brought on by planed trip to Alaska I have gained an intrest in Hon3. I figure that I could fit a small layout in my room but I am very green when it comes to HO narrow gauge. so I have a few questions about Hon3 any help would be appreciated.
What is the recomended minimum radi for HON3?,
Who is a good suplyer of Hon3 track?
does anyone make Hon3 passenger trucks? (for replacement of roundhouse trucks on overland passenger cars)
is there anything that I have not listed that I should know?
Also, I have been looking for an Hon3 locomotive brass or other for under $250
preferably a 3ft gauge alco, a shovelnose GE, or a steam locomotive so I can put it into WP&YR. for a small shelf layout
I’ve always handlaid HOn3 using BK Enterprises’s turnouts which doesn’t require any special capabilities other than using track gauges and handspiking… BK will build most any turnout. They aren’t limited to those listed in the Walthers catalog (which doesn’t even list their HOn3 turnouts) Micro Engineering makes flex track and someone makes #6 turnouts in code 70 since I see them hanging in my LHS.
Eighteen-inch radius will handle most everything except perhaps the brass K-series locomotives. Don’t use #4 turnouts as they have a very sharp radius. Use #6s or larger.
Grandt Line makes trucks. There are others including Rio Grande Models. Passenger trucks are another matter (I’m ignorant of a source).
I’m starting with H0n3 too. Therefore I’ve tested a few engines with my friend, here’re the data. We tested some brass. The Blackstone will go with 18’’ you can read. But I’ve heard it can make 17’'.