On30

On30 is the most common term used to describe the modelling of narrow gauge railways in O scale on HO (16.5mm) gauge track. Other terms used include O16.5, Oe, and On2½. It is part of the hobby of rail transport modelling.

Definitions

On30 uses the American O scale of 1/4" to the foot, (ratio 1:48) to operate trains on HO gauge (16.5 mm gauge) track. The 30 indicates the scale/gauge combination is used to model 2'6" (30") narrow gauge prototypes, although it is often used to model 2' and 3' gauge prototypes as well. This scale/gauge combination is sometimes referred to as On2½.

O16.5 in the United Kingdom is a model railway scale/gauge combination of 7 mm to the foot O scale (1:43.5 ratio) with 16.5 mm gauge track. It thus represents the prototype gauge of just over 2 ft 4 in, although also widely used to model 2', 2'3" and 2'6" gauge UK prototypes.

Oe is the European notation for O scale using 16.5 mm gauge track. In Germany and many other European countries O scale uses a ratio of 1:45, and the prototypes represented are the European 750 mm and 760 mm narrow gauges.

Appeal

On30 is regarded as the fastest growing gauge/scale combination. Proponents of the scale suggest the appeal lies in the models representing "quaint" narrow gauge prototypes. The scale gives the models a certain bulk, and allows details to be easily seen. At the same time electrically and mechanically it is the same as the very popular HO scale, ensuring reliability of operation. Models can also round tight radius curves, allowing layouts to be built in confined spaces. Lastly models are cheaper to purchace than those produced for On3 or larger scales such as G gauge.

Critics, particularly in the United States, point to the inaccurate track gauge, especially when modelling 2' or 3' gauge prototypes. They also dislike the tendency to modify HO models, claiming this produces freelance models that would not have been built in reality.

Development

United States

In the United States modelling in On30 dates back to the 1950's, using HO gauge wheels and locomotive chassis. The scale was popularised to some extent in the 1960's and 1970's by the writings of modellers such as Gordon North. However, as there are very few prototype 2'6" gauge railways in the United States, it remained very much a minority modelling area, especially when compared with modelling in On2 and On3.

In 1998 Bachmann Industries introduced a model of a 2-6-0 steam locomotive in this scale for the Christmas village market. This model, being very inexpensive, was quickly adopted by modellers. Other manufacturers followed Bachmann into this market, and Bachmann also introduced a number of other models. On30 is now regarded as the fastest growing segment of the model railroading market in the United States.

Many US modellers can be broadly cast into one of two groups. The first are freelance modellers, not modelling any specific prototype. These modellers are adept at taking HO scale models and modifying them with new cabs and other features into models without prototypes. A common saying in this group of modellers is that they model with "no standards", a reaction to the highly accurate modelling known as "rivet counting" found in some other sections of the hobby.

The second group model prototype American 3' and 2' narrow gauge railroads such as those used by mining and logging companies though to railroads such as the Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes and the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. The benefits of choosing On30 over the more accurate On2 and On3 gauges include the lower cost of models and the ready availability of track and accessories from Bachmann and others.

As a section of the hobby that has grown in the internet age, there are no national organisations supporting On30. Rather modellers have tended to congregate around internet mail groups, perhaps the best known being the On30conspiracy.

Britain

In Britain O16.5 modelling also commenced in the 1950s, using modified proprietary OO scale models. A number of small companies now supply kits for locomotives made of materials such as brass and white metal, as well as rolling stock kits. British modellers have also had the advantage of Peco flexible track and turnouts, which have become popular throughout the On30 modelling world. The 7mm Narrow Gauge Association supports the hobby, and publishes a magazine, "Narrow Lines". Most modellers attempt to accurately model one of the many 2', 2'3" and 2'6" gauge railways that were found throughout Britain, although European, American and even railways from Britain's colonial empire have become popular.

Europe

A similar pattern of small manufacturers producing kits is followed in continental Europe. However the German firm Fleischmann produces ready-to-run models of small German and Austrian locomotives and associated rolling stock in Oe scale. The most popular prototypes are the German 750 mm gauge and Austrian 760 mm gauge railways.

Australia

Surveys at modelling conventions in Australia have found that the majority of all narrow gauge modellers in that country model in On30, 1:48 scale. An early pioneer was Rick Richardson, with his Vulcan Vale railway. Many modellers choose to model the 2' 6" gauge railways in Victoria, such as Puffing Billy, and a number of kits and ready to run models have been produced for that prototype. However the scale is also popular for modellers of timber logging tramways and the Queensland sugar cane tramways, as well as freelance modellers. A small number of models have also been produced in 7mm:ft scale, mostly of New South Wales prototypes.

Japan

On30 is also modelled in Japan, where it is used to represent the 2'6" narrow gauge railways, such as the Kiso Forest Railway, that were once quite common in that country. Several brass locomotive kits have been produced.

Sources

• "Model Railroader" magazine
• "Narrow Gauge and Shortline Gazette" magazine
• "Narrow Lines" magazine
• "Proceedings of the Austalian Narrow Gauge Convention 1995"