Besides N scale, also consider European HOe mechanisms. That's the Euro designation for HOn30 (9 mm gauge track).
I have a great little Gemeinder diesel from Liliput (one of Bachmann's brands.)
From the factory, it's HOe/HOn30, but you can get a kit to swap it to HOm (which is 12 mm gauge and also is TT standard gauge). Then you can modify that kit's wheelsets to run on HOn3 (10.5 mm gauge), which is what mine runs on currently. For around $200, you get a awesome running mechanism that accepts the 21-pin Euro style decoders, has a spot for a speaker if you want sound, and will pull a bunch of cars.
The body is kind of boxy and modern, but you can deal with that. The mechanism inside is low-slung, making it adaptable to build your own superstructure.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
SeeYou190 Are you familiar with the CARRABASSETT AND DEAD RIVER RAILWAY model railroad? If not, you should look into it. There is lots of good information on HOn30 (also called HOn2 1/2) on this layout. -Kevin
Are you familiar with the CARRABASSETT AND DEAD RIVER RAILWAY model railroad? If not, you should look into it. There is lots of good information on HOn30 (also called HOn2 1/2) on this layout.
-Kevin
I did after you recommended it to me, and I must say what a stunning layout! Will need to take notes on it for sure.
Living the dream.
Thanks Simon! Just ordered a cab section I think I can add to a N-scale steam locomotive I have from Shapeways.
Hon30 is great for kitbashing! Since the 1980s, the major change has been the introduction of 3D printing, that is highly accessible through the Shapeways Website. I combined n scale mechanisms from Kato with a Shapeways cab to do a Porter (powered from the gondola behind it, with extra power pickups on the following gondola). It's a great runner... I also put a 3D print on a Tomytec mechanism to build a Shay. The gears don't move, but it's so tiny that you can't really tell..
20190501_214822b on Flickr
20190517_215454 on Flickr
The Bachmann Hon30 Thomas train mechanisms are also great candidates for kitbashing. The one below is based on the Skarloey model, that I changed the cab for one found on Shapeways. Further below is another kitbash: an n scale mechanism under a component taken from an old HO grader I had in my parts box, which makes a fairly convincing gas powered critter.
20201231_114957 on Flickr
58601b on Flickr
20200810_205736 on Flickr
Lots of fun!
Simon
Hi all. Long no speak eh? Anyways, I've been getting trackwork and wiring done on my layout and was wondering about scratchbuliding some HOn30 locomotives and cars. I have borrowed a book through from my local library system from a publisher named Chilton's(?) from the 1980s. Although the book is a wealth of information, I still wanted to see if any of you had any advice for this kind of work? I'm planning on finding some used N-scale locomotives and modifying them. Also pictures of the layout coming soon.