What are the standards for layout construction with this scale? In particular what radius curves are the typical minimum for the motive power being offered…which radius is more appearance oriented for those that have the space to utilize such curves. How about track centers for adjacent tracks as in yards etc. What size are those ties being used on Peco’s version of the On30 track? Rail size code for 70 to 80 lb rail in 1/4" scale?
Anyone have any good reading suggestions on this particular scale?
I’ve seen realistic looking On30 layouts with a 8" radius. You might can even get by with 6". Of course, you’ll be limited to 4 wheel critters and rolling stock. I’m pretty sure the Spectrum Shays and Climaxes can go to a 10" radius, but don’t hold me to it. If Harold sees this, he can tell you for sure. How prototypical are you wanting to be with the tie situation? Atlas code 100 flex track is MUCH closer to the real thing than the Peco is. Peco is 1/43 scale tram track, so the ties are further apart than they need to be. The Atlas ties measure on 15" centers, while they are actually supposed to be representing 18" centers. If memory serves me correctly, I think the Peco ties are represented to be on 26" centers…I know it’s twenty something…so that makes the Atlas WAY more correct as far as tie spacing and width. The only measurement where they are not correct is the tie length. Seems like they spec out at 4 1/2’ in O scale, and the prototype is 6’. Usually though, the tie ends are covered in ballast, so that part is no biggie. Harold is the man. He will straighten out anything I boogered up. I know I’m close, but I can’t remember all the details.
Here is a picture off of Harold’s site. I’m pretty sure that’s an On30 locomotive, and an O scale little person with Atlas code 100 flex track. Looks just fine to me.
What are the standards for layout construction with this scale? In particular what radius curves are the typical minimum for the motive power being offered…which radius is more appearance oriented for those that have the space to utilize such curves. How about track centers for adjacent tracks as in yards etc. What size are those ties being used on Peco’s
That is an OO/HO IHC 4-4-0 and an OO scale person. I have left the world of On30. I am now modeling 1870’s standard gauge in OO/HO. Here is the layout in On30 with Atlas code 100 track.
I find 1870’s OO/HO more fun and easier to do than On30. I have less people e-mailing me I am wrong. If you are interested in the 1870’s visit my 1870’s in OO/HO page at:
I use a minimum of 22" radius although most of the Bachmann locomotives will run on 18" or smaller radii. I use Micro Engineering codes 82 and 70 flex-track to represent 55 & 35 pound rail respectively. The trackwork, turnout , and wheel geometries and specs are the same as HO scale. I use the Kadee # 5 coupler and the HO height on rolling stock although the jury is still out on this standard. Others use the Kadee On3 coupler and height especially for Colorado and other larger 3’ prototypes. I use the On3 RP for the weight of rolling stock.
Thanks harold…!
That reply opened up a lot of great information to me. I do appreciate the obvious efforts you’ve put into your website, and all it well organized sub catagories. I will read all of what you’ve written.
Thanks on30francisco.
I especially appreciate the info on the rail sizing. I alway like scale rail usage whenever it’s practical to do so. Code 83 represents 55lb rail! That’s interesting. I gather rails from the late eighteen hundreds was that small. Is the Bachmann On30 equipment being produced with wheel flanges of an suitable size for this small rail, as in the RP25 profile of most good HO?
Thanks for settin me straight, Harold. I thought that person looked kinda small for O scale, but that was the only close shot I could find. I remember you had one with the On30 on the HO track, but evidently, that wasn’t it. Thanks for chiming in!
GoodoleBob,
Yes, all the wheels on Bachmann’s On30 locos and rolling stock have the HO RP25 profile. They will run with no problems on codes 82, 70, and even code 55 rail.
If I do get involved in On30 I would want to stay away from the minimum radius environment. I would prefer to be at 24 to 26 inch radius in the interest of the nice appearance it allows for, not to mention more reliable operating characteristics as well. I understand some have the need to use smaller curves to fit a railroad into a smaller space. I have adequate room.
