From what I can tell, Bachmann hit a homerun with their On30 line. I’ve never seen any of it in operation (the LHS doesn’t carry it). Does anyone have any experience with it? Would On30 work in the garden?
Well remember it is running on HO track. And even though the cars and engines are bigger than HO, they are smaller than O - closer to S. There have been HO layouts done outside, but not too many that I have heard of. Personally I would stick with the larger stuff for outside. But then again you could run some really long trains outside.
Enjoy
Paul
I’m getting really interested in On30 but there is not a lot of information on the subject, hope to hear more in the future, would like to see some On30 photos of layouts, it’s almost a mysterious aspect of the model rail world.
There appears to be a lot of interest in On30, mostly from modelers who are interested in narrow gauge modeling but do not want to spend the big bucks on On3. There is a group on YahooGroups for On30 modelers, with 1800 subscribing. See if this will get you there: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/On30conspiracy/
Bachmann can be credited with the upsurge in this scale, as they have brought out all kinds of really affordable models - a 2-6-0, a Shay, two Porter tank engines (0-4-0 and 0-4-2), a gas mechanical 0-4-0, and the newest, a Climax. There are passenger cars, freight and mining cars, etc. Also Broadway Limited has released an On30 C-16 2-8-0 with sound. It will operate on regular DC or DCC. I have all of these models but haven’t yet started a modular layout in On30, but intend to.
Give it a try!
Bob boudreau
Not to rain on anyone’s parade, but does 30" narrow gauge have a prototype, or is it an approximation to a variety of the “narrower” narrow gauges out there?
Is there much interest in Sn3.5 (3.5 foot narrow gauge with S-scale train cars on HO trucks and track)? The 3 1/2 foot narrow gauge is used by Japan (everything except for the Bullet Train, and they even have “baby Bullet Trains” on that gauge), New Zealand, parts of Australia (Queensland has a Japanese-designed high-speed tilting train on that gauge), South Africa, and I am also thinking Kenya but I could be wrong on that. While 3 1/2 foot is technically a narrow gauge, the countries that use it treat it as a gauge for mainline trains as opposed to a narrow gauge reserved for mountain/mining/logging lines.
Can you get wheels and trucks for Sn3.5? How far off is HO track for 3.5 foot narrow gauge in terms of tie width and tie spacing?
After watching a rerun of Frankenstein, I’m thinking of getting out my debit card, toolbox, and parts box and converting one of the On30 siderod diesels into an HO standard gauge critter. Maybe some new life for a pair of Hustlers and a Mantua critter. I also have an old Fleischman boxcab that could use new power and some Americanization…and run it off the wire!
Rich
30" gauge does have prototypes[:)]
It looks to me that the On30 being made is a mixture of 2 foot and 3 foot in a more of what could have been than what was theme. It’s chief benefit is using HO track. The ties are the wrong size and spacing, but ballast and weathering can minimize that - although there may be some correct track out by now. Looks like it could be fun if you’re into “imagineering” your railroad.
Enjoy
Paul
I find that On30 provides O scale narrow for everyone. If you are thinking about On30, don’t worry about this talk that it isn’t right because the gauge is wrong. You will have more fun in 1/4" scale than any other [:D][:D].
You can put a On30 railroad in a 10x11 room [:0] and have real railroad operation. We are pitching that idea at the Pacific Coast Air Line Railway:
http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/
Thank you if you visit[:D][:D]
Harold
hey guys. I’m not a purist like the rest of you. I’m from the other side of the fence. on the “classic toy trains” crew,but I find your website facinating. I try to operate my trains with a prototype theme & have purchased a freight & passenger set in On30. I want to incorporate a shortline narrow gauge in the scheme of things. can anyone give me some guidance as to what type of couplers to refit these trains with,so I can have automatic operations. thanks so much.
Bachmann On30 rolling stock comes with Kadee clones, set at HO coupler height. You can use clones or Kadees themselves.
Bob Boudreau
I couldn’t resiste the little 0-4-0 Porter. It looks just like the one that used to sit outside the RR station in my hometown.
http://www.fairnet.org/agencies/tvrr/images/Engine01.jpg
see also: http://ftvrr.org./
The little fellow is still running!!!
I like (VERY MUCH) my little porter, and have gotten several types of cars to go with it. I hope to develop a “timesaver” that features the little fellow, and take it to model train meets!
Even though most of my stuff is HO.
[:D][:D][:D]
Yes. The 30" gauge is protypical. I have most of the parts for a full size 12" to the 1ft scale 30" gauge sugar cane car. One of these days I’ll get around to building the complete car. I say that alot these days.
Paul
the Duluth, Superior, & Southeastern
" The Superior Route "
When Bachmann came out with their line of On30 equipment they gave O scale and narrow gauge modeling a big boost. Now anyone can model in O scale narrow gauge without having to second mortgage the house.
On30 has interested me for a while, i’ve allways thought doing a logging line in it would be tons of fun, the size and detail of O in HO space. Is it reconized as a scale in the eyes of the NMRA yet?