New here

[Arbhin]

Hello people, 

I am a new member here. I go by the name Arbhin and am dutch. After many years of little to no modeling I am working on restarting again. Once (long time ago) I got a present for my birthday: A H0 basic train set, which I played for several years until I found Scale N. Since 1990 there about I am fiddling with layouts, tables, brands etc. Until I went to college, music etc never found time for modeling again. Now, after years I want to start with module-making and scratch building. I suppose I have many questions that I will ask you people here and I hope to present you with the updates of my modules as they progress. 

[jhb171achill]

You're very welcome, Arbhin, and you will find help here with all sorts of things.

[Arbhin]

First question that comes to mind right away: 

How many people work with real Irish-standard and N scale 1:160? 

[Midland Man]

8 minutes ago, Arbhin said:

First question that comes to mind right away: 

How many people work with real Irish-standard and N scale 1:160? 

Very little 

@Angus is the only lad on here [ I think ] but a lot of Irish N gauge go for GNRI for some reason. I have seen a N gauge layout with only two superb locos going around a small but very realistic Layout. You could go 3mm as i saw a layout [ GNRi mind you] that was in 3mm. Got talking to  the owner and he said scratch building was easy  due to the size and that you do not roll as you can use pipes its so small. Here is the N gauge on this site.

 

[Angus]

Hi Arbhin,

I'm just following up on Midland Man's post above.

N Scale/2mm scale in the UK (and by extension Ireland) is a bit confused.

The rest of the world use 1:160 scale on 9mm track which scales well for 4' 8" standard gauge, however, in the UK 1:148 is used on 9mm track (rather like HO/3.5mm and OO/4mm but without such a great difference). 2mm Finescale also exists at "true scale" 1:152 using 9.42mm gauge for UK standard gauge and 10.5mm gauge for Irish 5' 3".

I model in using the 1:152 scale but where appropriate I am not afraid to use standard Commercial models in 1:148 or 1:160 as a basis (rolling stock needs re-wheeling to the appropriate gauge and wheel profile) , the difference in scale is barely noticeable.

If you want to work to "real Irish standard" then 2mm finescale is really the only way to go and I would recommend joining the 2mm Scale Association which gives the 2mm community great support.

http://www.2mm.org.uk/

You need to be aware though that you would be modelling a niche interest in a specialist scale.

There is very little trade support for Irish Railways in N scale/2mm.

There are a few 3d prints for loco, coach and wagon bodies via Shapeways and Worsley Works produce a limited range of Carriage sides.

Occasionally etches reduced from 4mm become available, but these are usually only as a one off so you have to be "in the know" when these are produced and get and order in.

Everything else has to be scratch built.

Standard components (wheels, axles, buffers, coach fittings etc.) can be sourced from a couple of sellers, I can provide details if you are interested

Edited May 3, 2020 by Angus

[Arbhin]

@Angus: Thanks for replying. 

I know its a struggle to get any details on rolling stock. That was the lead for getting to IRM (asking around can get you anywhere). Anyway: I've been looking into 2mm-website and they don't deliver to the otherside of the fishingpond. And since I'm Dutch, and livein Nederland I have to find other sources for my Code 40 and Rolling stock. But I considered that with Autocad and a europian delivery I could get a long way. I will keep you updated on my quest.

[Angus]

Hi Arbhin,

I not sure where you were looking but the 2mm scale association do deliver internationally, here is an extract of the postal rates:

You do need to be a member of the Association to order though.

[Arbhin]

Thank you @Angus and @Midland Man

I have these ideas in mind and before going off to establish a new threat I like to post these ideas here before anything. Anyway: in Nederland we have this website: Spoorplan (http://www.sporenplan.nl/) where most of the dutch railtracks, signals and old drawings are to be found. Is there such thing for Ireland? And if not: would anyone consider it useful? 

Second question: I am thinking about a single-track module of somewhere a coast-station around Ireland. I am thinking about either Youghal or Galway. Maybe some of you might have a better idea I'm open to any ideas. But I found little to níl old info. I like to know if there was a turntable, how the full station was in those early days. I like to know this, because my interest goes towards steam-period (1910-1925, thereabout). 

Greetings, 

Arbhin