Are there any Proto: 87 fans out there?
Seems like with the number of people dedicated to realistic operation, etc., there would be just as many people dedicated to realistic as possible locomotives, turnouts, etc.
Has anyone reading this built a Proto:87 layout? It sounds like fun for a very small switching layout.
I have never modeled in Proto 87 but my understanding is that it requires more dedication to making sure that track work is within tighter tolerances. The reason for this is two fold - More accuracy to the prototype and to prevent derailments from the more narrow wheel treads of the Proto 87 wheels.
Too much work for me but fun for others.
Take care,
I think most of the proto fans prefer to work in a larger scale like 1:48. It seems to me the focus for them is more on the modeling as opposed to the operating. With a larger scale you can do the small details better such as tie plates, brakes, interiors detail, etc.
The trade off is that you do fewer models and have a smaller layout. So you mIght as well work in the large scale.
Enjoy
Paul
I’m thinking about it. I’m not worried about the track work as I am comfortable handlaying turnouts. I plan on getting a few jigs like what Fast Tracks makes for a Proto 87 #8 and # 10 Advisory Mechanical Committee (C&O, PM, Erie, & NKP) standard turnout. My only concern is that I will be modeling a mostly steam railroad and I’m not thrilled about taking apart my steamers and turning new drivers.
Interesting - I never thought about that. Proto:87 would likely be much more difficult in steam compared to diesel.
Definately something to consider if I ever want to get a steam engine or two just for kicks.
check this web site and all the pictures.
yes,it’s possible,even a steam engine.
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/proto87.team/Proto87/proto87.html
regards,
nick
We ran a project railroad series (by Iain Rice) on a Proto:87 layout called the Roque Bluffs. It started in October 2003. Look up “Roque Bluffs” in the index and you’ll get a list all the installments.
Iain showed everything from planning to scenery, including modifying the equipment and laying the track. The level of realism is remarkable.
Thanks for reading MR,
Terry
Terry, that series, in fact, was what first introduced me to Proto:87, and got me thinking about it.
It seems like it might be a good approach for me in creating a very small but highly detailed layout.
I’m a big fan of Iain’s articles - keep them coming!!!
Is handlaid track a must for Proto:87, or is it just preferred. I was attempting to build my layout with handlaid track until I realized how involving it was. I have since turned my focus on an engine facility to store all my deisels at. I ended up using Walther’s/Shinohara turnouts and crossings, and Micro Engineering flextrack. Is this within the rules?
Thanx,
Dan
The track might be O.K., but turnouts and crossings present a problem in that the guardrail spacing should be smaller. More importantly, the wheels would drop into the frogs of standard turnouts. Conversely, standard equipment won’t run through Proto turnouts.
Steve (Likely Storrie Lines)
What the heck is Proto:87?
Refer back to the Roque Bluffs series in MR beginning in October 2003 for a detailed explanation. Basically it is HO (1:87.1 scale) to fine scale standards, i.e. wheel profiles, flanges,etc. and trackwork clearances MUCH closer to actual scale rather than the compremises all of us regular HO modelers live with all the time. Similarly Proto:48 is fine scale O scale, etc. There probably are Proto:64 (S scale) and others, but I have never seen anything about them.
Cheers,
Ed
A Proto:64 page is at http://trainweb.org/proto64/
Enjoy
Paul
I come from a part of the country with cold dry winters and hot humid summers. It seems to me that a real problem with proto 87 handlaid track would be stabilizing it with regard to expansion and contraction as the seasons change. Code 100 track and ordinary wheel flanges at least have the virtue of being relatively forgiving and continue to be operable all year round. For the best compromise between looks and operability I’d suggest you consider Code 83 flextrack unless you’re really confident in your ability to control the layout environment.
Thanx to ebriley for the answer to what is proto 87. Since I prefer the Normal (N) scale, I guess that would make me a proto:160’er.
Actually, you can buy replacement Proto 87 frogs to replace the factory supplied frog. www.proto87stores.com has some info. They also sell the Central Valley turnout kits with the necessary parts for Proto 87. These are not ready to run, but much less work than entirely hand laying turnouts. Fast Tracks at http://www.handlaidtrack.com/ makes fixtures to speed making hand laid turnouts too.
I just found this link (linked to from the proto 87 stores link above) of a super nice Proto 87 layout. Wow, this guy is good…