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**Peterpools** · 12-04-2011, 01:06 AM

Good Morning

It's been some time since I was active in the hobby but that's another story. Bruce invited me to join the RR-L HOn30 & n3 Forum and I can't wait to get going. I'm planning on building a 2x7 layout located somewhere on the northeast coast of Maine back in the 1900's. HOn30 will be the ruling gauge, Peco HOe rack is planned for the pike and my Digitrax Chief DCC system will provide the power and control. I couldn't resist the name: Otter Cover Shipping Co. Just in the planning stages but always looking for ideas and suggestions.

Thanks for the invite

Peter

**Dutchman** · 12-04-2011, 03:40 AM

I'm glad that you jumped in, Peter. I'm looking forward to seeing your layout take shape.

**jschumaker** · 12-04-2011, 03:46 AM

Welcome aboard, Peter.

Jeff S.

**Peterpools** · 12-04-2011, 04:57 AM

Thanks guys. I'm cleaning out the train room area in my hobby room and as well as the workbench. Lots of drafting paper and scale rules are waiting to be used. Can't wait to get started.

Peter

**DEFugere** · 12-07-2011, 03:41 AM

So many great pictures. I like being able to view what others have done and projects others are working on. I'm new to this forum, so thanks for the welcoming words. I'll try to post some pictures of my own later today.

David

**adrian_batey** · 12-11-2011, 07:14 PM

Intesested on peoples thoughts on the latest blackstone blog post.

The prices just seem to be going up and up. I know i wont be able to fit any blackstone equipment into my budget for 2012 at these prices.

Makes you wonder why people would consider coming into this scale with the cost of equipment.

http://soundtraxx-soundbytes.blogspot.com/

Another run of the narrow frame tank cars with a retail price of $65 for non weathered and $75.95 for weathered.

And another run of C-19s $499 for non weathered and $554 weathered

**adrian_batey** · 12-12-2011, 01:16 PM

Wondering if anyone out there has used a NWSL flea in Hon3?

I was thinking about making a railtruck using one of them and would love to see if people have used them.

**Dutchman** · 12-15-2011, 02:43 PM

Adrian,

I have one of the NWSL HOn3 fleas set aside for a similar project. But like you, I'd like to see some examples of what guys have done with them.

**Dutchman** · 12-15-2011, 02:49 PM

I stopped in an old model railroad shop a few hours from my home and tentatively asked if they had anything in HOn3. It turned out that he did have some old kits and trucks.

He also had some old HO scale logging 'stuff' that I picked up.

Anyway, here are the two rolling stock kits that I picked up.

I need to build a passenger car as part of my "Cars Certificate" in the NMRA Achievement Program, so I might use this La Belle kit for that.

I wonder how these Red Ball cars will look on HOn3 trucks? The plastic castings are nicely done and the brass detail parts look great, too.

**Wolfgang** · 12-16-2011, 08:02 AM

Cool!

Today I've got two car kits from LaBelle, a baggage and a post car.

This will keep me busy for some time.

Wolfgang

**mecu18b** · 12-18-2011, 09:46 AM

quote:

Originally posted by adrian_batey

Intesested on peoples thoughts on the latest blackstone blog post.

The prices just seem to be going up and up. I know i wont be able to fit any blackstone equipment into my budget for 2012 at these prices.

Makes you wonder why people would consider coming into this scale with the cost of equipment.

http://soundtraxx-soundbytes.blogspot.com/

Another run of the narrow frame tank cars with a retail price of $65 for non weathered and $75.95 for weathered.

And another run of C-19s $499 for non weathered and $554 weathered

If you ask me its out of control. I have stated this before and have been told im jealous because I cant afford to buy trains. SOOOOOOO untrue. I can buy a C&BT hopper for $20 and in an evening rebuild the ends and add a couple bucks of detail parts and for what Blackstone sells one car I can do three. Blackstone needs some competition.

**adrian_batey** · 12-19-2011, 04:15 PM

Got a question to bouce off the Hon3 guys in the forum.

What minimum Radius do you giuys use?

Im looking into a small project layout. tossing up loads of ideas over the past few weeks.

This plan of Laurie Green Catches my mind.

http://www.lauriegreensweb.com/Strea...aky%20Bay.html

I have a westside Hon3 3 truck shay and dont think i will get that around a 12" radius but a number of smaller locos like class a climax and things.

Also another idea i came up with today. If i biult this layout i would build a front module for the scieniced area so its like a shelf layout. The rear part would be cool if i could hindge it so it just folds up flat against the backdrop when not in use. Maybe a fold down leg on either end for support when its in opporating position.

**Dutchman** · 01-03-2012, 04:25 AM

[:-bigmouth]Hey, it has been very quiet in the lounge of late.[:-bigmouth]

Adrian, I'm sticking to 15" and larger. I'm not sure how tight you can go with most of our 'smallish' motive power.

I've been reading a few things of interest to us HO scale narrow minded people.

The week before Christmas I drove up to Carsten's offices to pick up the 2011 HOn3 Annual. I have the two previous issues and will continue to buy them each year as they come out. The cost is reasonable and I figure we should support any publication that shares our 'narrow focus' on the hobby.

I also picked up the Nov/Dec 2011 issue of the Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette. I'm not a subscriber, but my LHS eventually gets his supply of 10 issues in the store. I buy the ones that have articles of interest to me. It is one of the best sources of structure and rolling stock diagrams/drawings still available. Anyway, in this issue four of the nine main articles feature HO narrow gauge layouts or rolling stock. Nice to see some narrow gauge articles in a national magazine that are not in the larger scales. :up:

**adrian_batey** · 01-03-2012, 11:27 AM

Bruce i was looking at a 12" radius. Ill have to lay a loop and just test it though.

I was thinking about going smaller since its a small layout and small motive power. Also thinking a no.4 turnout would have a radius of about 9 or 10 inch.

Anyway i made a little progess the other day. Some may be interested in it.

Hon3 WSM class A climax remotoring. I used a mashima 1020 and made a cradle out of brass stock. Put a NWSL shatf adaptor on one end. I think it was a 1.5 to 2mm and the gear fits right on. wire it all up and its all ready.

I have another one to do and this one i will take photos and notes. Maybe we should have a sticky in the hon3 section for remotoring notes.

**Derrick** · 01-03-2012, 02:22 PM

It has been a bit quiet in here Bruce.

I'm working on the first structure for my HOn3 layout.

It's a Banta B&M Machine Works kit and is a hoot to build.

I found a Fox River thru truss bridge by Mid West Produts

online today for $20.

That was a great price.

Spoke to Mike at Black Bear today,figuring what I need to build

a 4 ft. 18 inch high trestle.

Mike is a pleasure to deal with.

I've got a lot to learn.

Trestle bents,bridge tie dimensions.

Stamp mills.

A friend told me about the Grandt Line East Terrible

Mill and that it was a pleasure to build.

Anyone build it?

Back to the basement to install more windows in B&M

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