on30, what is scale and track gauge?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Saw ad on internet for Bachmann set “on30”. What is it please? Thanks.

2

“On30” is “O” scale equipment that operates on “HO” scale track, which is very close to 30 inch gauge track in O scale. When you see a scale followed by a small “n”, it means trains that operate on narrow gauge track. The number following the “n” is the track gauge. If it is a 2, 2.5, 3, etc. it is feet, if it is 24, 30, 36, etc. it is inches. There were trains that operated on 30 inch gauge, but no common carriers in the US. The last 30 inch gauge operation was M.A. Patout & Son sugar plantation near Thibodeaux, Louisiana, in the early 1980’s. There is still a fairly extensive 30 inch gauge system in Brazil that uses US-built and style equipment.

3

That was early 1960’s, not 1980’s! Did not catch the typo in time!

4

Thank you Greg. Roger D.