Brian, Well, no, it's not true. Sn3 has a track gauge of 9/16" ( .563 to .585" ), while HO track has a gauge ever so slightly more (less?) than 5/8" ( .649 to .672" ). Check the NMRA Standards. There are a very few modelers who use HO gauge track in S scale to represent 3' gauge, but it is really closer to 3'6". There are more modelers around the globe that are using HO track to model S scale 42" gauge prototypes (New Zealand RR, South African Ry, etc) and yes, there were a few traction lines with 42" gauge, but I don't know offhand which ones. New Orleans something or other seems to ping in the back of the brain...
And yes, various "traction" lines hauled freight. One such line is the South Shore line from Michigan City IN to Chicago. A lot of freight. But that one is standard gauge. I am currently one of the few oddballs using HO standards in S scale to represent a 3' gauge prototype, but I don't know if I'll stay here. If I do switch to true Sn3, I'll have six Mantua mechanisms to file the frames and re-gauge, as well as a bunch of HO trucks to squeeze the gauge or replace with true Sn3 trucks, and I really don't see that happening. I'm satisfied with the compromise, especially for the sake of the budget. So yes, HO track can be used in S scale, but no, it's not true Sn3. I think that it is however equally as viable as using HO track in O scale to represent a 3' gauge prototype, and takes up a lot less space. Darrell S Modelling the BZ&C in 1885 with connections to the B&O and Pennsy --- In [email protected], "pflarrian1" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Time for another "gee, I wonder if this is true" question. I read an > article in MR recently, where it is mentioned that Sn3 track spacing > is the same as HO gauge track, except that the ties are spaced farther > apart. Does anyone know if this is true? I'm curious, because if it > is, this would solve some space problems I seem to be having. Even if > it isn't, I may still stoop to using HO gauge trucks and such under > scratch-build S-gauge shells, but I would like to know for certain. > > Similarily, I have found lots of evidence that several traction > interurban lines used narrow gauge track (3' gauge seem to have been > common, though some used 4' and others, apparently). Does anyone know > if any of those railroads did freight service? The books I am using > for research don't mention freight service, preferring to stick with > passenger service. > > Thank you, > > Brian Empanger To REPLY to the list, use REPLY ALL; to reply to the sender, use REPLY. For those of you on DIGEST mode, all REPLY messages go to the list (remember to edit the SUBJECT of your message). Change message settings, use our CALENDAR or LINKS, view shared files or photos, view the list archives, GO TO http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
