Rio Grande Southern Layout in Nn3

[speedbird]

Greetings! I thought I’d share some better photos of my small Nn3 layout. The layout is 14” x 14” in a wood base and glass case I made myself. I wanted an operating display diorama I could take to shows perhaps.

The layout depicts the Rio Grande Southern but the timeline is a bit skewed. While the locomotive and cars are squarely mid-1890s, I doubt the buildings would have taken on that sort of patina by that time. I’ve always wanted to model a ghost town, so I did. If I ever update my equipment, it’ll fit better.


The buildings are scratch built and loosely based on JV Models craftsman kits. I decided they weren’t as detailed as I wanted so I built them with full interior framing, individual board siding, and sagging rooflines. They were changed and scratch built in almost every way. The mine hoist is a craftsman from JV that I modified and added to. With the buildings, I essentially used the JV outline and built the rest from scratch. The trestle is completely built from scratch from photos but I added a little more bracing here and there for the drama. The water tank is entirely scratch built from photos of late 19th century tanks. I made it about 15% smaller to look better in the scene. Tunnel portals and tunnel linings were scratched in place.


The track was hand laid which wasn’t difficult at all and added a lot of realism to the scene. I wanted dirty ties with grass growing up between them so there are many layers of materials. I started with a base of cinders, then sanded grout, then some more cinders, and finally static grass to complete the look.


The pine trees were made by me. I wanted some tall pines and while they’re still a bit short, I think they work well.


For the rolling stock, I used Republic Locomotive Works semi-kit for the RGS 0-6-0. RGS 14 was a real locomotive and the RGS operates her for several years. She was a hand-me-down from the DRG. I added many extra details and the model runs very well. I’d like to try my hand at their larger kits one day. Maybe a K27. The cars are RLW craftsman kits and absolutely gorgeous. I lettered the boxcar for the RGS but I read that the RGS used flat cars from the DRG. The couplers are functional pin and link. Yes, functional. That was an ordeal to make but they work well. I used photo etched brass pins that are so fine I could barely see them. The links are blackened chain links.


Well, if anyone has any questions please feel free to ask.

[SolDust]

This is some real top notch work! 14" is really small but the way those pictures are taken give it so much scale and character.
I cant blame you tho, the thought of a lonely train meandering through the quiet remains of a once bustling place does have a romance to it!

I do have a side question tho, those link and pin couplers, how did you go about making them? I have a growing Civil War era roster, but I hate the look of knuckles on an 1860's vintage american. I've tried the MT link and pins, but they are very unforgiving of up and down motion. are they just regular coupler boxes with wire hoops glued in?

[speedbird]

I do have a side question tho, those link and pin couplers, how did you go about making them? I have a growing Civil War era roster, but I hate the look of knuckles on an 1860's vintage american. I've tried the MT link and pins, but they are very unforgiving of up and down motion. are they just regular coupler boxes with wire hoops glued in?

nope, they’re 3d printed N scale pinnand link boxes with the correct profile. Not something I jury-rigged. Originally I’d considered knuckle couplers but after all the work I put into the cars, I’m glad I went the extra step. The cars are semi permanently attached. I can remove the pins but I don’t see much of a need.

[Janbouli]

Looks awesome , love the trestle and the run down structures , great job.

[Moose2013]

@speedbird

Wow! Awesome diorama, and yes your photo angles really bring out the details and character of the scenes... Two hooves up!

[FrankieD]

Sweet!!!!!

[Jugtown Modeler]

Nicely done!
Great modeling on every level. And inspiring work. Thanks for sharing.
I am sure that even in active RGS days, there were some abandoned/run down structures along the route.
RLW kits?

I am enamored by narrow gauge myself although don't have as much to show for it yet. WIP micro layout at the moment.

We have a small contingent of Nn3 interest here. Wondering if we can / should ask for a dedicated narrow gauge forum under Layouts, Design, Planning, & Operations

[Nskale]

Outstanding!

[JohnE]

Stunning work! The trees, landscape and buildings are incredibly realistic. Amazing.

[Boiler-man]

Very Well Done!!!!

[Allen H.]

This needs to be one of the first threads in the proposed Nn3 category!

Very nice work, thanks for sharing. I've always been a fan of narrow gauge.

[Jugtown Modeler]

This needs to be one of the first threads in the proposed Nn3 category! Very nice work, thanks for sharing. I've always been a fan of narrow gauge.

Please share your thoughts in the proposal thread.

[el Gato Gordo]

I looked at this yesterday and had to come back again today. Your craftsmanship is exquisite.

[speedbird]

This needs to be one of the first threads in the proposed Nn3 category!

Very nice work, thanks for sharing. I've always been a fan of narrow gauge.

Thanks! Glad you like

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I looked at this yesterday and had to come back again today. Your craftsmanship is exquisite.

Glad you like. If I can answer any questions, let me know

[danielb]

Now that's an awesome little pizza layout.

[RailKing50]

Top notch!

[speedbird]

Thanks everyone!

[Jugtown Modeler]

@speedbird,
See that you are posting at Nn3@groups.io
Hope you will continue to update us here as well. Nn3 needs good ambassadors to help new folks want to give it a try.
Happy n3-ing

[TwinDad]

Wow. That is some impressive work. Very inspiring. Thank you for sharing!