale but when I got my first American model I loved it and devoted complety to American trains.
There are some modelers in Europe who are keen on American models and plan to start companies to sell American models in TT scale.
For example:
http://www.zeuke-tt.com/en/us-tt-models/
They started with SW1200 loco and some tank cars. Box cars are also planned.
Here are some of my RR videos:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBDaXL96fhG8eRgI75dCgt-Q3Brf8XHmS
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLF2674BF4E3765682
The only chance TT has, and it is a slim one is if there is a rush by manufacturers to make a number of popular US locos and diesels and rolling stock in the scale. HO and N just have too many choices in both to make TT stand a comeback, even though it was never really here in the U.S. in any real sense of the word in the first place.
TT was born here, but seems to have matured in Europe to some degree, forcing most modelers to run a European themed layout in terms of motive power choices and rolling stock.
For the true TT enthusiast here in the U.S., it is roll your own track and scoop up what little U.S. motive power that might be around new or used. Very much a specialty scale right now for the guy who hears a different drummer.
If I can't fix it, I can fix it so it can't be fixed
Bernd In another post I'll post the second project. A TT scale version of the Snow Shoe & Gum Stump shelf layout made popular by Chuck Yungkurth. (sp?)
Nice work!
I'm looking forward to seeing your take on the Gum Stump & Snowshoe- it's a classic design.
Sadly, it's especially timely, as Chuck Yungkurth passed away within the last week.
-Fritz Milhaupt, Publications Editor, Pere Marquette Historical Society, Inc.http://www.pmhistsoc.org
fmilhaupt Bernd In another post I'll post the second project. A TT scale version of the Snow Shoe & Gum Stump shelf layout made popular by Chuck Yungkurth. (sp?) Nice work! I'm looking forward to seeing your take on the Gum Stump & Snowshoe- it's a classic design. Sadly, it's especially timely, as Chuck Yungkurth passed away within the last week.
Thank you Fritz. Your kind words are much appreciated.
My version of the Gum Stump & Snowshoe version will have a lumbering theme. There will eventually will be another section added to this after I prove out some of track building methods.
Sad to hear Chuck passed on. I always liked his articles.
Regards,
modorney Virginian? Here's some hoppers (I don't know if Virginian ran these exact styles):http://www.shapeways.com/product/3H6KE6PWJ/tt-scale-40-triple-hopper-9-panel http://www.shapeways.com/product/C5JKVKYR8/tt-scale-40-triple-hopper-14-panel This loco would be a fun scratchbuild:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VGN_EL-C
1) The coming 3D printing revolution will make small volume scales much eaier to model. (TT and S come to mind, but also 160/1 British N rather than 144/1 N, etc.)
2) Your N scale engines look nice! Have you considered a B23-7R in N?? (not to go off topic....nooooo, not me! :-) )