First steps into On30

[tbdanny]

Hi all,

I've decided to change scale again.  While I was modelling in HOn3, I found that I enjoyed building the kits and scratchbuilding structures and rolling stock the most, and that HO scale wasn't giving me the size I needed to do a proper job.

So I've decided to go into On30, with a freelanced layout depicting a logging railroad in the Pacific Northwest of the USA.  Specifically, somewhere in Oregon.

I haven't finalised the details of the concept yet, but it will be a short line, the Bradford Valley Lumber Co.  The railroad runs down from the mountains to a river, where the logs are floated downstream to a sawmill.  There is also a dock for supplies for the logging site, and this is the railroad's only connection to the outside world.

I'm in the middle of doing up a track plan, but I have started working on the rolling stock:

Logging disconnects #7 and #8 are built on white-metal chassis produced and sold by my LHS - the owner is an On30 modeller as well.  I haven't quite finished detailing the log bunks on top.

I've also done flatcar #4:

This one was based on a Tichy HO scale flatcar kit.  I replaced the kit's endbeams with ones cut from stripwood, widened it slightly and applied a new deck, brakewheel and NBW castings.

All three freight cars are runing on Kadee HO scale arch bar trucks.

I'll post more as I build more.

Cheers,

tbdanny

[mlehman]

tbdanny,

Nice work. Bet it won't be long and those neat little cars sitting there will be giving you the inspiration you need to get some track underneath them.

[narrow gauge nuclear]

I can feel for ya'.  I am in HOn3 of recent and the micro detailing is working off the last vestiages of any youth or even middle age that I might have had as relates to steadiness and eyesight.  The one thing that I find appealing about the O narrow gauge is the larger size.  Unfortunately, space availability and cash prohibit a major change over.

All the best on your future layout from a fellow narrow gauger.

Richard

[tbdanny]

Right,

I've received my Forney and the first of my Shays (which will be BVLC #5).  I haven't lettered the Shay yet, but here's the forney:

I'm aware a logging forney isn't that likely, but the backstory is that this is the only engine that was available when the BVLC desperately needed one in 1912.

Modifications made:
- Scratchbuilt wood load
- Removal of doors from cab
- Addition of included spark arrestor

Once my water tank car kit comes in, I'll be adding that as a water-only tender to increase the engine's range.

[West Coast S]

Great work, your layout concept does have precedence

If I were to commit to On30 my endevors would loosely follow a narrow guage outfit taken over by the SP, no rattle trap line this was, SP upgraded the roster with flat cars cast in the Sacramento foundry and the six 2-6-0's rostered were rebuilt and upgraded to the same high standards as standard guage power with similar attention to matters of right-of way and bridge upgrades. 

Similar to your proposed concept: Logs were floated in and loaded for transport to the SP standard guage interchange, finished lumber and related products provided additional sources of revenue from several on line mills and connecting lumber operators. A brisk tourist trade justified scheduled passenger service in the summer months and retention of a stern wheel steamer for cross lake traffic.    

There is a prototype for everything!            

Dave

 

 

[brochhau]

Nice Forney; what did you use for the lettering?  It looks great.

Nice move going to On30.  I've been dabbling in it for about 6 years now, and every time I am tempted to go back to HO, I go to visit another layout (they are always HO) and shrug at how small everything is.

Very nice disconnects as well!

Scott

[tbdanny]

The lettering is Microscale's 'Railroad Roman HO Scale' decal set.

[tbdanny]

Hi all,

I've got a bit more done, both in terms of layout and cars.

Here's the first of the two gondolas, BVLC #12.  It's based on a Tichy Train Group boxcar chassis, with Kadee wheels and couplers.  Stakes on the sides are Wiseman castings, and the brake wheel is also Tichy:

I've also modified flatcar #4 into water and tool carrier car #5:

And here's a shot of the two of them behind Climax #4 on what's done of my layout so far:

I've just received my Backwoods Miniatures turntable kit, so that should be going in shortly.

[stebbycentral]

One word of advice when you get to the layout planning stage.  It may seem obvious but it is so often overlooked, especially by people upgrading from the small scales:  The trains may be smaller, and the track may be thinner, but the buildings are still full size O-scale!  Plan your structure placement and clearances accordingly.

[tbdanny]

Hi all,

I've made a bit more progress on my rolling stock.  The Climax detailing kit I ordered from Backwoods Miniatures came in, along with one of their flatcar hand crane kits.  I'm still waiting on the Forney kit - they're out of stock, but expecting them shortly.

Here's the Climax:

It originally started as one of these.

I've also done a bit of preparation work for the Forney conversion.  It's the same engine a bit further up this thread, with the #4 on it - it's now #3.  I discovered that the conversion kit isn't designed for the wood cab I have on mine.  So I took a hacksaw to the cab.

After joining the two sides, I used the 'plastic shavings and cement' technique to fill the gaps, then cut and filed it to match the cab.  It was the first time I've tried this sort of 'chop job', so I wasn't sure how it would turn out.  I'm looking forward to doing the rest of the Forney conversion.

Cheers,

tbdanny

[trwroute]

Your stuff looks great!  I've played around with On30 a little and it is a lot of fun.

Thanks for sharing!