- On30
-
On30 is the most common term used to describe the modelling of narrow gauge railways in O scale on HO (16.5 mm/0.650 in) gauge track. Other terms used include O16.5, Oe, and On2½. It is part of the hobby of rail transport modelling.
Contents
Definitions
A Rail Truck in On30 scale, based on the Bachmann Industries model.
On30 Scale per foot: 1/4" to 1ft (6.35mm to 1ft) Scale ratio: 1:48 Gauge: 16.5 mm (0.650 in) Prototype Gauge: 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) On30 uses the American O scale of 1/4" to the foot, (ratio 1:48) to operate trains on HO gauge (16.5 mm/0.650 in) track. The 30 indicates the scale/gauge combination is used to model 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) (30") narrow gauge prototypes, although it is often used to model 2 ft (610 mm) and 3 ft (914 mm) gauge prototypes as well. This scale/gauge combination is sometimes referred to as On2½.
O16.5 Scale per foot: 7mm to 1ft Scale ratio: 1:43.5 Gauge: 16.5 mm (0.650 in) Prototype Gauge: 2 ft 4 in (711 mm) O16.5 in the United Kingdom is a model railway scale/gauge combination of 7mm to the foot. This is the same scale as British O scale (1:43.5 ratio) running on 16.5 mm (0.650 in) gauge track, which is used by HO/OO gauge model railways. It thus represents the prototype gauge of just over 2 ft 4 in (711 mm), although also widely used to model 2 ft (610 mm), 2 ft 3 in (686 mm) and 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) gauge UK prototypes.
0e Scale per foot: 6.8mm to 1ft Scale ratio: 1:45 Gauge: 16.5 mm (0.650 in) Prototype Gauge: 750 mm (2 ft 5 1⁄2 in) and 760 mm (2 ft 5 7⁄8 in) 0e (sometimes Oe) is the European notation for 0 scale using 16.5 mm (0.650 in) track. In Germany and many other European countries 0 scale uses a ratio of 1:45, and the prototypes represented are the European 750 mm (2 ft 5 1⁄2 in) and 760 mm (2 ft 5 7⁄8 in) 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[citation needed]. The scale gives the models a certain bulk, and allows details to be easily seen compared with HO scale. 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 purchase than those produced for On2, On3 or larger scales such as G gauge.
Critics, particularly in the United States, point to the inaccurate track gauge, especially when modelling 2 ft (610 mm) or 3 ft (914 mm) gauge prototypes. They also dislike the tendency to modify HO models, claiming this produces freelance models that would not have been built in reality[citation needed].
Development
United States
In the United States modelling in On30 dates back to the 1950s, using HO gauge wheels and locomotive chassis. The scale was popularised to some extent in the 1960s and 1970's by the writings of modellers such as Gordon North. An On30 layout, the Venago Valley (built by Bill Livingston) was featured in the June 1971 issue of Railroad Model Craftsman magazine. However, as there are very few prototype 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) 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.[citation needed] 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 narrow gauge railroads ranging from mining and logging companies through to large shortline railways such as the 2 ft (610 mm) Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes and the 3 ft (914 mm) Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. Modellers following these prototypes often choose On30 over the more accurate On2 and On3 gauges citing the lower cost of models and the ready availability of ready-to-run models by Bachmann, Accucraft Trains [1] and Broadway Limited [2]. Detail parts and kits for specific models can be adapted easily from models manufactured for On3 modellers and others.
Britain
An O16.5 model based on a Bagnall 0-4-2T design.In Britain O16.5 modelling also began 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 ft (610 mm), 2 ft 3 in (686 mm) and 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) gauge railways that were found throughout Britain, although European, American and even railways from Britain's colonial empire have become popular. For accurate modelling of two-foot gauge railways, such as the Ffestiniog or Lynton and Barnstaple O14 has been employed, although there is some limited commercial support for this scale/gauge, it is mostly of industrial prototypes.[3]
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 (2 ft 5 1⁄2 in) gauge and Austrian 760 mm (2 ft 5 7⁄8 in) 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 model railway[4][5]. Recent examples include 'Steam in the Bush' who are based in the Blue Mountains and produce a mediocre range of On30 'craftsman' style kits. Many modellers choose to model the 2ft6in 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[6].
Japan
On30 is also modelled in Japan, where it is used to represent the 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) narrow gauge railways, such as the Kiso Forest Railway, that were once quite common in that country. Several brass locomotive kits have been produced.
References
- ^ Accucraft Trains
- ^ Broadway Limited
- ^ A 7mm scale, 14mm gauge industrial scene(Retrieved 27 July 2007)
- ^ Vale Clifford Ernest (Rick) Richardson Australian Model Railway Magazine Issue 252 June 2005 p.47
- ^ Vulcan Vale Remembered web site(Retrieved 9th January 2008)
- ^ Proceedings of the Australian Narrow Gauge Convention 2005
Sources
- Model Railroader magazine
- Narrow Gauge and Shortline Gazette magazine
- "Narrow Lines" magazine
- "Proceedings of the Australian Narrow Gauge Convention 2005"
See also
External links
Categories:- Model railroad scales
- 30 inch railways and modelling
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
