My switch to HOn3

[rgengineoiler]

I know that the Blackstone models are ok with code 70 Peco track concerning the wheel flanges.  What about HOn3 BRASS locomotives which are all over ebay for sale.  Are there issues with wheel flanges on code 70
with them or other issues such as running problems that I should know about and what are the safest brands to consider from your experiences.  Trying to get educated with HOn3 from all of my modeling experience
with N scale.  Layout bench work is clear now and starting all over with a new plan in Narrow gauge.      Doug
 

[Mike C]

  I have never bought a Brass loco that didn't run on code 70 rails . But , I don't buy the prehistoric brass models either . The one thing to watch for is turning radius . Most 2-8-2 locos need a 24" radius curve to run , although some of them will handle tighter radius with some small mods .       Mike

[rgengineoiler]

OK so in looking at brass models on Ebay for instance,  how do you date their manufacture or are there lists of manufactured dates with manufactures.  Also which mfg'
are considered the best for running that modelers prefer.  Thanks for any info.   Doug

[Dave V]

No, no issues at all with code 70. I would be very surprised to imagine any brass engines having issues with code 55 either.

I have brass from multiple manufacturers and no issues with my HOn3 code 70.

[Mike C]

OK so in looking at brass models on Ebay for instance,  how do you date their manufacture or are there lists of manufactured dates with manufactures.  Also which mfg'
are considered the best for running that modelers prefer.  Thanks for any info.   Doug

  Well since we don't have a Spookshow for HOn3 I rely on this old page https://web.archive.org/web/20211206231537/http://roundbell.com/hon3conversions.html
 It shows most models from the 60's to sometime in the early 80's . And some models are better than others . For example there are 2 different T-12 locos Westside and Balboa . The Balboa is the better one because it has a fibre/plastic gear between the worm and axle . Westside has all brass gearing although the idler can be replaced if you can find a certain NWSL gear .  HTH    Mike

[rgengineoiler]

Thanks to all of you for helping me make the jump to HOn3.  And Yea, I always used spookshow to check on a loco I was interested in buying in N Scale.  Also thanks for the link for HOn3 conversions.   Doug

[Chris333]