N scale / gauge reference databases

Started by AlanUS, September 10, 2018, 11:29:38 AM

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AlanUS

Many of you might know about Spurweite-n database that currently counts nearly 44k entries. With the caveat that it is only available in German, it is of course very much focused on continental European models – not to say German - though containing a significant amount of references for other countries.

Do you know about the Trovestar N scale model train database? This was launched in 2016 and already counts more that 54k entries. The database currently contains mostly North American models, as well as a significant number of Japanese models and a few continental European ones.
The originality of this database is that anyone can contribute, a bit like Wikipedia. This explains why the database has grown so fast in the last 3 years, compared to other similar reference database sites.
The site also allows to create personal collections, free of charge.

I'm actually an important contributor to this database – though not the owner.
This database is really meant to reference every and anything that is N (from 1/144 to 1/160).
Except for Oxford Diecast cars and trucks, we actually have no British rolling stock in N gauge (1/148) and consider adding some. However, we'll need contributors to help us.

I have noticed two reference database web sites related to British N gauge:
http://www.ngauge.org/
https://www.modelraildatabase.com/

Both these site are well done, so this might be enough for British N gauge modellers, this I cannot say. However if you feel that additional references would be needed, I would be delighted if you'd think about using the TroveStar database for that.

If you are interested and want to know more, please email me.

Cheers,
N scale - CN, CP, BN, BNSF.
DCC - Uhlenbrock Intellibox IR / II - JMRI - Sprog - ESU LokProgrammer

AlanUS

Just as examples that might be of interest to the British N gauge modelers:
- Kato Class 66 (continental European companies)
- Oxford Diecast
N scale - CN, CP, BN, BNSF.
DCC - Uhlenbrock Intellibox IR / II - JMRI - Sprog - ESU LokProgrammer

woodbury22uk

There is already a comprehensive list of Oxford Diecast, and Base Toys/BT models in all scales on the Modelbuszone webpages, plus buses from amyriad of other N scale producers.

This link takes you to the Oxford section, but more lists appear under the "everything else" tab.

http://www.modelbuszone.co.uk/oxford/index.html
Mike

Membre AFAN 0196

ntpntpntp

#3
Quote from: AlanUS on September 13, 2018, 03:08:20 PM
Just as examples that might be of interest to the British N gauge modelers:
- Kato Class 66 (continental European companies)

They're great models and as a modeller of continental European rail I run them, but the scale is noticeably different to British N  class 66s by Farish or Dapol  when put alongside the Kato models.   I'm not sure if many British modellers would seriously consider them.

I try not to feature my CJM 59 on my layout at the same time as a Kato 66.

Dapol 66, Kato 66, CJM 59


Nick.   2021 celebrating the 25th anniversary of "Königshafen" exhibition layout!
https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=50050.0

dannyboy

Just looked up my one and only Kato Class 66 on the Trovestar site - just about any and every detail I could require for the model is there.  As ntp says "great models", I think my Kato Class 66 is one of the best runners I have.  :thumbsup:
David.
I used to be indecisive - now I'm not - I don't think.
If a friend seems distant, catch up with them.

AlanUS

#5
Quote from: woodbury22uk on September 13, 2018, 04:11:42 PM
There is already a comprehensive list of Oxford Diecast, and Base Toys/BT models in all scales on the Modelbuszone webpages, plus buses from amyriad of other N scale producers.
http://www.modelbuszone.co.uk/oxford/index.html

:thumbsup: Thanks for the tip. Not pretending that TroveStar database in exhaustive - we know it is not - just trying to figure out whether we should put some effort to extend it to British N gauge, or if everything about this it is already existing elsewhere.
N scale - CN, CP, BN, BNSF.
DCC - Uhlenbrock Intellibox IR / II - JMRI - Sprog - ESU LokProgrammer

AlanUS

Quote from: ntpntpntp on September 13, 2018, 04:17:24 PMI'm not sure if many British modellers would seriously consider them.

:D As I wrote earlier in another post, the opposite is true from a continental Europe perspective. However, some modellers already highlighted that they do not care, as long as the two versions do not seat side by side.
N scale - CN, CP, BN, BNSF.
DCC - Uhlenbrock Intellibox IR / II - JMRI - Sprog - ESU LokProgrammer

AlanUS

#7
 :) Just starting with British models. Tried with stuff that is not necessarily referenced elsewhere, though not being uncommon.

So  :bounce: Lima BR Mk.1 coaches.
Started by this one as it happens that I have one of these old Lima sets on display in my home office; I knew it was from Great Britain, but as the loco is inoperative, I did not paid too much attention until now.

Please don't hesitate to let me know if I've written anything wrong - though I did a bit of research.
N scale - CN, CP, BN, BNSF.
DCC - Uhlenbrock Intellibox IR / II - JMRI - Sprog - ESU LokProgrammer

railsquid

Quote from: AlanUS on September 16, 2018, 08:10:47 PM
:) Just starting with British models. Tried with stuff that is not necessarily referenced elsewhere, tough not being uncommon.

So  :bounce: Lima BR Mk.1 coaches.
Started by this one as it happens that I have one of these old Lima sets on display in my home office; I knew it was from Great Britain, but as the loco is inoperative, I did not paid too much attention until now.

Please don't hesitate to let me know if I've written anything wrong - though I did a bit of research.

FYI the link leads to a login page, is there a public link available?

AlanUS

Quote from: railsquid on September 17, 2018, 08:02:53 AM
FYI the link leads to a login page, is there a public link available?
:sorrysign: The following is a public link: http://www.trovestar.com/generic/index.php?Collection=4&Body%20Style=LIM-PA-Mk1-CK

Had no time this week to continue on this, but there will be more soon.
N scale - CN, CP, BN, BNSF.
DCC - Uhlenbrock Intellibox IR / II - JMRI - Sprog - ESU LokProgrammer

AlanUS

I'm finished - I hope - with all Lima and Minitrix Mark 1 coaches that I could find. Still missing a few Wrenn and Hornby-Minitrix references, but these are essentially re-numbering of the same models.
http://www.trovestar.com/generic/index.php?Collection=4&Prototype=147606
N scale - CN, CP, BN, BNSF.
DCC - Uhlenbrock Intellibox IR / II - JMRI - Sprog - ESU LokProgrammer

AlanUS

#11
Just added the Hornby-Minitrix versions:
http://www.trovestar.com/generic/index.php?Collection=4&Brand=Hornby-Minitrix

Could not find better images, but my prime intention was to show the packaging. The Minitrix entries have better images.
Not sure how long Hornby-Minitrix lived. I have a catalogue from 1980 and I found references to catalogues from 1973 up to 1985.
N scale - CN, CP, BN, BNSF.
DCC - Uhlenbrock Intellibox IR / II - JMRI - Sprog - ESU LokProgrammer

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