Tri-ang TT

[Blackbird]

Since the current 'Hornby'  derived from Tri-ang, is there any interest in (or objections to) discussing Tri-ang TT?  Collectors, users or those interested in the range and their maintenance. Possibly of no commercial interest to todays Hornby, but thought I'd ask?

PS Hornby did consider the re-introduction of a 3mm range some years ago!

[Yelrow]

HI, there is a previous thread on this, which you may not have seen. I daily run TT, and LC&DR, also has some. Do you run  a layout. My track is all from germany, where there is a big following. Tillig, still producing. john

[LCDR]

 I just joined the 3mm Society, who still support the old Triang TT as well as for people who make British TT to scale.  I had some when it first came out but swapped it for OO with a kid at School. Came across a Merchant Navy second hand a few years ago and bought it more for display than use, but then last year found a guy selling a load of it at a Toy Fair, and succumbed to temptation. I now have at least one of every UK loco ( i.e. no French) and carriage and wagon plus buildings and track (both type A & type B). Some is in need of TLC, but most are runners.

 

I have exhibited Triang OO layouts publicly in the past, but now want to include TT in the display.

[Buz]

Hi LC&DR

Do you have the loco shed with saw tooth roof you could have a look at.

If so I have this question is for you

If the track base is carefully removed I think its a push fit? and stored away safe and a piece of suitably painted plastic chanel pushed on instead.

Do you think it would be low enough for a narrow gauge loco shed on a 4mm scale layout the detail such as it is on those in pictures looks quite chunky. 

To tell you the truth I am looking for a lazy way to get a two road narrow gauge shed.

regards John

[LCDR]

 Buz,

Yes I have one and it would probably be OK, depending on how high your locos are.  Some OO9 locos are nearly as tall as OO ones, so it would be a tight fit. It might look a bit modern for narrow gauge to my mind though. Could you modify something like the Dapol church or Garage, plastic kits, or build something out of Slaters or Wills corrugated iron plastic sheet?

[Buz]

 HI LC&DR

Thanks Hmm might have to revisit that Idea, might be better making something.

regards John

[Forum-1211528]

 HORNBY has all the TRIANG TT3 tooling its still at Margate so if as many other European Manufactures make TT scale models its time for HORNBY to bring back the CLASS 31, JINTY, 08 SHUNTER, PANNIER TANK and COACHES and WAGONS as this range died so fast so come on HORNBY bring the TRIANG TT3 BACK!!

[LCDR]

The reason that is usually given for the rapid demise of TT was the appearance of N gauge.  TT did not offer any significant advantage over N for the mainstream enthusiast. With only one manufacturer of ready to run British outline (Tri-ang)  and only one kit manufacturer (Gem) it was built on weak foundations.  I don't think the UK general enthusist market is ready for a comeback, although there is a small and dedicated following it is just that - small - and would need some exciting new gimick to make it more widely attractive. The class 31, Jinty and 08 shunter are not what it would need. (There never was a pannier tank in Tri-ang's range, although GEM made a body kit).

 

12 mm gauge track does however allow 3 foot and metre gauge prototypes in 4mm scale and perhaps this is where there could be a development. The Isle of Man and Irish 3' 0" gauge was very popular at one time, and could be again.

[Blackbird]

 Thanks for all of the replies to this thread, and I note the interest. You may like to look at some of the possibilities of Tri-ang TT (3mm scale) shown in photos of my project,unfortunately incomplete and discontinued, due to house changes. Can be viewed at: http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/Brucelr/slideshow/

What should be acknowledged is that this scale could provide most of the detail now required by modelers for half the space required for current 4mm layouts!

[LCDR]

 A very impressive set-up Blackbird! 

 

TT was indeed a very brave attempt by Tri-ang to provide a railway system in a more compact space, without sacrificing too much detail or visibility. Sadly the impact of N gauge was too great and it saved even more space so it filled that niche far more efficiently.

 

When I look at present day N gauge models the range of models and the level of detail now being achieved is streets ahead of what Tri-ang achieved with TT. There are numerous ready to run and kit suppliers, and it has become even a rival to OO where people are struggling to fit a model railway into a small space. 

 

So I have to conclude that TT (or 3mm scale in general) is now very much a specialist interest, and only dedicated enthusiasts will choose that in preference to N. Commercially (and reluctantly) I have to say there would be no justification for Hornby bringing it back.

 

[Buz]

 Hi Blackbird

Now that is / was quite a set up shame you never got to finish it I don't know what plans you had.

But I can't make up my mind if nostalgic train set or model railways would be the best way to go with it.

For something that big I don't think it would matter.

regards John