Empire Builder
Great Northern fanatic
I'm confused. What exactly is On30? They say it's 1:48 scale (like O scale), but it runs on HO track. Can someone help me on this?
Railphotog said:On30 is O scale narrow gauge, 1:48 to the foot. Narrow gauge track centers are 30", hence the 30 in the desgination. Standard O scale track would be 4'-8-1/2" wide. On30's tracks are just closer. The equipment is all O scale, but is generally smaller due to the smaller track gauge. That was one of the benefits of the prototype narrow gauge railroads - the smaller equipment was cheaper to own and operate.
Similarly On3 is O scale with tracks 3 feet apart. The trucks for both scales are no HO sized, they are larger, in O scale, but the wheels are either 30" or 3 feet apart.
OO is the British equivalent of HO scale, think it's 4mm to the foot, while HO is 3.5mm.
The same thing happens in HO scale narrow gauge - HOn30 can run on N scale track. HOn3 needs specially made 3' gauge track.
Clear as mud?
Railphotog said:"So does On30 equipment look the same size as HO equipment or bigger? And if the trucks aren't HO, then how can it run on HO track?"
No, On30 equipment is 1/4" scale, while HO is half its size at 1/8" scale. The On30 Trucks are larger, but the spacing between the wheels is narrow. When using HO track in On30 scale, the tracks are only 30" apart.
See attached photo - truck on left is HO scale, one on right is On30, both on HO scale track.