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HOn30 and HOn3

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  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
HOn30 and HOn3
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, December 19, 2004 10:50 PM
Can someone explain the differences between Ho,HOn30 and HOn3?[:p]
  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: California - moved to North Carolina 2018
  • 4,422 posts
Posted by DSchmitt on Monday, December 20, 2004 12:28 AM
They are all the same scale. 3.5 mm = 1 foot (1/87)

Most people model "standard" gauge 4ft 8-1/2 in between the rails. This is the gauge most used by the prototype in a large part of the world (USA, Canada, Mexico, Western Europe and probably other areas)

HOn3 represents 3ft 0in gauge in HO scale. It is somtimes called HOn36 (that is 36 inches) In the US 3ft gauge was a common guage used, but a distant second in mileage it standard gauge. While true 3ft gauge models exist, they are very few and usually expensive.

HOn30 represents 30 inch gauge in HO scale. It is also called HOn2-1/2 (2ft + 1/2 ft)
It was a common gauge for industrial railroads in the US and both industrial and "common carrier" railroads in som other parts of the world. Many Modelers like it because N scale locos modified and N scale track components can be used. Modelers use it a compromise for HO scale models of 3 ft gauge, 2ft gauge, and 30in gauge prototypes

I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.

I don't have a leg to stand on.

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