The Inyo & Furnace Creek RR next generation...

[kurmujjin]

Actually, "next generation" implies that there was a *first* generation.  But there was only an idea and some minimal progress.  The first generation was envisioned as an On30 layout.  I have a Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/InyoAndFurnaceCreekRR.  My issues are many. Two of the big ones are that 1.) the proposed layout overpowers the room because the track radius, size of the buildings, etc are all large. and 2.) A recent earthquake here (7.1 Richter in Ridgecrest, CA, I live 10 miles from the epicenter) sent a lot of stuff to the floor.  What survived, I plan to sell.

Earthquakes also make you re-think your priorities.  So, OK, start over on a smaller scale.  The room is 10 X 12.  I plan to use an 18" wide shelf the long length of one wall of the room.  I can add loops at either end, with a max radius of 15".   Looking for less detail, more play factor.  I have grandkids that might like to run the trains.  They are 6 and 4 right now.  And the amount of money I want to sink into this has been reduced.  Again, priorities.

So, I was thinking that HOn3 or HOn30 or N-scale might work.  If I did N-scale, it would be modeling the Slim Princess, kinda, but as a fictional standard gauge line.  But I like the idea of HO scale buildings better than N-scale.  I'm a bit concerned about modeling in N at my age. Regarding the HO narrow gauge, locomotives will be an issue, as Colorado engines are not really an option and anything else will have to be scratched or bashed. 

Ideas as to which might be the better approach?  The idea is to flesh that out first and then start a build log.  Thanks in advance for the ideas.  I have XTrack-Cad and can work up a plan once the scale and gauge are selected.

Wayne

[CRL]

First thoughts... 12’ X 18” isn’t much horizontal space to accommodate much HO scale buildings/scenery and have room for much track, even narrow gauge. However, in N-scale you can comfortably fit 2 end loops to give you a continuous run loop (even double tracked) for entertaining the grandkids. Not exactly the Slim Princess, I know, but you could buy them each their own “train set” so they could run their own trains and you would still have room for several industries for switching. Unless you’re into super detail, N-scale buildings are not that different than the smaller HO structures common to narrow gauge layouts.

It just depends on your priorities.

[Hawghead]

Wayne,

Given your parameters have you considered HO standard gauge?  You mentioned that you have grand children that might become involved with the layout.  N scale can be a bit tricky for little fingers for re-railing and putting cars and locomotives on the track as can HOn3. (NO granpa I wanna do it myself!)     With HOn3 15" radius is going to be kind of tight but most 4 axle HO diesel locomotives can handle 15" radius OK.  As for HOn3 locomotives there are alternatives to the Colorado lines, the East Broad Top and the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina (Tweetsie), not to mention the multitude of logging locomotives like Shays, Hieslers and Climaxes.

If the grand kids are going to be mostly spectators then I'd go with N scale do to the small space.  If the grand kids are going to be active participants I'd go HO standard gauge.

Scott

[CRL]

We N-scalers have no qualms about using Atlas re-railer tracks, or better still, Micro Trains re-railer ramps to place cars and locomotives on the tracks. So simple even a 4 year old, or a 65 year old can do it.

[Steveruger45]

I actually think the 4 year old will find it easier.  I use the Kato and MT ramps but as an older person I have to have my spectacles on first so I get them right side up.   

[kurmujjin]

As for HOn3 locomotives there are alternatives to the Colorado lines, the East Broad Top and the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina (Tweetsie), not to mention the multitude of logging locomotives like Shays, Hieslers and Climaxes.

Scott, where are you finding these?  Brass is not in my list of things I want to purchase, and I haven't seen plastic or diecast.

Regards,

Wayne

[Dave V]

Not sure what era you're shooting for, but clones of D&RG C-class 2-8-0s were everywhere in the 1880s-1900s and the HOn3 Blackstone diamond-stack class 70 is still available in places.  A pair of those done up for your railroad would invoke a Eureka & Palisade or Carson & Colorado vibe with no significant modifications.

Mine, of course, is costumed as Silverton RR #100, the Ouray, which was really a Class 56, but the size difference and appliance location are noticeable only to the most pedantic of fans.



I'm voting for HOn3!

Also, I followed your Faebook page.

[CRL]

Yeah, at over $400 each.

[kurmujjin]

@ N-Scale guys...  I'm in your camp with the railer.  I even used them for On30 cars.  And they *are* simple to use (once you get the car right side up).

@Dave V...  On3 is something I'd like to do.  I only plan to model a single town with a couple "industries", in quotes as I don't know what or how much I would try to model.  Things like a stock yard, junk yard, oil depot, team track.  My time frame is similar to yours, shortly before and into WWII (~'35 - '45).  I would want modern rather than fluted domes, and would bash a whale-back tender.  Nothing says SPNG better than the whale-back, but I don't need to be really careful about the engine specifics. 

I recently saw some drool material, there is a brass SPNG Slim Princess 4-6-0 coming out, but I can't justify dropping $1.2K on one locomotive. A mogul might be a better choice if I could find one.  But i'm looking in the $100 - $250 price range.  Are the center flanges on the 2-8-0 blind?  Would it go around a 14" radius curve? Even if it could, I would think it would look a bit strained.  I forgot that 30" is the width of the layout at the end, so 15" radius won't work and even 14" is maybe too large.

The other thing I like is that larger figures can help to tell a story.  O scale was just right in that regard.  HO is OK and N is really tiny. 

BTW, thanks for following the I&FCRR page!  Will get back to it once this decision is made and announce the new scale/gauge.  I really like this forum, though, much better than I like FB.

[Dave V]

Yeah, at over $400 each.

Considering the cost of good-running brass which needs to be painted, decalled, and have a $150 sound system installed, I see $400 is a very good deal for a ready-to-run sound equipped HO scale locomotive that actually has more and finer detail than most of those brass engines.  I've not paid more than $400 for any of the eight Blackstone locomotives in service on my RGS.

[kurmujjin]

According to an MRR review, the minimum radius for the Blackstone c70 is 18"... Doh!  https://mrr.trains.com/product-reviews/staff-reviews/2013/12/blackstone-models-hon3-2-8-0-steam-locomotive

[Dave V]

According to an MRR review, the minimum radius for the Blackstone c70 is 18"... Doh!  https://mrr.trains.com/product-reviews/staff-reviews/2013/12/blackstone-models-hon3-2-8-0-steam-locomotive

Yeah, that’s what they say.  But the reality is that it’s closer to 15-16” verified by those of us who own ‘em.  I can run one quite happily though the diverging route of the curved switch at the end of Bridge 45A at Ophir which is exactly 16” (it’s a siding, not the main).  And—remarkably—a Blackstone K-27 can also negotiate that same 16”!

[Hawghead]

Scott, where are you finding these?  Brass is not in my list of things I want to purchase, and I haven't seen plastic or diecast.

Regards,

Wayne

Wayne,

Other than Blackstone or some of the old Roundhouse kits,  all the HOn3 locomotives are going to be brass.  One of the downsides of HOn3 as compared to N scale or HO standard gauge is that it tends to be a little more expensive.

Scott

[Steveruger45]

I model in n scale standard gauge but have considered and still do that I would start an HOn3 layout in a couple of years after retirement and a final move of house.  I just love the work posted here, it’s great inspiration.
I’ve pondered the costs too but in the end I guessing I wouldn’t have anywhere near half as many locos and rolling stock for HOn3 as I have for n scale which makes the higher unit costs much more acceptable.

[kurmujjin]

I'm thinking this is looking more like N or HOn30...  The going rates are high for HOn3 engines AND they aren't what I want.  So $400 for bash fodder is more than I want to invest.  And I don't like painting brass.  I have a hard time making it durable. 

I like what Chris333 is doing on his Mill Creek layout.  And his turns are pretty sharp. 

I'm a bit surprised, but I have this "decision maker" app on my iPhone, and its analysis of my givens & druthers puts N ahead by 5%...