I am still planning an On30 layout, and can not seem to shake my infatuation with some dual gauge trackage. In previous postings regarding this, I was advised not to do it, primarily, because it would look as if I had a 3 rail operation. My new thought is to use On3 to represent my non-operational Class I system and On30 to represent my operational narrow gauge railroad. Any comments regarding this possible plan would be appreciated. Thanks
Kevin
On30 has a 16.5mm gauge while On3 has as 19.05 mm gauge which gives a difference of only 2.55mm or .1004 in. I assume you meant to type O scale for your abandoned Class I line. To complicate matters, O scale track typically have a 1-1/4" or 32 mm gauge which equals a 5 ft gauge track. If you were going to model an abandoned Class I (4’ 8-1/2" between rails) you could use Proto 48 for a correct gauge.
Unless all your trackage is dual gauge, I think it will look okay. The 2 rail portions will make it clear what you are doing. Plus the turnouts won’t be the same as 3 rail Lionel. So i don’t see a problem. Also you’ll get a better contrast with standard gauge than with On3.
Enjoy
Paul
Paul and Edward hit the nail on the head. ON30 dual gauged with O scale standard gauge (classic or finescale) will look great. With narrow gauge cars and standard gauge cars sitting side by side on dual gauge track for contrast, I doubt anyone will confuse it for three rail tinplate. I just love the look of dual gauge trackwork… lots of cool stuff going on in there! Take a look at Hilton’s book “American Narrow Gauge Railroads” - it has a great section on dual or multiple gauge trackwork. It is a must for any narrow gauge fan.
Thanks for the responses. After reading your responses, I am thinking of running my standard gauge in Proto 48. My initial plan is to use Code 100 rail. From what I have researched, it appears possible to at least roll Proto 48 cars on Code 100. Does anyone have any experience at this? Once again, thanks to all for your help
Kevin
As one who advised against the O/On30 dual gauge track earlier, I’ll restate:
Prototype 3ft/standard gauge has the narrow rail 64% of the way from the common rail.
O (1.25")/On3 has the narrow rail 60% of the way from the common rail.
O/On30 has the narrow rail 52% of the way from the common rail.
Proto48/On3 will of course match the prototype at 64%.
Proto48/On30 has the narrow rail 55% of the way from the common rail.
From the figures, the use of O/On30 is not going to look the same as the typical prototype 3ft/standard gauge dual gauge track. Now what prototype 30"/standard gauge track looked like is more open to interpretation because there aren’t many photos of such track in the US. There just wasn’t as much 30" gauge prototype in the US.
The only way to know if the discrepancies are going to bother you is to lay a third rail and see.
What will be a lot less obvious of a discrepancy is the narrow gauge track beside the standard gauge, not dual gauge track. Having cars standing on the track can also mask the visual problems - but also masks the track you wanted to display.
my thoughts, your choices
Fred W
REALLY late entry to this thread, but I am also researching possible On30 and O scale dual trackage. Found an article in MR February 1980 on the UP tie-treatment plant in Wyo. Looks great!!! (I know - O Scale is not true standard gauge - so maybe P48?). Cheers!
Note that the “Track Plan 1” option in the article requires only one crossing of the standard gauge by the 30" gauge. Crossings are much easier to scratchbuild than dual-gauge turnouts. This approach would still offer the look of narrow gauge alongside the standard.
P:48 would be a much larger project because commercial O scale rolling stock and (especially) engines don’t work without modification, as you probably know.
Rob,
Here’s a link to a previous discussion of tie treatment plants here you might find useful. It also includes pics and lots of leads on similar plants that can help you Google up more info and pics.