NATALIE TRICKETT explains how to get going in this scale.
TT is one of the lesser modelled scales, but recently we’ve noticed an increase in interest and an increase in off-the-shelf accessories, figures and rolling stock being produced by manufacturers. As it is a somewhat of an unknown to most modellers, I thought I’d have a look and see what is actually available.
Continental TT Scale is 1:120 scale (1/10th inch to the foot) and is roughly halfway between N Scale and HO Scale, which combines the detail that of HO stock with the space-saving advantages of N Scale. British TT is 1:101.6 but is much less prevalent than continental.
The manufacturers we stock that are currently producing TT items are Roco, Piko, Noch (most scenics are universal, but they do several TT specific scenic items and figures), Viessmann, Preiser, and Vollmer.
DR BR112 Diesel Freight Starter Set IV (DCC-Fitted).
The best place to start is with a Starter set, which is an economical way of getting locomotives, rolling stock, track and a controller all in one package. Roco produce TT Scale Starter Sets TT Scale Starter Sets, which give you the advantage of getting track, rolling stock and a controller all in one package, which means you're ready to go with just one purchase! The Roco sets either contain their Z21 or Multimaus controller.
Arnold, Piko and Roco produce some fantastic quality locos in this scale. While it was hard choosing as there is some many to choose from here is a link to various models just to give you an idea of what sort of things are available.
DR BR101 Diesel Locomotive IV.
Click Here to view all the available Diesel Locomotives in this scale.
DR BR80 Steam Locomotive III.
Click Here to view all the available Steam Locomotives in this scale.
If you’d like to take a look at the full range of locos available in this scale CLICK HERE.
Hobbytrain AAE Sggmrs90 Container Wagon VI.
Piko currently produce some ICE3 coaches, but a lot of rolling stock currently avaiable from our manufacturers are freight wagons. With a wide variety of container wagons available container trains are definately something that can be easily modelled.
Regarding scenery and buildings, while obviously trees, hedges and other general scenery items can be used on any scale as long as it looks right,the buildings and people need to be more accurate.
PR75048 Travellers Walking Era III (6) Figure Set.
For figures, both Noch and Preiser do a vast range of little people. Between them you’ll find almost anything you require, passengers for you coaches and stations, sunbathers for you beach scenes, mechanics, railways staff, and animals - the variety is truly brilliant.
N14424 Wooden Plank Crossing Laser Cut Minis Kit.
As for the buildings, Vollmer have the biggest range. You’ll find mainly houses, some of which could easily be converted into other building like stations, post offices and local pubs. Noch also do a few bits of lineside detailing like sheds, level crossings, and fences.
While the range of items available is not as extensive as other scales, TT Scale offers the chance to build a uniquely interesting layout. We stock a range of scratchbuilding materials and the tools to help you do the job. There are too many products to list, but the most useful would be the Plastruct range of plasticard and plastic items, Noch's decor sheets, a glue for every job in the Deluxe Materials range and of course hundreds of Revell and Humbrol paints.
So if your looking to be a little different and unique in your next project take a look at the different scales available, you might be surprised on whats actually out there these days!