On30

[Anonymous]

I have noticed the ads for On30 engines and cars that run on HO track.  Are they powered by AC or DC, and do they make track specifically for these engines (ties the proper size)?  Would I be better off going to On3?

[CSXect]

Peco makes On30 track with proper tie size and spaceing, Check Micromark out for the best prices on the Bachman locomotives equiped with DCC a 2-6-0 for $69.95 much cheaper than from other sources. oh yeah I believe they run on DC power.

[pbjwilson]

The On30 trains run on DC. They are typically models of shortline mining and logging railroads around the turn of the century(19th to 20th). Very small porter engines and wooden railcars. Some very nice passenger cars as well. To give you an idea of size here is a picture of an On30 loco on top of a Lionel steamer.

[Anonymous]

1.  They operate on DC power, just like N, HO, Large Scale, etc.

2.  They operate on any HO track, and also on On30 track made by Peco and Micro-Engineering.  The Micro-Engineering track is actually a closer representation of U.S. narrow gauge in terms of the ties and tie spacing, but I don't believe they offer switches for their track line yet.  I could be wrong about that.  I have the Peco track, and it works fine for me.

3.  If you enjoy narrow gauge equipment, which I certainly do, On3 provides a great way to enjoy O scale railroading at a small price and in a relatively small space.

4.  Most today come DCC ready, DCC equipped, or can be fitted with DCC in the case of older models.  Some (Broadway Limited models, for example) also are equipped with sound.

5.  On30 makes it easy to add a narrow gauge line to an existing O gauge pike so you can enjoy the best of both worlds (although you'll find On30 to be far more affordable).  There are plenty of accessories available because any true O scale accessory/structure/figure works just fine with On30.

6.  One of the best places to see what's available and how it's being used is to get hold of a copy of "Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette."  Once you see that magazine, and the superb modeling presented in it (along with prototype info and articles), you'll be hooked for sure.  In my opinion, it's the best magazine in all of model railroading, regardless of scale.

[fwright]

I look at On30 as a great addition to a 3 rail O layout.  Put in an elevated line on top of your mountain (you do have a mountain and tunnel, don't you!?), a couple of turnouts and spurs, and enjoy.  Get a separate DC power pack, because the power supplies are indeed different.  But if you have some HO equipment, you can run it on the On30 track when the mood strikes (but the structures will be a little out of scale). 

If you are super scale conscious, you will want On30 specific track (or go to On3).  Otherwise, standard HO track works fine, and is more available.  But if you were that scale appearance conscious, you wouldn't likely be posting on the toy train forum.

Take a look at http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/.  Harold has switched back and forth between On30 and OO/HO a couple of times on the same layout, and has lots of great techniques and tips.

On3 is the accurate scale/gauge for modeling 3ft narrow gauge prototypes.  In the U.S., 3ft was the dominant narrow gauge, especially for common carrier.  There were some 2ft gauge common carrier prototypes, as well.  But there were very few 30" gauge railroads; and almost all that were built were owned and/or operated on behalf of a single logging company or mine.

The attraction of On30 instead of On3 is that existing HO components (track, wheels, mechanisms) can be used to make a "good enough" representation of narrow gauge.  Then Bachmann popularized On30 with their reasonably priced RTR equipment that ran on HO track but looked much closer to scale to the Village 56 and other popular ceramic structures.

The choice is really up to you and your modeling priorities.

my thoughts, your choices
Fred W