Working on a couple old All Nation diecast metal diesels for my shelf layout I am slowly building. The first is an F3, slowly getting transformered into one of Monon's passenger units. Looks like I am going to have to get custom decals made for it. Microscale only offers the freight units in O scale. This engine isnt on the front burner as its more for display than running right now. My layout will be a switching layout in a "C" shape along 3 walls. For that, this old NW2 is gettign the black and gold treatment to become the unit shown in the prototype photo. Heavweight diecast metal, huge 7 pole open frame motor and metal/brass bevel cut gearing. I will get a pic of the power chassis later, its on my bench for servicing. I laid down the gold paint, Testors Model Masters, before the rain storms moved in. The shell was curing in the sun sitting on the hood of our classic IH Cub Cadet(along with some engine heat from mowing a bit eariler today). The horn and jeweled class lights are masked off, previous owner make them look nice before painting, so I had to mask them off. Mike the Aspie
Silly NT's, I have Asperger's Syndrome
Interesting project Mike, keep us posted.
Simon
BTW there actually are quite a few 1:48 "O Scale" modellers out there who use three-rail track...and there have been some 'toy train' level pieces issued in two-rail.
I have a feeling that if I saw an O scale EMD switcher painted for my favorite railroad, "something" might happen. And then, of course, I'd have to get something for it to switch.
Oh, the downhill slope to perdition......
But it's fun!
I must admit there was a close call for just such a loco in, what is it called, G scale. THAT was a model that you called "MISTER switcher"! Probably shoulda got it. I now have a back yard: Perdition........
Ed
The 2 rail O scale is a slow process. Right now we are building a small 7.5 gauge ride on railroad in our small back yard. i have a little GE 25 ton diesel that has a 4hp gas engine and hydrostatic trans. Going to pick up track, ties and supplies to build the small loop.
emdmikeRight now we are building a small 7.5 gauge ride on railroad in our small back yard. i have a little GE 25 ton diesel that has a 4hp gas engine and hydrostatic trans. Going to pick up track, ties and supplies to build the small loop.
OOH OOH OOH, I don't think that I could do that! I think my butt would get too sore riding it all day and night!!!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
wjstixBTW there actually are quite a few 1:48 "O Scale" modellers out there who use three-rail track
I think the line here has become very blurred between toy trains and scale with the recent well done offerings in 3 rail. In fact many cars and locomotives are offered in both 2 rail and 3 rail version. I suppose for collectors there is a distinction, but otherwise I think we're just one big happy family (at least we should be).
wjstixand there have been some 'toy train' level pieces issued in two-rail.
I'm not sure what you're referring to, but all scales have had pieces that were less detailed and/or with cast on detail. I think it's arbitrary to call some toy and others scale. We all have to find our own comfort level here.
Paul
Yes, and I have added details to "toy" category O scale rolling stock to improve their appearance, including new trucks, couplers and hand-rails, much like others have done on toy level HO rolling stock, such as the Tyco train-set stuff. Converting 3 rail rolling stock to 2 rail is not that difficult, except for the locomotives of course.
As for the 2 rail "toys", I would definitely include some of the Lima, Rivarossi and Pola stuff produced in the 70s in that category. But as mentioned above, some of these pieces are definitely better than others. The Rivarossi 0-8-0 O scale is comparable to brass in terms of detail, and the running gear is more than adequate, if you exclude the fact that its pulling power is not the greatest.