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The "N" Crowd Locked

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  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: Westcentral Pennsylvania (Johnstown)
  • 1,496 posts
Posted by tgindy on Thursday, January 18, 2007 11:30 PM

This is probably the most comprehensive website about our N Scale heritage that I've seen to date, plus it is extensively documented with pictures.

Bill's Railroad Empire -- N Scale History... 

http://www.billsrailroad.net/history/n-scale.html 

This is "Must-see N Scale!"  Too bad it doesn't rhyme with, "Must-see TV!"

Conemaugh Road & Traction circa 1956

  • Member since
    January 2006
  • 526 posts
Posted by Mailman56701 on Thursday, January 18, 2007 4:58 PM
 R. T. POTEET wrote:
 Mailman wrote:

  Coupler conversion question for the crowd; if I'm not mistaken, Kadee doesn't make n scale couplers, so what brand do you recommend to replace Rapidos ?

 



Old habits die hard!!!

I might be able to stagger through Micro-Trains Line but they are, have been, and always will be Kadee couplers, I don't care what scale and/or gauge you are talking about.

 

  Boy, just doing a quick look, seems confusing as to what fits what, and also seems much more involved installation-wise than coverting my HO stuff was :(

 

"Realism is overrated"
  • Member since
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  • From: THE FAR, FAR REACHES OF THE WILD, WILD WEST!
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Posted by R. T. POTEET on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 11:04 PM
 Mailman wrote:

  Coupler conversion question for the crowd; if I'm not mistaken, Kadee doesn't make n scale couplers, so what brand do you recommend to replace Rapidos ?

 



Old habits die hard!!!

I might be able to stagger through Micro-Trains Line but they are, have been, and always will be Kadee couplers, I don't care what scale and/or gauge you are talking about.

From the far, far reaches of the wild, wild west I am: rtpoteet

  • Member since
    January 2006
  • 526 posts
Posted by Mailman56701 on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 7:52 PM
 Dave Vollmer wrote:
 Mailman wrote:

  Coupler conversion question for the crowd; if I'm not mistaken, Kadee doesn't make n scale couplers, so what brand do you recommend to replace Rapidos ?

Mirco-Trains are the defacto standard in N...  Micro-Trains Line (often abbreviated as MT or MTL) was once part of Kadee, so they're essentially just N scale Kadees.

 

  Thanks Dave.

"Realism is overrated"
  • Member since
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  • From: Colorado Springs, CO
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Posted by Dave Vollmer on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 7:36 PM
 Mailman wrote:

  Coupler conversion question for the crowd; if I'm not mistaken, Kadee doesn't make n scale couplers, so what brand do you recommend to replace Rapidos ?

Mirco-Trains are the defacto standard in N...  Micro-Trains Line (often abbreviated as MT or MTL) was once part of Kadee, so they're essentially just N scale Kadees.

Modeling the Rio Grande Southern First District circa 1938-1946 in HOn3.

  • Member since
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  • 526 posts
Posted by Mailman56701 on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 7:25 PM

  Coupler conversion question for the crowd; if I'm not mistaken, Kadee doesn't make n scale couplers, so what brand do you recommend to replace Rapidos ?

 

"Realism is overrated"
  • Member since
    December 2003
  • From: Quebec
  • 983 posts
Posted by Marc_Magnus on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 1:17 PM

Hi from Belgium,

I begun to use N scale in the late sixties it was european equipment made by Arnold.

I was looking for operations in my begining and just after seeing them in a expo I switched to American models just because of the Kadee couplers.

Then interest make me a american raifan.

I am largely inspired by the late John Allen and Georges Sellios.

So my layout had a lot of remenber of these two layouts

Well I am working on my N scale Maclau river since 20 years and a move to a new home open me the possibilities to extend the layout.

I used in the beginning Peco code 83 then when its appeared code 55 and have retrack all the railroad in code 55 ......it was a big job, and difficult because scenery was in place.

The turnout are throw by tortoise motor and in majority by hankscraft display motors.

The roster was an heavy batch of old rivarossi steam locos. Cars are most Micro trains and a few Arlas. The standard coupler is Micro train.

I replaced  most of the old roster it by the well new running steam loco we see since a few years. Some models of early diesel are also on the layout.

DCC appeared on the layout in 2000 with a lenz system.

Now scenery had made big advance.

I am looking for better close to the scale track and think seriousely to use the Fastrack template in code 55 to make the turnouts in the future.

Sorry I dont'have any digital photo of my layout but hope to have some in the next coming weeks

If you want to know more about the theme of the layout see my profile.

Anyway Nscale is a very interesting scale.

  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Alexandria KY
  • 470 posts
Posted by Zandoz on Tuesday, January 16, 2007 11:17 PM

N as in Newbie here.  So far I'm only up to page 25 of this info-packed thread...and still working my way down the line...but I thought I'd pipe in with a couple questions. 

My vary vague at this point concept of my layout theme is going to be mythilogical small town.  A few simple small town switching destinations like a grain elevator, maybe a small fuel depot (coal and/or oil), a team track/small freight station, and of course a small town passenger station for the the Super Chiefs to stop at. Oh, and it's got to have a thru truss bridge.  I know...wierd...but that's me.  All of this on a footprint around 36-48" by 72-80"...aiming for the lower numbers as much as possible/practical.  This is going to be a somewhat portable diningroom tabel set up...for painting and other messy things, it's going to be a fair weather summer time picnic table set up.

  • My plan is to model 50s or so Santa Fe...the Kato Super Chiefs are what got me interested in N.  Anyway, I have no clue as to what would be an appropriate local switcher for that period SF.   Of course I'm looking for the equivalent of the holy grail...inexpensive and good quality, and being DCC ready/friendly.  Anyone have any thoughts?
  • The second topic of puzzlement is more basic.  Are the terms "DCC ready" and "DCC friendly" interchangeable?  If not, what is the difference?
  • Two thoughts at this point...a double main or kind of a pseudo double main that's really a twice around.  Thoughs?  Also, any examples of good plans in my size would be greatly appreciated references.
  • To strike a balance of less filling and looks great, what is the minimum radius I need for accomodating those Super Chiefs?

I'm really on a tight fixed income budget, so I can't afford a lot of failed trial and errors...it's a researching I go!  Thanks ahead for all those who can lend me their insight.

Reality...an interesting concept with no successful applications, that should always be accompanied by a "Do not try this at home" warning.

Hundreds of years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove...But the world may be different because I did something so bafflingly crazy that my ruins become a tourist attraction.

"Oooh...ahhhh...that's how this all starts...but then there's running...and screaming..."

  • Member since
    June 2006
  • From: CN Flint Sub(Eastern Michigan)
  • 507 posts
Posted by NS2591 on Monday, January 15, 2007 9:53 PM
Hey Guys, I went out railfanning today, And did I get lucky. On my way home I caught GTW 4909, Which for around here isn't all that uncommon to get a still blue GTW engine. I chased it out to Durand Mi and then back to Flint Mi, When I got to Flint I got a shot from the parking lot and asked the crew if I could get in the cab and get some shots from the cab. Email me offlist if you want to see some Interior shots
Jay Norfolk Southern Forever!!
  • Member since
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  • From: THE FAR, FAR REACHES OF THE WILD, WILD WEST!
  • 3,672 posts
Posted by R. T. POTEET on Sunday, January 14, 2007 11:06 PM
 nscaler711 wrote:
HEY Dave start electrifying your prr railroad i just sent in a suggestion to Kato for a PRR GG1! it will be so coolCool [8D] to have a new GG1 out by Kato!


Huh???

From the far, far reaches of the wild, wild west I am: rtpoteet

  • Member since
    April 2006
  • From: THE FAR, FAR REACHES OF THE WILD, WILD WEST!
  • 3,672 posts
Posted by R. T. POTEET on Sunday, January 14, 2007 11:01 PM
 nscaler711 wrote:
Nataraj i saw that ebay had some in  nscale i was browsing for metrolink now im not sure where they could be i was looking for the url but cant find any thing the nscale supply is a no go you should try metrolink instead it runs lower in california  los angeles area


Huh???

From the far, far reaches of the wild, wild west I am: rtpoteet

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Central Alabama
  • 49 posts
Posted by switchman on Sunday, January 14, 2007 8:58 PM

Hello N Scale folks, 

I'm glad to see this thread started.  Having a specific place to go for N Scale information is one of the best additions to this site.  This is where I would like to come for my future Model railroad general and N Scale specific questions. I'm retired and this is my second year in N scale and I'm having the time of my life.  I'm currently working on a 13 by 8 layout. Progress is slow, but a little and a little make a lot.  I'm glad to be here.

See ya

Ya gots ta chose. Sometimes ya wins and sometimes ya lose.
  • Member since
    June 2006
  • From: CN Flint Sub(Eastern Michigan)
  • 507 posts
Posted by NS2591 on Sunday, January 14, 2007 4:28 PM
 Dave Vollmer wrote:

That sounds cool, but I wouldn't hold my breath... Sigh [sigh] Although the region I model (west of Harrisburg) was never electrified, if Kato does do a GG1, I'll start stringing the catenary!

OTOH, PCM may well consider doing a GG1 in N, but it's a good bet it'll be outside my price range.

Its a good thing that the only N scale MILW Electrics are brass and way out of my price range. Otherwise I could a MILW Rocky Mountain Division modeler. But if someonedoes do MILW Electrics and Diesels it wouldn't be hard to change the area of my layout.... seeing as it has no Scenery

On my way home from the MR Club in Durand MI, I stopped by a friends house and picked up 8 toti for 110! What a deal!

Jay Norfolk Southern Forever!!
  • Member since
    May 2006
  • From: SF bay area
  • 682 posts
Posted by Nataraj on Sunday, January 14, 2007 1:53 PM
WWOOOOOOO-HHOOOO!! Found the N scale caltrain bombarider cars at caboose hobbies!!! Got a 3-car set, plus 2 add on cars. Should arrive in a week!
Nataraj -- Southern Pacific RULES!!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The GS-4 was the most beautiful steam engine that ever touched the rails.
  • Member since
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  • From: SF bay area
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Posted by Nataraj on Sunday, January 14, 2007 12:50 PM
 nscaler711 wrote:
Nataraj i saw that ebay had some in  nscale i was browsing for metrolink now im not sure where they could be i was looking for the url but cant find any thing the nscale supply is a no go you should try metrolink instead it runs lower in california  los angeles area


Well, I model northern california, southern pacific/union pacific/amtrak, so I don't really want to have metrolink. I kinda wanted caltrain.

But thanks anyways. I will keep my eye out on ebay.

Thanks
Nataraj -- Southern Pacific RULES!!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The GS-4 was the most beautiful steam engine that ever touched the rails.
  • Member since
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  • From: Colorado Springs, CO
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Posted by Dave Vollmer on Sunday, January 14, 2007 5:55 AM

That sounds cool, but I wouldn't hold my breath... Sigh [sigh] Although the region I model (west of Harrisburg) was never electrified, if Kato does do a GG1, I'll start stringing the catenary!

OTOH, PCM may well consider doing a GG1 in N, but it's a good bet it'll be outside my price range.

Modeling the Rio Grande Southern First District circa 1938-1946 in HOn3.

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: columbia mo
  • 194 posts
Posted by nscaler711 on Saturday, January 13, 2007 11:06 PM
HEY Dave start electrifying your prr railroad i just sent in a suggestion to Kato for a PRR GG1! it will be so coolCool [8D] to have a new GG1 out by Kato!

Army National Guard E3
MOS 91B

I have multiple scales now
Z, N, HO, O, and G.  

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Mass
  • 1,063 posts
Posted by trainfreek92 on Saturday, January 13, 2007 8:54 PM

Clown [:o)]Hey I have 1,000 posts!! sorry if i annoy any one

Running New England trains on The Maple Lead & Pine Tree Central RR from the late 50's to the early 80's in N scale
  • Member since
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  • From: Mass
  • 1,063 posts
Posted by trainfreek92 on Saturday, January 13, 2007 8:53 PM
 pcarrell wrote:

Tim,

I've collected so much info that it's like digging through a mountain to find stuff.  I really should get better organized!

Theres a forum devoted to B&M/MEC:  http://www.railroad.net/forums/viewforum.php?f=77&sid=a912b01d9672b2f338829f1f814929b1

This isn't what you're looking for, but it's kinda interesting:  http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/corp/100yr.htm

Maybe its this?:  http://supreme.justia.com/us/96/499/case.html

Beyond that, I don't know.  If I haven't hit it, and you think of something that might give a clue, let me know.  Most of my info is on the B&ML, a road owned for many years by the MEC.

Nope none of those but it ok. You have given me a lot thanxs. I think I will join that forum.Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg] Tim

Running New England trains on The Maple Lead & Pine Tree Central RR from the late 50's to the early 80's in N scale
  • Member since
    December 2005
  • From: Regina, Saskatchewan
  • 101 posts
Posted by CanadianShield on Saturday, January 13, 2007 8:47 PM

 

  Sitting on my computer on Ebay today I realize I am gonna need a buttload of F Units, in particular Maroon and Grey F7as and bs in Canadian Pacific Livery for N scale. My Canadian Shield runs Intermountain FTs in Blue and White, but for the Canadian Pacific Kato made some F units a while back, and model power makes the dorky rapido coupler not so detailed and smooth ones.

Very impressed with my Intermountain units I picked up the phone and called them. I asked to make a product suggestion, to offer their n scale f7s in Canadian Pacific Maroon and Grey, as there is a shortage of these and I know tons of folks who would get a pair. The gentleman at Intermountain said that he was very happy I called and thats just the kind of things he likes to hear! So he sounded like he was going to announce a new paint scheme to authorized dealers, and people on the email announcement list to see if there is any interest, and if he gets enough orders they will produce them!

The way the decoders install, two screws hold them in place and changing lightboards on my FTs is a snap! The detail is same or better as any kato including separate handrails, LED headlights and microtrains couplers factory installed. All for a reasonable price considering how nice the four FTs I have creep and pull like the real thing!! So I will take 4 right away (ABBA) but talk about solving my dilemma!

Way to go Intermountain!

Canadian Shield
  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: columbia mo
  • 194 posts
Posted by nscaler711 on Saturday, January 13, 2007 8:43 PM
Nataraj i saw that ebay had some in  nscale i was browsing for metrolink now im not sure where they could be i was looking for the url but cant find any thing the nscale supply is a no go you should try metrolink instead it runs lower in california  los angeles area

Army National Guard E3
MOS 91B

I have multiple scales now
Z, N, HO, O, and G.  

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: In the State of insanity!
  • 7,982 posts
Posted by pcarrell on Saturday, January 13, 2007 9:29 AM

Tim,

I've collected so much info that it's like digging through a mountain to find stuff.  I really should get better organized!

Theres a forum devoted to B&M/MEC:  http://www.railroad.net/forums/viewforum.php?f=77&sid=a912b01d9672b2f338829f1f814929b1

This isn't what you're looking for, but it's kinda interesting:  http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/corp/100yr.htm

Maybe its this?:  http://supreme.justia.com/us/96/499/case.html

Beyond that, I don't know.  If I haven't hit it, and you think of something that might give a clue, let me know.  Most of my info is on the B&ML, a road owned for many years by the MEC.

Philip
  • Member since
    May 2006
  • From: SF bay area
  • 682 posts
Posted by Nataraj on Friday, January 12, 2007 9:09 PM
I am getting in to N scale, but cannot manage to get a hold on some N scale athearn bombardier cars. Anyone know where I can get some (4-6) caltrain ones??? I think they stoped making them, but I am not sure......
Nataraj -- Southern Pacific RULES!!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The GS-4 was the most beautiful steam engine that ever touched the rails.
  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Mass
  • 1,063 posts
Posted by trainfreek92 on Friday, January 12, 2007 8:42 PM

I cant really remember I had it favorited but oh well.... Thanxs for all the help

Running New England trains on The Maple Lead & Pine Tree Central RR from the late 50's to the early 80's in N scale
  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Colorado Springs, CO
  • 2,742 posts
Posted by Dave Vollmer on Friday, January 12, 2007 11:30 AM
 CanadianShield wrote:

 

 Dave,

Have you ever been in Modelrailroader? Your layout Is really good, if you haven't we should get you in there!

 

No, it hasn't.  I've thought about it, though.

Modeling the Rio Grande Southern First District circa 1938-1946 in HOn3.

  • Member since
    December 2005
  • From: Regina, Saskatchewan
  • 101 posts
Posted by CanadianShield on Friday, January 12, 2007 11:22 AM

 

 Dave,

Have you ever been in Modelrailroader? Your layout Is really good, if you haven't we should get you in there!

 

Canadian Shield
  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Colorado Springs, CO
  • 2,742 posts
Posted by Dave Vollmer on Friday, January 12, 2007 11:01 AM
 CanadianShield wrote:

 Dave,

Why are you considering changing eras, when you do such a beautiful job of modelling the transition period? Every once in a while I wanna get rid of my C-Liners and 4-6-2 Pacifics in Maroon and grey and update to dcc ready sd40s, but then I realize in the long run making myself model the transition will allow me to have a unique layout as a lot of things are kitbashed or it will be rare to have 50% steam in n scale with DCC, Rare and painful at times but 100% worth the effort in the long run!

Canadian Shield

Thanks for the kind words!

I've been considering modeling the mid-to-late 1970s because that's what I remember as a young boy.  I wouldn't get rid of the transition-era stuff...  If I did this at all I would have a full suite of equipment, details, and vehicles for both eras.  I could flip between Pennsy and Penn Central/Conrail.

Nevertheless, I still love Pennsy steam.  I was always impressed as a kid seeing the big, unique-looking beasts at the museum in Strasburg, PA.  I even remember riding behind PRR 4-4-0 #1223 and PRR 4-4-2 #7002 on the Strasburg RR.  But getting Pennsy steam in N is not easy; both of my Pennsy steamers are the result of hard work and considerable kitbashing.  Some say that's the way the hobby should be, and I'm proud of both my Pennsy steamers...  ...but, my fingers aren't getting any smaller!  Neither am I feeling great about dropping $300 on the PCM PRR M1b 4-8-2 if it ever materializes.  I know, I didn't pre-order, so I can't complain.  I'm not sure how much more resources I'll commit to the 1950s...  After one more Atlas PRR GP9 w/ DCC I may start my Penn Central collection.

Modeling the Rio Grande Southern First District circa 1938-1946 in HOn3.

  • Member since
    December 2005
  • From: Regina, Saskatchewan
  • 101 posts
Posted by CanadianShield on Friday, January 12, 2007 10:49 AM

 Dave,

Why are you considering changing eras, when you do such a beautiful job of modelling the transition period? Every once in a while I wanna get rid of my C-Liners and 4-6-2 Pacifics in Maroon and grey and update to dcc ready sd40s, but then I realize in the long run making myself model the transition will allow me to have a unique layout as a lot of things are kitbashed or it will be rare to have 50% steam in n scale with DCC, Rare and painful at times but 100% worth the effort in the long run!

Canadian Shield

Canadian Shield
  • Member since
    October 2003
  • From: oregon
  • 885 posts
Posted by oleirish on Friday, January 12, 2007 10:37 AM

Thanks for info,I've used Brasso for years while in the milltary,I did'nt think I could use it for the rails.but throught I'ed ask??

JIM

  • Member since
    November 2001
  • From: US
  • 1,720 posts
Posted by MAbruce on Friday, January 12, 2007 10:19 AM
 oleirish wrote:
For the "N" gang! I would like to know if a person could use "BRASSO" for cleaning "N" rails??

Thanks

JIM

Not sure about BRASSO, but I use MAAS and it works like a charm.  Other have used FLITZ, but I could never locate it and used MAAS instead.   

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