I need Some Opinions

[RustyRatRod]

So I'm starting a new model railroad layout. I've changed scales, yet one more time in the hopes I can actually finally get one done. I'm going to N scale, since I really don't have the room for On30, or HO scale either one.

I'm going to model the beef industry in the transition era, somewhere between the late 1940s to the early, possibly mid 1960s. Time line is not completely nailed down yet.

I'll have a stock yard on one end and meat processing plant on the other. So to my question. This stock car is a Micro Trains N scale stock car.

Mirco Trains is a high end American owned and operated company that makes true scale model railroad items, so I know the stock car is to the correct 1/160 scale.

These cows I got are "supposed" to be 1/160, or N scale also. I think they are too small. I need full grown, adult cows, as they are gonna be on the way to the hamburger plant.

The first picture is mine with the cow I think is too small. The second is from one of my buddys on the N scale Facebook group. I think the second picture is much closer. What do yall think?

 

[Dana67Dart]

Your cow looks like an N scale next to an HO scale box car.

Your friends looks correct

 

[RustyRatRod]

Your cow looks like an N scale next to an HO scale box car.

Your friends looks correct

That's what I'm thinkin. Trust me. Each car in the picture is N scale. They are both Micro Trains brand. His is just a different road name. I guess I could use my cows and call it "Where's The Beef Cow Company". lol

 

[Ottmundr]

So I'm starting a new model railroad layout. I've changed scales, yet one more time in the hopes I can actually finally get one done. I'm going to N scale, since I really don't have the room for On30, or HO scale either one.

I'm going to model the beef industry in the transition era, somewhere between the late 1940s to the early, possibly mid 1960s. Time line is not completely nailed down yet.

I'll have a stock yard on one end and meat processing plant on the other. So to my question. This stock car is a Micro Trains N scale stock car.

Mirco Trains is a high end American owned and operated company that makes true scale model railroad items, so I know the stock car is to the correct 1/160 scale.

These cows I got are "supposed" to be 1/160, or N scale also. I think they are too small. I need full grown, adult cows, as they are gonna be on the way to the hamburger plant.

The first picture is mine with the cow I think is too small. The second is from one of my buddys on the N scale Facebook group. I think the second picture is much closer. What do yall think?

View attachment 1716498978
View attachment 1716498979

It looks like you're going to have to go down to the hobby store and get some black and white paint and some small brushes.

Then you need to get yourself some pet snake feeder mice and paint them up like cows. They are just about the right size, and they will really add some life to your stockyards. I have no idea where you'll find brands small enough though.

Anyone got any recommendations?

Those mini-cows look properly sized in the last picture.

 

[Kuz]

I think the 2nd pic looks more to scale.

 

[Kendog 170]

Looks like you need something in between.

 

[Locomotion]

From what I remember when towing down the highway and getting stuck behind a farm animal trailer, the cow in the first pic looks to be about the size of a big, in-scale hog - too small.

 

[YY1]

What width door is represented on the car?
(Should be relatively easy to find the car's prototype info)
Most are 6' or 8'.

How long is an "average" cow?

 

[Firstblood]

I'm not a farmer but, your cows look like milk cows not beef cows.

 

[Snake]

I think the 2nd pic looks more to scale.

i agree.lookssss more relike too.

 

[RAT ROD AL]

Are the cars two story as in double stack the cows on a second level? If so second pic looks like the cows would be too big.

 

[toolmanmike]

So I'm starting a new model railroad layout. I've changed scales, yet one more time in the hopes I can actually finally get one done. I'm going to N scale, since I really don't have the room for On30, or HO scale either one.

I'm going to model the beef industry in the transition era, somewhere between the late 1940s to the early, possibly mid 1960s. Time line is not completely nailed down yet.

I'll have a stock yard on one end and meat processing plant on the other. So to my question. This stock car is a Micro Trains N scale stock car.

Mirco Trains is a high end American owned and operated company that makes true scale model railroad items, so I know the stock car is to the correct 1/160 scale.

These cows I got are "supposed" to be 1/160, or N scale also. I think they are too small. I need full grown, adult cows, as they are gonna be on the way to the hamburger plant.

The first picture is mine with the cow I think is too small. The second is from one of my buddys on the N scale Facebook group. I think the second picture is much closer. What do yall think?

View attachment 1716498978
View attachment 1716498979

Second photo is pretty close. Rail cars are like 5' off the ground. That cow is 5 1/2' tall or so at the hips. That's about right.

 

[YY1]

If you want to add another level, you could do dairy.

Move cows in and out.

Move milk.

Lots of dairy stuff have been produced (at least in HO) in the last few years.

You could also get into refer icing if you wanted to.

 

[YY1]

One thing I found when I dabbled in N scale is that switching is not nearly as easy as in larger scales.

The physics of light cars and free rolling wheels don't do well with magnetic uncoupling (or even skewers) or the "delayed" feature that lets you "shove" cars.