Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

On3 model railroading

816 views
4 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
On3 model railroading
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, November 22, 2004 7:42 AM
I am thinking about starting a layout in On3. The question I have is what type of track is best.
Is it true HO? Whay switches?
How about rolling stock, who makes it?
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Dover, DE
  • 1,313 posts
Posted by hminky on Monday, November 22, 2004 8:13 AM
Since you mention HO track, are you referring to On30? That is O scale running on HO track typlified by the Bachmann equipment. Visit my website, there is information on On30.

http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/

Hope that helps
Harold
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, November 22, 2004 8:48 AM
Yes, that is what I meant.
  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: Omaha, NE
  • 10,621 posts
Posted by dehusman on Monday, November 22, 2004 9:22 AM
Just to make sure what you are talking about, your question was titled "On3". On3 and On30 (On2 1/2) are NOT the same thing. On3 is 36 inch gauge, 1:48 scale. On30 (what Bachmann makes) is 30 inch gauge, 1:48 scale. On3 s will not run on On30 track and vice versa.

So to answer your question On3 does NOT use HO gauge track.

If you meant On30, while you can use HO track for On30, the tie size and spacing will not be "right". The ties will be too narrow (about 4-5" when they should be 6-8"), too short (they shout be 7-8 ft long, HO ties are about 4 1/2 ft long) and too closely spaced (they should be on 18-24" centers, HO ties are on 9-12" centers). If these differences don't bother you then you can use HO track. If you they do then you might not want to use HO track.

Dave H.


Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com

  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Dover, DE
  • 1,313 posts
Posted by hminky on Monday, November 22, 2004 9:46 AM
The Atlas Code 100 track, being grossly oversize for HO, makes visually acceptable track for the average hobbyist. You can build a great layout on a 4x8 peice of plywood in a 10x11 room. On30 gives you the ability to depict real railroading in a small space. The Atlas code 100 track measures out to a 6" wide x 4-1/2 long tie on 15 inch centers in O scale. Most pre-WW1 narrow gauge ties were 6x6x6foot long on 18 inch centers.



We are building a 4x8 On30 layout at:

http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/4x8/

Thank you if you visit[:D][:D]

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!