This is Kirk Reddie's list of what is/was available in N Scale up until the first generation diesel age, and what could be substituted.
Kirk is a very knowledgeable N Scaler with a large interest in the Milwaukee Road. He has published a book on N Scale Layouts, presently is editor of the very successful "N Scale Railroading" and has had custom kits designed and produced.
He states that this list is by no means comprehensive, nor does it include any of the newer power such as the U-33s, SD-40s, U-25s, etc.
Kirk states, "I know there were HiCubes but I haven't a clue which ones are accurate. And I know nothing of post ribbed boxcars. I know they had 6-10 PS-1s that looked a lot like MTL's 20K. In an ideal world we'd be able to list the prototype reporting numbers the carbody is 'accurate' for".
I wish to thank Kirk for his contribution to this site.
Milwaukee Road N (1:160) 1950 (SD-7s and GP-9s are incl even though later)
Proto Model
mmmmmmmmN Scale "Closest"Locomotives - Passenger - Electric
|
EP-2 |
NJ Brass |
Locomotives - Passenger - Steam
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4-6-2 "F-3" |
The ancient Rivarossi is default… for now |
|
4-6-4 "F-6" |
The ConCor NYC J3a is a starting point 4-6-4 "F-7" GHQ kit on ConCor or Kato 4-6-4 (Jamco made shells, too) |
Locomotives - Passenger - Diesel
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DL-109A |
ConCor (Brass Santa Fe #50 A&B set made) |
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E-6A |
Life-Like in both HO & N |
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E-7A |
Life-Like in both HO & N |
|
Erie Built A |
V-Line Shell, PA Chassis (Kato, LL, CC) |
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Erie Built B |
Kitbash "A", epoxy shells (no longer made) |
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FP-7A |
Closest: Pair of Rapido FP-9A "T" shanked and a |
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F-7B |
Dummy Trix "B" unit between them. |
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E-8A, B |
Kato (LL has a strange nose) (Brass made) |
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FP-45 |
Lima made a Santa Fe FP-45, repower! (Ed: hard to find) |
Locomotives - Freight - Steam
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2-8-2 L3 |
Kato |
Locomotives - Freight - Diesel
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FTs |
This is last major gap in plastic N Scale locomotives |
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F-3A,B Phase 4 |
looks like an F-7 without the first fan |
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F-7 A, B |
Kato |
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RS-1 |
Atlas |
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RSC-2 |
Kato |
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RS-3 |
Atlas |
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SD-7 |
LifeLike |
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SD-7 |
Atlas (Kato) |
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GP-9 |
Atlas (o&b no d/b stock, shells for d/b |
|
GP-9 Torpedo Tubes |
Atlas (stock in yellow, shells for o&b) |
)
Locomotives - Switcher
|
S-2 |
Arnold Rapido |
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HM-10-44 |
Start with Trix |
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HM-12-44 |
Trix |
|
SW-9/1200 |
LifeLike |
Cars - Passenger - Heavyweight
|
"Crystal" 3-2 obs |
Pecos River Brass |
|
"Mountain" 10-L obs |
Pecos River Brass |
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12-1 |
Pecos River Brass |
|
6-6 |
Pecos River (though the Milwaukee’s look different to me) |
Rivarossi offers 6 generic cars in Milwaukee scheme. Paint the roof and underframe dark brown. The 12-1 is probably the most useful, but need a/c ducts for mid 1930s on. The baggage car can be cut down to match Milwaukee prototypes.
Cars - Passenger - Lightweight
1948 coach Brass car sides
|
"Hi of 39" Tap |
NJ Brass |
|
"Hi of 39" Coach |
NJ Brass |
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"Hi of 39" Diner |
NJ Brass |
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"Hi of 39" Parlor |
NJ Brass |
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"Hi of 39" Bvrtail |
NJ Brass |
|
1934 Coach |
Porthole Productions brass sides |
Cars - Freight
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50’ DD XA 13500-13999 |
Puget Summit Models resin kit |
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40’ SD XM 18000-20187 |
Puget Summit Models resin kit |
|
#714305 |
Start with a Fine N Scale PRR round roof boxcar |
|
50’ DD o/s bracd boxcar |
Walthers (#271583 and 271966) |
|
1928 type boxcars |
Roco’s composite 1932 ARA cars with batten roofs |
|
36’ boxcars |
MDC |
|
Log flats |
Walthers (59603, 59620, 59654, 59672) |
|
40’ composite gondola |
Walthers (84778 & 84781) |
|
40’ Wood Reefer |
MTL (URTX #81649) |
|
36’ Hopper |
MTL #94357 |
Cars - Non-Revenue
01800 Caboose Overland Models (with oil plate) 01600 Caboose Start with MTL’s T&P caboose Wood Cabooses Start with Micro Trains’ 50k or 51K Heavy Crane Rapido (cut off bumpers) (X-18, etc) Work Equipment Dimi makes 40’ work cars. Bachmann old time passenger cars can be kitbashed into work cars.