Bachmann makes a small 4-4-0 in On30 which is perfect for 55n3. In Scale55 it represents a typical 1890's 4-4-0. The deckless design is not typical of most narrow gauge 4-4-0's, the firebox extends through the cab. Most narrow gauge locomotives had the firebox stopping before the last axle. I can live with that to have a fine running 55n3 locomotive.
Objects aren't "N, HO...S, O, etc. SCALE". An object is what it measures.
That is the idea behind 55n3, we are taking models from other scales and converting them to 55n3. No one makes 55n3, Bachmann makes models that can be used in 55n3 because they match plans in Scale55. That is why we have a scale rule. Measure a model, if it is the right size for Scale55 it is Scale55. The Bachmann On30 equipment is small O scale narrow gauge, but put a Scale55 ruler on the equipment and it becomes 55n3. Now it is realistic three foot equipment.
The locomotive matches up with a scaled photo of a small three foot narrow gauge 4-4-0. (Click image to enlarge)
The cab has a detailed backhead. This is a "deckless" cab with the firebox extending through the cab.
The locomotive comes with a set of accessories to make a woodburner or oil burner and steps for the pilot.
Bachmann's 55n3 4-4-0 matches our lowered Bachmann 55n3 boxcars.
The locomotive also looks good with Bachmann's 55n3 Passenger cars.
How does it run? Great, the locomotive looks good on 18" radius curves and will handle 10 to 12 freight cars and three or four passenger cars easily. It has an eight pin plug and a dual DCC/DC decoder. It has a socket for a 28mm(1 inch) diameter speaker in the tender frame.
The Bachmann 55n3 4-4-0 makes it possible to model in 55n3 easily with a fine piece of motive power.
Larger drivers can be added. These are Bowser HO 69" diameter or Scale55 44".
The drivers scale out to 38" diameter.
How does it compare to real narrow gauge 4-4-0's. The running gear compares to this early Brooks 4-4-0.
(Click image to enlarge)
