00n3 is the description given to modelling narrow gauge railways in 4 mm scale with gauge track. prototypes were common in Ireland and the Isle of Man, but the scale is not generally used outside the British Isles. gauge track is the same as that used in TT scale and HOm, so some components used for those scales can be used. There is no ready-to-run support, so everything must be either built from scratch or made from kits from Worsley Works, Branchlines, Backwoods Miniatures*, Dundas Models, Ninelines and Alphagraphix amongst others. *The Backwoods kits are slowly being reintroduced by N-Drive Productions. Kits are available in etched brass and nickel-silver, plastic, resin, white metal and card. There are now some 3D printed items of stock available, for example from Model Engine Works, CWRailways & TeBee Models. 00n3 modellers have close relations with other 4 mm narrow gauge modellers, especially 009 modelling.
Exhibition layouts
00n3 layouts that are occasionally exhibited in Britain and Ireland include Annascaul, Castlederg, Letterkenny, Crosby, Strabane, Southwold and Mannin Middle. Burtonport is on permanent display in the Burtonport Railway Walk Museum situated in the St Columba's Community Centre in Burtonport, Co Donegal. Dingle is permanently based at the Windmill Museum, Blennerville, Co. Kerry. Donegal is on permanent display at the County Donegal Railway Heritage Centre, Donegal. There is an 00n3 diorama of Boot station at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway museum at Ravenglass, Cumbria and a diorama of Douglas engine shed at the Port Erin Museum, Port Erin.
Books published
A few books have been published to help the 00n3 modeller. Modelling the Irish Narrow Gauge is a compilation of articles in the Railway Modeller written by David Lloyd and include his Augher and Coolcalaghta layouts. The County Donegal Railway Companion looks in depth at modelling all aspects of the popular County Donegal. The Isle of Man Railway - A modellers inspiration helps those who want to model the Isle of Man Railway, again in all its aspects. Modelling Irish Railways looks at modelling the Irish railway scene with a chapter of information on the Irish 3'. The books are currently out of print but will be available pre-owned from reputable second hand book shops specialising in railway transport.
Magazine Articles
A number of 00n3 layouts have been featured in the Railway Modeller magazine. Abhainn an Scail/Annascaul March 2014; Burtonport February 2017, March 2017 & April 2017; Castleton September 1993 & December 1993; Dingle December 2002, January 2003 & February 2003; Donegal September 2006 & October 2006; Ramsey October 2006. November 2006 & December 2006; Schull January 2012, February 2012, December 2012; Southwold November 2013. 'Freelance' layouts inspired by the Isle of Man Railway that have featured include Bradda West February 1995; Mannin Middle April 2009 & Port Foxdale September 2002. 'Historic' 00n3 layouts in the model railway press include Aire Valley by Derek Naylor ; Llanfair Valley Railway by Rev P. Heath ; Uptha Valley Light Railway ; Vale of Fawrcarnedd Railway by Alan Brackenborough.
Related scales
Outside the British Isles the slightly smaller H0 is used. For European and African / Australian gauge railways H0m is used. In America gauge railroads are modelled on gauge track as HOn3.
