On3 vs. On30

[on30francisco]

I modeled in On3 before Bachmann came out with it's line of On30 equipment. On3 locomotives are extremely expensive as mostly brass is available. Consequently I was never able to purchase one. When Bachmann came out with their line of On30 locos, I immediately switched to that gauge. I have had no regrets!. The Bachmann locos look great, run well and are very affordable. They can also be superdetailed with aftermarket detail parts if you wish. Many On3 pieces of rolling stock can be easily converted to On30 by either regauging the wheels on the stock On3 trucks or replacing the On3 trucks with some HO or made-for-On30 ones. There are also many high quality kits and RTR rolling stock items available at very reasonable prices. Another positive aspect of On30 is it uses the track gauge for HO standard gauge (16.5mm). Most On30 locos and rolling stock will negotiate 18 inch radius curves. You can use a lot of HO parts such as couplers (Kadee #5s), turnouts, track, trucks, wheels, loco chasis, etc. in On30. If you still have a passion for HO (like I do) you can still run your HO equipment on an On30 layout and vice versa - it's not prototypical but it's a great way to enjoy two scales at once and it's fun.

[NevinW]

Thanks for the advice. It looks like On30 is the consensus. It should be fun. - Nevin

[alstom]

On30 is quite cheaper, go for it!![(-D][(-D]

[West Coast S]

I've got two Bachman On30 moguls that i'm re-gaging and re-detailing to 3/16 scale , I know, going in the wrong direction. I'd stick with affordable availibilty of On30.

Dave

[TrainFreak409]

I don't model either scale, but I would go with On30. On3 isn't as available as On30, and will really tear into your wallet. On30 is the most popular of narrow gauge scales in my opinion, and makes it cheaper, and more available.

ereimer, I don't see why you couldn't just exchange the wheel sets, the gauge is only off by 6 inches. If you have an On3 car, and switch it to On30, the hangover on the sides might be a bit more than desired though.

[IRONROOSTER]

Since you're not interested in Colorado 3ft gauge, I'd go with the On30. As others have said, it is cheaper than On3. Plus you can take HO mechanisms and scratch/parts build new superstructures on them.
Enjoy
Paul

[orsonroy]

I'd stick with using On30 as your baseline. Unless you're planning on making On3 your primary modelling scale, there's no reason to spend the sort of money required in On3 motive power.

And let's face it: On3 is a minority "stealth" scale, while On30 is almost "mainstream", due both to the fact that it'll accept any HO equipment, and because it's got a mega-manufacturer like Bachmann supporting it! On30 is the fastest growing "scale" int he hobby, and for every one On3 item you can find, there's ten On30 items out there!

[ereimer]

i'm just curious , if you buy a piece of On3 or On30 rolling stock , could you just change the trucks and wheelsets to switch to the other ? obviously it's going to be more work to convert locos

[jrbernier]

Nevin,

Call Grant Line - I think they make conversion parts for the Bachmann On30 stuff to convert it to On3.....

Jim

[Anonymous]

I would try the On30 just on the basis of what it costs for the engines and cars.
Bachman On30 Porter for $50.00 or so vs On3 brass at 10 to 20 times that. You will get more for your modeling dollar in On30 and if you feel the need and are mechanically adept you can modify the On30 to On3 at a later time.

Just my 2 cents worth
Mark B

[NevinW]

I have decided that I am going to build a modular O scale yard or scene this winter in either On3 or On30. I am very familiar with both but haven't decided which I an going to do. I am thinking about building a Western desert mining scene, perhaps C&C, Death Valley RR- like. I am not that interested in D&RGW, Colorado NG. I have a few Bachmann On30 pieces but understand they are relatively easy to convert to On3. Anyone out there start with On3 or On30 and then switch? Any other thoughts about which direction to go here? - Nevin