Nn3?

[Nerva]

I couldn't find any information about it, but I figure that since this is Nscale.net and not Ngauge.net, this is probably an appropriate place to ask about it.

Since I've been looking at detailing my N scale steamers with marker lights and number boards, I went to the Republic Locomotive Works site to see about ordering some. While I was there, I ended up reading a ton of listings for Nn3 items... and I'm suddenly very excited. I had no idea there was so much available! I love narrow gauge (who doesn't?), and the idea of building a few Nn3 modules for use with my FreeMo group is very appealing to me. However, I have no experience at all with Z scale, and since almost all Nn3 stuff is built on Z scale chassis, it seemed best to ask others for their opinions. Does anyone have experience with Nn3? Is it possible to get well-running, DCC equipped steam locomotives that run on 6.5mm track?

[Carolina Northern]

Read "Nscale" magazine. Nn3 seems to be the only thing it covers anymore.

[Jugtown Modeler]

It is a niche that I am following, modeling a bit and collecting. There are quite a few resources including the Nn3 Handbook http://www.nn3.org/

There is a Yahoo Group of Nn3 modelers that includes many of the pioneers of this niche. Although Yahoo is not user friendly like a forum, there is a lot of good info and experienced modelers there. Quite a few have gone DCC. (not me yet...)


Marklin and MicroTrains make quality Z locomotives suitable for Nn3 donor mechanisms. MTL also did a run of Nn3 rolling stock.

I have a few extra items that are out of production / hard to come by. Once you get an idea of your interests, PM me if you are looking for anything in particular.

[Jugtown Modeler]

Also,

There are a few threads discussing Nn3 projects:
https://www.nscale.net/forums/showthr...nterest-in-Nn3
@RailKing50 thread: https://www.nscale.net/forums/showthr...w-Tracked-Mind
Narrow gauge RS-1: https://www.nscale.net/forums/showthr...Diesel-Project
Showcase miniatures: https://www.showcaseminiatures.net/nn3_scale/5008.html

[randgust]

I just did an adaptation of my Whitcomb 65-ton resin kit to Nn3 using a GP9 chassis, worked pretty darn well. As close as I could get to one of the Oahu Railways US Navy units for a customer. So if you want an 8-wheel drive/8-wheel pickup centercab in Nn3, have I got a deal for you...

[spyder62]

I stock the Aspen/Westmodel line on German brass Nn3 rolling stock and engines. They are not cheep by any means but do run and look great.
I will have some at this years N scale convention in Pittsburg.
Check them out on my web site http://rslaserkits.com/N-RollingStock.html
rich
www.rslaserkits.com

[RailKing50]

Thank you for the shout out @Jugtown Modeler

I had no idea there was so much available!

True, if you are able or willing to build kits. Not so true for ready to run engines (unless you have deep pockets). Marklin engines make great platforms for kit builds (took me a little while to get past the sticker price for one of them though).
I have greatly enjoyed my kit from RLW, they have made my intro into Nn3 an enjoyable one so far.

Is it possible to get well-running, DCC equipped steam locomotives that run on 6.5mm track?

My little steam engine will be DCC, so I'm not sure how hard it will be to make a DCC steam engine. Sounds like a tight fit in an already small space, but go for it! Be sure to document your progress and post lots of pictures!

[westfalen]

Don't overlook Japanese Z scale from Rokuhan or Tenshodo for donor mechanisms without the German price tags, Marklin are not the only Z scale game in town. It doesn't look like the Tenshodo 2-8-2 is currently available but Rokuhan have a 2-6-4T and 4-6-2 that may be able to be used for 2-6-0s or 4-6-0s and several electrics, diesels and EMUs that could power Nn3 diesel locomotives or railcars. Rokuhan also have a Kato Unitrack like range of track that is cheaper than Marklin and save hand laying for those not so inclined.

[Nerva]

Wow, thanks for the information, all. I've just been to a show where I picked up a couple MT boxcars, and to my LHS where I put down some money on a Z-scale Marklin 4-6-0 which I'll pick up next week when my paycheck arrives.

I just did an adaptation of my Whitcomb 65-ton resin kit to Nn3 using a GP9 chassis, worked pretty darn well. As close as I could get to one of the Oahu Railways US Navy units for a customer. So if you want an 8-wheel drive/8-wheel pickup centercab in Nn3, have I got a deal for you...

If you could get that working for your climax, I bet you'd have a lot of customers! I've seen a number of threads bemoaning the fact that it isn't available in narrow gauge

My little steam engine will be DCC, so I'm not sure how hard it will be to make a DCC steam engine. Sounds like a tight fit in an already small space, but go for it! Be sure to document your progress and post lots of pictures!

I'll be sure to! The locomotive I settled on was the Marklin 88036, and I think I can get a decoder in the tender. I already looked under the hood and the wiring should be easy, especially when I build a new cab for it.

[Jugtown Modeler]

Here is an awesome Nn3 modular layout video:



"Nn3 modular layout shown at the 37th annual National Narrow Gauge Convention in Denver, Colorado, August 30 - September 3, 2017. The layout is currently composed of three "scenes" in shadow-box style: the "Landing" where logs are brought from the woods to load on railroad cars (including a "High Lead" and spar tree as used in the Pacific Northwest); the "Camp" scene based on a photo of a logging camp taken in Washington in 1917; Jughandle Trestle, near Fort Bragg on the Mendocino coast. A fourth scene, showing the sawmill at the outlet of Caspar Creek, will be added in the future. Trains run through the scenes and around the back where a siding allows trains to be operated in both directions." - Thomas Knapp