USA Narrow Gauge

[David Hunt]

I have a NorthAmerican narrow gauge HOn30. Posted under layouts 20th Jan 2020. If you want to see more let me know. Size is 2x3.5 feet. Cheers David Hunt Canada

[B.Meldon]

Brian, if you ever decide to sell one of the Shays could you let me know ?

Dave

I doubt I will ever sell them, but if I did they are quite massive as they are 9mm gauge (and 12 inch curves) conversions of the MDC Roundhouse Shays, two are 2-truck and one is the larger 3-truck. (I also have a 9mm gauge converted MDC Roundhouse outside frame 2-8-0 tender loco as well, that is also very large!)

Here are some photos of the 3-truck and  the two 2-truck Shay locos.

No8, with the straight boiler was made by Springside Models, way back in 1989, but I made the other two.

[JulienW]

I can attest that the MDC / Roundhouse exHOn3 2-8-0 is a big beastie...

DSCN5889 by Julien Webb, on Flickr

This is my (im)famous Victoria on Charles Insley's 'Fort Whiting' with an 0-6-6-0 mallet (iirc a Paul Windle built for Garry Whiting) and a Nine Lines L&B bogie Van (Charles' own stock) alongside. Admitedly she isn't all 'stock' as I found a drawing of a 2' 6" gauge Cuban sugar cane loco (narrow gauge & short line gazette) that in 4 mm scale was a pretty good match for the Roundhouse loco apart from the cab, so a new 4 mm scale one was built (using the original roof).

[B.Meldon]

To give an idea of how large the MDC Roundhouse outside frame 2-8-0's are here is my one sat next to a 00 loco made using the kitmaster (later Airfix and Dapol) pug kit. I think, from what he has said before, Julien's example has been cut down with the boiler lowered, my one has not and is at full original height!

[B.Meldon]

Again to give an idae about size here is one of my 2-truck Shay locos, No9, next to a Minitrains Plymouth:

[Dave Cooper]

Thanks for the photos all. They are big beasties !

May have to re-think my layout sizing plans and /or go into the garden. The garden test track is currently planned for next year - just a short run for now....I was originally, thinking of "0" gauge but open to other suggestions.

Dave

[Dave Cooper]

I have a NorthAmerican narrow gauge HOn30. Posted under layouts 20th Jan 2020. If you want to see more let me know. Size is 2x3.5 feet. Cheers David Hunt Canada

Hello David - Yes other views /ideas always welcome...
Dave C

[B.Meldon]

Thanks for the photos all. They are big beasties !

May have to re-think my layout sizing plans and /or go into the garden. The garden test track is currently planned for next year - just a short run for now....I was originally, thinking of "0" gauge but open to other suggestions.

Dave

I do have another H0 scale Shay that is just a bit smaller!!
This one is a Joe Works kit from the early 1980's.
Again to get at an idea of the tiny size of this loco it is a 1p coin in the last photo!
I had a second one of these kits, but unpainted that I sold on e-bay a year or two ago.

[Jim Flynn]

Hi Dave.

Can't provide input regarding HOn30 layouts in the UK, as I am in the US. But I don't think it would be as difficult to do.

First, since others already mentioned On30 oh here, despite it being a 009 forum :), going On30 would probably be less difficult, as it seems the 7mmNG Assoc. has a larger % of members working in it. I'm guessing the availability of the Bachmann On30 models has much to do with that. The Assoc. sells 2nd hand items, both UK models and On30.

For HOn30, there are a few possible sources. The 009 Society also has 2nd hand sales, and though not a much HOn30 items show up on the sale pages, there is some, now and then. There are also 3d printed loco conversions, most using the Bachmann USA N scale 2-6-2/0-6-0. Two on Shapeways are Marsh Creek ( https://www.shapeways.com/shops/marsh_creek ) and Myner Models ( https://www.shapeways.com/shops/mynermodels?li=pb ). There is also a fellow in Canada, who sells via ebal, under the name locoartist. I just inquired about what he had available for loco conversions, and received this reply:

"Hi Jim,
I have in stock for the Bachmann 0-6-0 and 2-6-2 drives SR&RL#s 20 and late 21 and 22 0-4-4. I also have the HOn30 Baldwin 2-6-2, I can't find any pictures. A little off subject I also have Baldwin 4-6-0 kits they use the N scale Bachmann 4-6-0 for powering.
Look for Railway Recollections here on eBay.
Thanks Barry"

His kits also utilize the Bachmann N scale models I mentioned.

Good luck, will be interested in where this venture takes you :)

Jim F

[Jeff Schumaker]

I have a NorthAmerican narrow gauge HOn30. Posted under layouts 20th Jan 2020. If you want to see more let me know. Size is 2x3.5 feet. Cheers David Hunt Canada

Dave,

I would be interested seeing more of your layout.

Jeff S.

[Dave Cooper]

Thanks all

Just in the process of making up an 0 gauge wagon kit. Will probably just use the chassis for a garden NG test track. (Battery powered and radio control I should think).

I was expecting the kit to be easier and less fiddly than 009, but now I'm not so sure - the drop down doors are a nightmare to hinge and make operate !

Photos in the Spring with luck...
Dave