L&N in N Scale?

[Anonymous]

As some of you know who responded to my first question in my foray into learning about MRR, I am extremely brand new. I am getting involved for my son who adores trains, but the more I research, the more I find my own interest and excitement developing. I bought my first introductory "how to book" and have 6 more on the way. I have not even bought the firs train or piece of track yet.

My great-uncle was a railroader at Cinncinati's Union Terminal (do not remember which rr he worked for). I grew up in Covington, KY and am interested in modeling the L&N in N scale. I have been doing some research but am finding it difficult to find steam locos. I have found similar models from other RRs, for example 2-8-2s, 4-6-2s, etc. But can not see spending $50 - $150 for a loco that I am going to have to paint if I want to run the L&N. As a beginner, I do not think I am ready for kits even if I could find them. Am I going to have to just decide on another line to start with or does anyone have any suggestions? I know I could go HO, but really do not have that much room for a decent layout...but another rr or a smaller HO layout is all I can come with.

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

As some of you know who responded to my first question in my foray into learning about MRR, I am extremely brand new. I am getting involved for my son who adores trains, but the more I research, the more I find my own interest and excitement developing. I bought my first introductory "how to book" and have 6 more on the way. I have not even bought the firs train or piece of track yet.

My great-uncle was a railroader at Cinncinati's Union Terminal (do not remember which rr he worked for). I grew up in Covington, KY and am interested in modeling the L&N in N scale. I have been doing some research but am finding it difficult to find steam locos. I have found similar models from other RRs, for example 2-8-2s, 4-6-2s, etc. But can not see spending $50 - $150 for a loco that I am going to have to paint if I want to run the L&N. As a beginner, I do not think I am ready for kits even if I could find them. Am I going to have to just decide on another line to start with or does anyone have any suggestions? I know I could go HO, but really do not have that much room for a decent layout...but another rr or a smaller HO layout is all I can come with.

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Hello,

If money is not much of an issue, there are custom painters that advertise in the hobby magazines (possibly is the very back where the "classifieds" are).

You could contact a few and see what they would charge.

Custom decals are likely available from Microscale or others.

Airbrush painting isn't really that difficult, a little practice and a book will teach you. However, a good set up (say airbrush $150, compressor $100, spray booth $300) will likely cost you the same as 3 or 4 custom painted locomotives.

I paint outside in a garden shed to avoid the booth, but you could also build one with a highpowered bath exaust fan, filter material and thin plywood or masonite.

The advantage to buying the airbrush now is that you will have the airbru***o do structures and weathering also - if you plan on customizing or scratchbuilding anything. You may not want to do this at this time though.

Whatever you decide will be right for you, so happy modeling.

[Anonymous]

Hello,

If money is not much of an issue, there are custom painters that advertise in the hobby magazines (possibly is the very back where the "classifieds" are).

You could contact a few and see what they would charge.

Custom decals are likely available from Microscale or others.

Airbrush painting isn't really that difficult, a little practice and a book will teach you. However, a good set up (say airbrush $150, compressor $100, spray booth $300) will likely cost you the same as 3 or 4 custom painted locomotives.

I paint outside in a garden shed to avoid the booth, but you could also build one with a highpowered bath exaust fan, filter material and thin plywood or masonite.

The advantage to buying the airbrush now is that you will have the airbru***o do structures and weathering also - if you plan on customizing or scratchbuilding anything. You may not want to do this at this time though.

Whatever you decide will be right for you, so happy modeling.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rail61
[

The advantage to buying the airbrush now is that you will have the airbru***o do structures and weathering also - if you plan on customizing or scratchbuilding anything. You may not want to do this at this time though.

If you are going to get into this hobby, an airbrush is a great investment. I've used one for doing scenery and it saves alot of time. As for a spray booth, heck you can make one of those out of a modified cardboard box. But, you do want to use it in a well ventilated area.

Sounds like you have been bitten by the bug[^]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rail61
[

The advantage to buying the airbrush now is that you will have the airbru***o do structures and weathering also - if you plan on customizing or scratchbuilding anything. You may not want to do this at this time though.

If you are going to get into this hobby, an airbrush is a great investment. I've used one for doing scenery and it saves alot of time. As for a spray booth, heck you can make one of those out of a modified cardboard box. But, you do want to use it in a well ventilated area.

Sounds like you have been bitten by the bug[^]

[Anonymous]

Elonna I' ve been in N-Scale for years now and I would NOT recomend steam locos for new comers. If you are going to buy one then get a Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0. It is the best reasonable priced ($65-$85 if you shop around) loco that will actually run worth a darn. However like about all N-Scale steam locos it does have rubber "traction" tires (rubber bands on 2 of the wheels) on 2 of the drivers and until they are broke in they will foul the track rather quickly, so you will have to get used to alot of track cleaning. I would recomend Atlas or Kato or even the newer Life-Like 4 axle desiels. These engines are excellent runners and can take tight curves also. There are quite a few with L&N paint jobs out there and plenty of rolling stock as well.

[Anonymous]

Elonna I' ve been in N-Scale for years now and I would NOT recomend steam locos for new comers. If you are going to buy one then get a Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0. It is the best reasonable priced ($65-$85 if you shop around) loco that will actually run worth a darn. However like about all N-Scale steam locos it does have rubber "traction" tires (rubber bands on 2 of the wheels) on 2 of the drivers and until they are broke in they will foul the track rather quickly, so you will have to get used to alot of track cleaning. I would recomend Atlas or Kato or even the newer Life-Like 4 axle desiels. These engines are excellent runners and can take tight curves also. There are quite a few with L&N paint jobs out there and plenty of rolling stock as well.

[Wdlgln005]

If you go diesel you may be in good luck. For your passenger train check out the LifeLike E6-7 or the new E8-9 in L&N paint. Concor makes passenger car sets to go with them. For your freight train LifeLike makes an excellent FA2/FB2 L&N combo. and a SW9 switcher for $37.99. ModelExpo-online has a rail sale going on. They are selling the FA2/FB2 set for $49.99 or you can get the 4 unit set (abba) for $99.99.
Check out this link: http://www.modelexpo-online.com/fcaf/

For a beginner, I'd like to see you start out & keep top quality loco's so that you end up with the best performance. An E unit with a 5-6 car passenger train looks about right. Running 2 freight units with up to 20-30 cars looks right too.
This way, you can spend more time planning & building the layout & not worry so much about the train. Have fun Nscaling!

[Wdlgln005]

If you go diesel you may be in good luck. For your passenger train check out the LifeLike E6-7 or the new E8-9 in L&N paint. Concor makes passenger car sets to go with them. For your freight train LifeLike makes an excellent FA2/FB2 L&N combo. and a SW9 switcher for $37.99. ModelExpo-online has a rail sale going on. They are selling the FA2/FB2 set for $49.99 or you can get the 4 unit set (abba) for $99.99.
Check out this link: http://www.modelexpo-online.com/fcaf/

For a beginner, I'd like to see you start out & keep top quality loco's so that you end up with the best performance. An E unit with a 5-6 car passenger train looks about right. Running 2 freight units with up to 20-30 cars looks right too.
This way, you can spend more time planning & building the layout & not worry so much about the train. Have fun Nscaling!