Brake Chain

[BCR751]

Since I've never seen this stuff up close, is the 52 link-per-inch chain from TrainCat suitable for brake chain like this on N-Scale locos?

[ryan_wilkerson]

Interesting question. I don't have a direct answer but 52-links per inch in N scale would be 52 links in 160 of the prototype. That's about a 3-inch link. That photo is a bit small to count links and estimate how long it is.  Maybe a better side view would make the estimation easier.

[GaryHinshaw]

I think 52 LPI loose chain would not be very good for this application: too large and too floppy.  I would recommend Bob's 72 LPI etched chain, with the caveat that it has flat links.  (But it still looks pretty good - here is an example where you can compare a short length to a 33" wheel on this N Scale Kits spine car:)



Even better, Bob might get his 88 LPI chain with "3d" links into production soon.

-Gary

[TrainCat2]

What He Said . . . . .   


The 88LPI are on the next SS sheet to be etched.

[ryan_wilkerson]

Gary,
Those spines and flats look GREAT! Excellent added detail and weathering.

Bob,
88 lpi would be impressive...a bit less than a 2" link on the prototype.

I think 52 LPI loose chain would not be very good for this application: too large and too floppy.  I would recommend Bob's 72 LPI etched chain, with the caveat that it has flat links.  (But it still looks pretty good - here is an example where you can compare a short length to a 33" wheel on this N Scale Kits spine car:)



Even better, Bob might get his 88 LPI chain with "3d" links into production soon.

-Gary

[BCR751]

I'll stand by for Bob's 88 lpi chain.  That stuff looks impressive.  I've tended to shy away from the other etched stuff because it is flat and would/could be hard to bend to look correct.  The 3D chain, however, would look great in most application in N-Scale.  OK Bob, over to you.....

Doug