Help

[catoctin&deepcreekrr]

Hi, I am building a freelanced narrow gauge layout based in my home state of Maryland, called the Catoctin & Deep Creek Railroad. I need help in many ways in coming up with this, as I just only made some history for the line, and would like to start by collecting. My first question is, what should I do? HON3 or HON30? Which one is better, and why? My second question (or well, request) is what locomotives should I use? I want this to be as realistic as possible, so anything would help. I want to develop a somewhat realistic locomotive roster to the late 1920's-late 1930's, and what would an average narrow gauge railroad hauling coal, iron ore, logs, passenger, general freight, etc. Anything helps, and would be greatly appreciated. I am on a budget, since I'm only 19 years old but have always been intrigued by narrow guage railroading. (In other words, I cannot afford the best-of-the-best brass models, lol)

 

[kjd]

Sounds like some questions that could be answered by reading about the history of your line, gauge, commodities, traffic, etc. You could also look at narrow gauge lines nearby. As far as scale, that depends on your ability or skills you can develope. If you’re not mechanical, look at On30. If you can scratchbuild in various materials either of the HO gauges are a possibility.

Average and narrow gauge don’t really go together as each was unique to the needs at hand. If it was going to be a common carrier it would have been standard gauge. Narrow gauge was used in difficult terrain or when the railroad was limited in quantity of material to be moved or some other reason where construction and operating cost is a major factor.

 

[jim81147]

I think if you look at what you have said , you have answered some of your questions already . Late 20's to late 30's equal steam , narrow gauge usually suggests smaller loco's operating in mountainous area's . To me that would suggest timber and mining traffic with maybe some livestock being exported and simple supplies being imported. Also you have to remember that since it is freelanced you do have more "modelers license" . What is it that you would like to see ? I associate narrow gauge more with lots of scenery inbetween a few very small towns or industries .

 

[Marlin39]

I modeled HOn30 and On30. On30 takes 2x the space and HOn30 you're going to be scratch building or buying your engines as kits from Japan. You're 19 and probably don't have a lot of disposable income at this time. Both are $$$$$. I sold off everything and went back to standard guage HO.
If I was in your shoes I would buy one of the HO Rivarossi Heislers new or used off of Ebay and build around that.

 

[Iron Horseman]

My first question is, what should I do? HON3 or HON30? Which one is better, and why?

My opinion is that the only advantage of HOn30 is that you can use N-scale track. I know of hardly any equipment currently made for that scale. HOn3 on the other hand has bunches of equipment to choose from, the track is readily available just not as cheap as N.

My second question (or well, request) is what locomotives should I use? I want this to be as realistic as possible, so anything would help. I want to develop a somewhat realistic locomotive roster to the late 1920's-late 1930's, and what would an average narrow gauge railroad hauling coal, iron ore, logs, passenger, general freight, etc.

Well, definitely steam locomotives. Probably NOT the D&RGW K series as those were just being built in the late 1920s and pretty unique to that road. I would hunt for 4-4-0, 4-6-0, 2-6-0 and 2-6-2 locos, maybe a C16 or a "giant" C19. As Marlin39 mentioned above, none of these are going to be cheap. Blackstone is your 1 step below brass, and I think the 4-6-0 is $400. Roundhouse used to make an HOn3 Shay locomotive, you could probably find in the used market, but that instantly limits one to logging or ore.

A narrow gauge railroad generally hauls anything a normal railroad hauls. The difference is that usually the terrain was to difficult to fit a standard gauge track through. In that time period a bulk of the fleet would be box cars, followed by hopper, then tank and stock, and finally flats. Unless the line has a specific need, like a huge quarry or logging operation. Passenger cars are always fewer.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/357348166444

 

[Lighthorseman]

I'd suggest thinking about using standard HO gauge stuff, but using smaller loco and rolling stock to simulate the narrow gauge look. Much easier on the pocketbook, especially for those of us on a careful budget.

 

[RhB Michael]

We've probably seen the last of him until he either graduates college or gets a job.