Chad, I sounds like you're new to model trains, but I don't know how much model building experience you have. It sounds like you want an S scale layout on which you can run HO gauged equipment, so thus Sn42. There are some motive power options, but most require some modeling work.
For steam, if you can get an old Mantua/Tyco 4-6-0, they are really Sn42, including the cab. If you change the details (air pump, bell, domes, etc.) they can look better in S than HO. I did one years ago, but regauged it to Sn3; you wouldn't need to change the gauge. RailMaster makes some Sn3 diesel kits that can be powered with HO diesel mechanisms, which in your case don't need to be regauged for Sn42. Some modern narrow gauge railroads run some large diesels on meter gauge track; think SD-45's with D-D trucks or large GE's with B+B-B+B trucks. I made a "what if" large narrow gauge diesel one time from a AM GP35 shell and a C-C HO diesel mechanism, which I regauged in my case, to Sn3. So rather than worrying about narrowing an S locomotive, you could just put a HO mechanism under it, if you can find a wheel base that is close. It isn't that hard to stretch an HO diesel mechanism, just more work. I stretched one for my model of EBT M-1 from a RailMaster kit. You're on your own though for matting the mechanism and shell. In the case of my GP35, some styrene pieces glued to the shell were needed to get it to sit on the frame. Some narrow gauge railroads did carry standard gauge cars on narrow gauge trucks. The Newfoundland Railway was 42" and did that sort of thing. You could just put HO trucks on an S scale car and accomplish the same thing. I would stick to smaller S scale cars though. I still have a 40' boxcar with Sn3 trucks on it that I test ran on my old layout; it worked without incident and the Kadee 802 couplers even worked with the HO ones on my Sn3 equipment. Remember, you then need to have full S standard gauge clearances. Remember, it's your railroad and you can do what you want. And if you really want fun, there's always the dual gauge option, but that requires hand laying track. Dave Heine Easton, PA Newbie with questions Posted by: "daddy2cassandra" [email protected] daddy2cassandra Mon Oct 17, 2011 12:48 pm (PDT) Hello, I have been a lurker on the list for quite a while, just never said hello. My availability to read the list varies as I'm in the Army. 1/64th is the scale that interests me; my kids have started to show to an interest in the HO starter set they received last Christmas. Currently located in central Kansas. We have a very large amount of 1/64th farm equipment and buildings that I'm thinking could get some double usage. I relatively new to trains had a small HO set as a kid but nothing more than that, grew up in SW Minnesota around trains but never paid then much attention. I'm looking for input on some ideas. I don't have the intention of modeling any specific train line but would like to have a rural Midwest feel. What I'm thinking is to do a Sn42?(S equipment on HO track) set up which I think would give me result that would look ok with the 1/64th items we have already. I can picture some flat cars with tractors on them, and an old cattle car for some beef. It would also allow the kids to run the HO stuff we have and any HO stuff they think looks cool. HO track is readily available in this area. I `m thinking that I would be able to use some S items, On30 and maybe some larger HO items to get the look I want. I have found an older list of usable items from other scales for S on trainweb. Part of this is meant to be a family fun project and not a pocket book killer. Does this seem like an achievable project? Has anyone done anything similar to this? Is there a more up to date list than the trainweb one? Also are there any S scale modelers in Kansas, particularly the Ft. Riley/Junction City area? Thanks Chad [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: [email protected] [email protected] <*> 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/
