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Got to have ten characters? OK, so I'm new here.
The "n" is for "narrow -- meaning narrower than US standard gauge of 4' 8 1/2" between the rails. The number after the "n" is the track gauge -- measured between the rails. The "3" designates 3-foot-gauge or 36" between the rails. The "30" designates 30" gauge between the rails.
They are not compatible.
HOn30 is very much a specialty, mostly scratchbuilt or kitbashed, gauge. HOn3 has more commercial support, but still much less than standard gauge.
HOn3 uses specific 3-foot-gauge track. HOn30 is very close to standard gauge N scale track, so that's what folks typically use there.
"HO" could be short for "HOs56.5" if you really wanted a comparison. The wonkiness in naming convensions is that sometimes we (modeler community) reference length in feet and sometimes in inches. There is also HOn2. Some people refer to HOn30 as HOn2.5 in order to maintain the references to feet.
And another point if the OP didn't know is that these are all 87.1:1 Scale (the HO part). So the same buildings, people etc can be used.
waltr.
Good thing to bring up.It is amazing how many people think that HO.HOn3,and HOn30 are different scales.If you want a real good example check some of the NG auctions on ebay .
Thanks to all that responded
A wealth of information. I knew a bit about HOn3, as that's what I'm planning for on my layout. Surfing the shops I kept running into that pesky n30.
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