Constructing an On30 4x8 layout

[on30francisco]

I model in On30 and Large Scale. I have the Bachmann Mogul, Climax, Consolidation, and two of the Porters. I'm very impressed with the quality and the detail of these locos although I've had trouble with the drive shaft of the Climax. The recent releases such as the Consolidation come equipped with DCC and can also be operated with regular DC. I've yet to install DCC on the other locos I have but plan to in the future. On30 is a lot easier to work with than the smaller scales and most locos will negotiate 18'' or smaller radii. The detailing potentials are great for this scale and it costs about the same as HO.

Within the past year I've been modeling in Large Scale and got hooked on it due to the ease of working with the larger size and the fantastic detailing possible but also model in On30 due to all the high quality products available. I believe On30 is one of the best things that ever happened in narrow gauge due to the fact that it runs on HO track gauge and is very affordable compared to narrow gauge modeling in other scales.

Im sorry I can't help you out with any information concerning the installation of DCC as I've never installed DCC modules on locos. Although I prefer to build and do things myself, I'd probably spend the money and have it done by Tony's Train Exchange.

As other posters suggested, visit the following site for comprehensive information and modeling tips about On30:

http://www.pacificcoastairliner.com/ 

The  magazines Narrow Gauge and Shortline Gazette and Light Iron Digest are other excellent sources for On30 and narrow gauge modeling. 

 

[narrowgaugemaster]

Hey guys.  I'm new here, and I need help on the construction of my layout.  I am creating an On30 D&RGW narrowgauge railroad on a 5x9 board.  I realy want to put a 3 stall roundhouse, but they are very big and it might not make my layout look realistic. shoud I or shoud I not?

[krump]

very impressive Harold
cheers

[Anonymous]

Wonderful site. It is an inspiration and one that encourages me to get out of the armchair! I have some On30 cars and two engines plus a lot of track so perhaps I am now ready to roll. Thank you and I will keep in touch.

Brian

[hminky]

The present 4x8 layout is a practice ground for the future bigger dream railroad. I also am building it to demonstrate what can be done in On30 with readily available hobby shop supplies by the average hobbyist at a beginner's level. The Peco track isn't really 1/4" scale track, it is 7mm scale-16.5mm gauge industrial tramway track. It is too clunky for my taste. The ties are too bulky and short. The big layout will have hand laid code 83 track.
Hope that helps
Harold

[[e-mail]]

I thought your website was terrific. Thank you for all your time & information. I'm curious how and why you decided to use HO track as is rather than opting for the more prototypically correct choice of using either PECO On21/2 track with the correctly sized and spaced track, or the more time-consuming handlaying option on such an obviously realistic project.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have experience constructing a On30 line with ceramic buildings like Sutio 56 or the cheaper versions?

[vsmith]

Nice, I'm jealous...

I toyed with the idea of moving to On30 but I've got so much invested in G right now...I really like the stuff becoming available. The range of directions and options is really getting better every year. If my current layout gets any more "downsized", I'm switching!

[hminky]

I am constructing a On30 beginner's level layout on my website and chronicling the adventure.. Also there is information on putting DCC in the Bachmann Mogul and improving the Broadway Limited Imports C-16.

http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/

Thank you if you visit
Harold