Nn3 question

[SCWHITE]

I am a newbie so be easy on me.  Just what is Nn3 and how does it relate to standard N gauge?  Does it use the same track?  Can you use nscale structures etc?
Thank You!

[UP_Phill]

Nn3 is narrow gauge in N scale. It uses z scale track to represent 3' narrow gauge. Yes, you can use N scale structures etc in Nn3.

Oh and welcome to Railwire.

[SCWHITE]

Would Z scale be a better fit?  Are the locos and rolling stock nscale only with a narrower wheel base?

[DKS]

Welcome to Railwire.

Not sure what you mean by "Would Z scale be a better fit?" N scale and Z scale are different scales. N is 1:160, Z is 1:220. Nn3 is N scale modeling narrow gauge equipment, but using Z scale track. To be strictly accurate, however, the track is not representative of real narrow gauge track, which would have much wider ties spaced a little further apart than what Z scale track has, but most modelers accept this in order to avoid having to hand-lay their track.

Narrow gauge railroads will sometimes use standard gauge equipment with narrower wheelsets, but most often the equipment is entirely different. Google a narrow gauge railroad, like the East Broadtop, for a look at some typical equipment.

There isn't much available in Nn3. Micro-Trains makes a few pieces of rolling stock, including a boxcar, gondola, and caboose. There are a couple of steam locos floating around, which are Z scale (Marklin) mechanisms with different bodies; they are rare and costly. And there are some even rarer and even more costly brass narrow gauge passenger cars based on those of the D&RGW.

Aside from trucks, couplers and wheelsets, nothing in Z scale would be appropriate to use for Nn3. Structures and accessories for Nn3 would be anything made for N scale.

[wm3798]

Yes, that's basically it.  Z-scale locomotive mechanisms are re-fitted with N scale locomotive shells.  I think it's important to point out the difference between "Scale" and "Gauge"  The gauge is the distance between the rails, while the scale is the proportionate size of the models as they relate to the prototype.

As such, in N scale your Z gauge track represents 3' between the rails, while N gauge track represents "standard" gauge, or 4'8-1/2"

Therefore, if you are modeling Nn3, your structures, figures and rolling stock models will all be the same 1:160 proportion as regular N scale, and the only place Z enters into it is the track you buy.

There are also N scale narrow gauge trucks available, but there will be others on the forum who are more well-versed than I on that subject...
And welcome.  I think you'll enjoy the level of modeling that we strive for here, and the willingness of the members to lend a hand where we can.  Just bring your questions and a healthy sense of humor... ;D

Lee

[3rdrail]

They call the use of Z scale track in N scale Nn3, but the Z scale track is really closer to the 42" gauge used in Newfoundland, Japan, Queensland, New Zealand and much of Africa than to the 36" guage that Nn3 implies. It comes out to around 41"...

[DKS]

They call the use of Z scale track in N scale Nn3, but the Z scale track is really closer to the 42" gauge used in Newfoundland, Japan, Queensland, New Zealand and much of Africa than to the 36" guage that Nn3 implies. It comes out to around 41"...

Sorta kinda like how some O scalers use HO track to represent 3-foot narrow gauge, when HO track is actually about 31 inches in O scale. And they're stuck with the same tie size issue, too...

[wcfn100]

Here's a visual comparison between N ans Nn3



The N scale locomotive in the rear is a Model Power Pacific and the Nn3 Locomotive is a Lok14 Mikado.  These are both N scale locomotives (1/160).  When you model Nn3, all of the houses, people, trees buildings etc.. are the exact same as N scale.  The only difference is the guage of the track, and the smaller equipment that runs on it, just like the prototype.


Jason

[DKS]

Here's a visual comparison between N ans Nn3



The N scale locomotive in the rear is a Model Power Pacific and the Nn3 Locomotive is a Lok14 Mikado...

Jason, you just had to go and post that photo. I've been trying to resist the draw of those narrow gauge Mikes...

Divert... eyes... must... not... look...

[Erik W]

Here's another size comparison.



Erik

[UP_Phill]

They call the use of Z scale track in N scale Nn3, but the Z scale track is really closer to the 42" gauge used in Newfoundland, Japan, Queensland, New Zealand and much of Africa than to the 36" guage that Nn3 implies. It comes out to around 41"...

Queensland (where I live) uses 3' 6" gauge track.

[3rdrail]

They call the use of Z scale track in N scale Nn3, but the Z scale track is really closer to the 42" gauge used in Newfoundland, Japan, Queensland, New Zealand and much of Africa than to the 36" guage that Nn3 implies. It comes out to around 41"...

Queensland (where I live) uses 3' 6" gauge track.

That's what I said. Doesn't 3' 6" = 42"?? It does over here.

[John]

That's what I said. Doesn't 3' 6" = 42"?? It does over here.

Crikey (I always wanted to say that ) it sure does

[UP_Phill]

They call the use of Z scale track in N scale Nn3, but the Z scale track is really closer to the 42" gauge used in Newfoundland, Japan, Queensland, New Zealand and much of Africa than to the 36" guage that Nn3 implies. It comes out to around 41"...

Queensland (where I live) uses 3' 6" gauge track.

That's what I said. Doesn't 3' 6" = 42"?? It does over here.

Sh*T, I knew that! Sorry, I read it as  4'2"