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HOn30 gauge
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HOn30 (also called HOn2½, HO9 and H0e) gauge is the modelling of narrow-gauge railways in HO on N (9 mm / 0.354 in) gauge track in 1:87 scale ratio.

Definitions

[edit]

The term HOn30 (and sometimes HOn2½) is generally used when modelling American prototypes while H0e is used for European prototypes. In Britain, the term OO9 is used.[1] All these terms refer to models of narrow-gauge railways built to the world's most popular model railway scale of HO (1:87) but using a track gauge of 9 mm (0.354 in)—the gauge used for N scale models of standard-gauge railways. OO9 refers to OO scale, 1:76.2, models on 9mm gauge track. Although the track gauge is 9mm, sometimes N scale track per se is not used because the ties or sleepers are out of scale and too close together. As such, HOn30 track is available.

HOn30

[edit]
HOn30
Chivers Finelines Forney 2-4-4, built by Peter Bartlett
Scale3.5 mm to 1 ft (305 mm)
Scale ratio1:87
Model gauge9 mm (0.354 in)
Prototype gauge2 ft (610 mm)
(narrow gauge)

HOn30 is often used to model the 2 ft (610 mm) gauge railroads in the US state of Maine.[2] The first HOn30 / HOn2½ ready-to-run (RTR) brand introduced in the US was the AHM MinitrainS,[3] initially manufactured by Egger-Bahn and later by Roco and Mehanoteknika Izola, also known as Mehano.

Perhaps the most fascinating part of HOn30 is that RTR models are still scarce. One exception is The MinitrainS line that has recently been upgraded.[4]

H0e

[edit]
H0e
Egger-Bahn Steam Tram
Scale3.5 mm to 1 ft (305 mm)
Scale ratio1:87
Model gauge9 mm (0.354 in)
Prototype gauge760 mm (2 ft 5+15⁄16 in)
(Narrow gauge)

H0e is a gauge defined by the Normen Europäischer Modellbahnen (NEM).[5] According to that standard, H0e represents narrow gauges between 650–850 mm (25.59–33.46 in), though it is often used to represent 600 mm (1 ft 11+5⁄8 in) gauge railways as well. In strict scale H0e represents a theoretical gauge of 783 mm (30.8 in), which does not exist as a prototype. But this is very close to the gauge of the 750 mm (2 ft 5+1⁄2 in) gauge railways most widely used in Germany, 760 mm (2 ft 5+15⁄16 in) gauge railways Bosnian gauge most widely used in the former Austro-Hungarian empire, 800 mm (2 ft 7+1⁄2 in) gauge rack railways in Switzerland as well as to the 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) gauge used in parts of the British Empire.

Development

[edit]
From left to right: Narrow-gauge railways, field railway and Decauville system track with a model gauge of 9 mm (0.354 in).

H0e scale was invented by Egger-Bahn in 1963[6] - for a long time out of production, but some of the Egger-Bahn line has been reintroduced by MinitrainS.[7] Other manufacturers to produce HOe in recent years have included Roco, Liliput, Bemo and Tillig.

United States

[edit]

In 1965 Bob Hayden and Dave Frary stumbled upon an Associated Hobby Manufacturer's AHM[3] "MinitrainS" HOn2+1⁄2 (now named HOn30) train set at a Woolworth's department store and decided to use it to model Maine 2-foot railroads in HO scale.

The AHM MinitrainS line was introduced only a few years after N scale appeared in Europe. The product line represented North American prototypes in HO scale, using N-gauge track. AHM offered two industrial locomotives, a Plymouth diesel and a Baldwin steam locomotive.

Hayden & Frary used the AHM trains to model a HOn2+1⁄2 3-by-5-foot (0.91 m × 1.52 m) portable model railroad called the Elk River Line. The layout appeared in articles starting in the April 1970 issue of Railroad Model Craftsman.

The pair built a second HOn2+1⁄2 layout called Thatcher's Inlet, a 6-foot-by-30-inch (1.83 m × 0.76 m) shelf-type switching layout. It was inspired by the Wiscasset waterfront of the Maine 2-foot railroads. The equipment was based more on available N gauge products than on the AHM MinitrainS line – it reflected the growing variety of N-gauge equipment and accessories available in the early 1970s.

Next came Dave Frary's 12-by-26-foot (3.7 m × 7.9 m) HOn2+1⁄2 Carrabasset & Dead River Ry (C&DR), one of the first known large model railroad to utilize HOn2+1⁄2. It appeared in the November 1979 and February 1980 issues of Model Railroader.

In 1974, Bob Hayden started his own version of the C&DR. Its first engine was a reworked AHM MinitrainS steamer. The first C&DR road diesels, No. 25 and 26, were based on Minitrix N-gauge Fairbanks-Morse switchers. Hayden's C&DR was featured in Model Railroader's Great Model Railroads 1991 annual.

During the mid-1970s a Japanese company, Sango, made a kit for a 2-6-0 Baldwin engine which showed a great improvement in running ability. This started a growing interest in HOn2+1⁄2 in Japan. From 1978 to 1982, Joe Works, Sango, and Flying Zoo kits and built-up brass models came on the scene. There was a thriving interest in Japan in 2-footers using N gauge track, as this allowed more HO scale modeling in less space than traditional HO gauge track.

[edit]

The other NEM defined narrow gauges for H0 scale are H0m gauge (using 12 mm / 0.472 in gauge originally TT scale track) for models of 1,000 mm (3 ft 3+3⁄8 in) gauge and similar prototypes and H0i or H0f gauge (using Z scale 6.5 mm / 0.256 in track) for prototypes around 600 mm (1 ft 11+5⁄8 in) – the most popular gauge for industrial (or Feldbahn) railways.

In the United Kingdom where the most popular railway modelling scale is 1:76 designated 4 mm scale. The narrow-gauge equivalents to H0e and H0m are OO9 and OO12. For modelling 3 ft (914 mm) gauge railways – widely used in Ireland and the Isle of Man – a 12 mm (0.472 in) gauge track (as for H0m) is used. For modelling the same 3 ft (914 mm) track in HOn3 or OOn3 – widely used in the United States – the track is 10.5 mm (0.413 in).

In the United States the NMRA have developed many standards[8] for narrow-gauge modelling, including those modelling in HOn30 and its related gauges.

Summary

[edit]

Table

[edit]

The following table lists the most popular narrow gauges in HO and OO scale:

Name Scale Model gauge Prototype gauge Used in
H0p 1:87 4.5 mm (0.177 in) 300 to <400 mm Continental Europe
H0f/H0i 1:87 6.5 mm (0.256 in) 400 to <650 mm Continental Europe
HOn2 1:87 7 mm (0.276 in) 2 ft (610 mm) Americas
HOn30 (HOn2½) 1:87 9 mm (0.354 in) 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) America
H0e 1:87 9 mm (0.354 in) 650 to <850 mm Continental Europe
OO9 1:76 9 mm (0.354 in) 2 ft 3 in (686 mm) Great Britain
HOn3 1:87 10.5 mm (0.413 in) 3 ft (914 mm) America
H0m 1:87 12 mm (0.472 in) 850 to <1250 mm Continental Europe
HOn3½ 1:87 12 mm (0.472 in) 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) Great Britain if scale is 1:87
OO12 1:76 12 mm (0.472 in) 3 ft (914 mm) Great Britain

Remarks

[edit]

Model railroaders with layouts and rolling stocks by American standard and usually by British standard use for designation of the scale in English language publications the letter O and not the number 0.

In Great Britain and rarely in the French language for narrow gauge it is written after designation of the scale the model gauge in mm, for example, OO9 or OO6.5 in United Kingdom and H09 rather than H0e or H06,5 rather than H0f in France.

In Great Britain and in the French language it is written sometimes with a hyphen or en dash between the scale and the model gauge, for example, OO–9 or H0-9.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

HOn30 gauge

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from Grokipedia
HOn30 gauge (also known as HOn2½) is a narrow-gauge modeling standard in the hobby of model railroading, utilizing proportions at a ratio of 1:87 to depict prototype railroads with a of approximately 30 inches (2.5 feet or 762 mm; exactly 783 mm at scale), which corresponds to 9 mm track in the model. This combination enables the use of readily available track and mechanisms, adapted with HO scale bodywork for enhanced detail on compact layouts. The designation HOn30 specifically applies to modeling American narrow-gauge prototypes of around 2 to 2.5 feet gauge, such as the 2-foot gauge lines in , whereas the equivalent HOe nomenclature is typically reserved for European subjects. Emerging as a practical compromise for enthusiasts seeking finer detail than larger narrow-gauge options like On30, HOn30 gained prominence in the 1970s through influential articles by Dave Frary and Bob Hayden in Railroad Model Craftsman magazine, including their Elk River Line (1970) and Thatcher's Inlet (1972) series. HOn30 appeals to modelers of industrial, , and short-line railroads from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, offering space-efficient operation with a smaller footprint than standard HO or HOn3 while maintaining proportional accuracy for approximately 2.5-foot gauge prototypes. Support includes ready-to-run locomotives and cars from manufacturers like Minitrains, alongside kitbashing opportunities using N scale components, fostering a dedicated community focused on historical accuracy and creative adaptation.

Definitions and Terminology

Core Definition

HOn30 gauge is a model railroading system that employs models, adhering to a standard ratio of 1:87, to depict narrow-gauge railways on track with a 9 mm gauge, equivalent to track. This setup enables the representation of prototype track separations scaling to approximately 30 inches (762 mm), providing a practical means for modeling compact, specialized rail lines. The primary purpose of HOn30 is to recreate 2-foot (610 ) gauge railroads, particularly those used in industrial and mining contexts, such as logging tramways or coal-hauling operations in rugged terrains. Although the 9 mm track technically scales to slightly over 2 feet 6 inches in prototype terms, it serves as a close approximation suitable for these very narrow prototypes, prioritizing operational realism over exact fidelity. A key advantage of HOn30 lies in its integration of HO scale body proportions with the affordability and widespread availability of N scale track and components, allowing modelers to achieve detailed narrow-gauge layouts without custom fabrication of core infrastructure. This approach makes it an efficient choice for enthusiasts seeking to explore short-haul, resource-extraction railroading in a space-efficient format.

Variant Names and Regional Usage

HOn30 gauge is known by several synonymous terms that reflect different emphases on equivalents or metric measurements, including HOn2½, which highlights the 2.5-foot (762 mm) gauge it models, HO9, derived from the 9 mm model , and H0e, the European notation for narrow-gauge modeling in . These terms are largely interchangeable, as they all describe HO-scale (1:87) models running on 9 mm gauge track, though HOn30 specifically underscores the American focus on 2-foot narrow gauges. In , HOn30 is the dominant term, particularly for modeling 2-foot gauge prototypes common in early 20th-century logging and mining railroads, with the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) defining it as narrow gauge at 30 inches between the rails. In , H0e is the preferred nomenclature under the NEM (Normen Europäischer Modellbahnen) standards established by MOROP, applying to prototypes with gauges between 650 mm and 850 mm, such as those in alpine or industrial settings, using a standardized 9.0 mm in 1:87 scale. This European convention ensures compatibility across continental modelers, distinguishing it from broader narrow-gauge variants like H0m (12 mm gauge). In Britain, the equivalent is OO9, which combines OO scale (1:76) models with 9 mm track to represent narrow-gauge prototypes around 2 feet (610 mm) or similar, a practice rooted in the country's preference for the slightly larger OO scale over HO. While not governed by a single formal standards body like NEM or NMRA, OO9 has become a de facto standard for British narrow-gauge modeling, often using modified N-gauge track components for accessibility. The terms' interchangeability allows global modelers to share components, but regional preferences tie HOn30 to American 2-foot emphasis, H0e to metric continental prototypes, and OO9 to British imperial scaling traditions.

Historical Development

European Origins

The H0e scale, a precursor to HOn30, was introduced by the German manufacturer Egger-Bahn in 1963, marking the first commercial ready-to-run (RTR) models in (1:87) for narrow-gauge railways using 9 mm track. Founded by three brothers in , the company debuted its initial lineup of locomotives and rolling stock at the Toy Fair in February 1963, targeting prototypes from 750 mm gauge lines prevalent in . Egger-Bahn's early models focused on industrial and equipment, such as (O&K) steam locomotives commonly used on 750 mm networks in and , including alpine regions like the and Tyrolean lines. These RTR products represented a scale equivalent of approximately 750 mm prototype gauge, allowing modelers to depict compact, detailed narrow-gauge operations without the need for custom . The innovation lay in adapting N-scale (9 mm gauge) mechanisms to larger HO-scale bodies, enabling realistic proportions for narrow-gauge trains that were previously underrepresented in commercial modeling. This approach facilitated early adoption among European hobbyists for simulating alpine logging, , and tourist railways, laying the groundwork for H0e's influence on international narrow-gauge modeling standards.

North American Adoption

The introduction of HOn30 gauge to North American modelers occurred in the mid-1960s through the efforts of Associated Hobby Manufacturers (AHM), which released its MiniTrains line of ready-to-run equipment designed specifically for the gauge. These models utilized N-scale track and mechanisms paired with HO-scale bodies to represent 2-foot gauge prototypes, such as the narrow-gauge logging railroads of . Modelers Bob Hayden and Dave Frary significantly advanced the gauge's adoption by adapting AHM MiniTrains locomotives and cars for their innovative layouts, beginning with the portable 3-by-5-foot Elk River Line in the late . Their work demonstrated practical applications for modeling compact, rugged narrow-gauge operations, drawing inspiration from American prototypes like Maine's two-footers. The publication of Hayden and Frary's multi-part article series, "The Saga of the Elk River Line," in Railroad Model Craftsman starting in April 1970, greatly spurred interest among hobbyists, encouraging widespread DIY conversions of N-scale components to create custom HO-scale narrow-gauge equipment. This exposure highlighted techniques for bashing locomotives and , fostering a community of builders focused on affordable, space-efficient layouts. The appeal of HOn30 lay in its economic advantages, leveraging inexpensive N-scale track and drive mechanisms to enable detailed narrow-gauge modeling without the higher costs associated with larger scales, making it ideal for hobbyists with limited space or budgets. By the late , this momentum led to the emergence of dedicated HOn30 kits from manufacturers like those importing Roco products, further solidifying the gauge's place in American model railroading.

International Expansion

The expansion of HOn30 modeling beyond its European origins and North American adoption in the 1960s began to diversify globally in the 1970s, with significant uptake in Asia, particularly Japan, where the scale aligned well with local narrow gauge prototypes. In Japan during the 1970s and 1980s, manufacturers such as Joe Works produced brass kits and ready-to-run locomotives for HOn30, targeting prototypes with gauges of 600-762 mm, including industrial and rural lines that mirrored the country's historical 762 mm (2 ft 6 in) gauge networks. Although Kato and Tomytec primarily focused on N scale products during this period, their mechanisms and track components were frequently adapted for HOn30 kits, facilitating the scale's growth among Japanese modelers interested in domestic narrow gauge railways. In , the 1980s marked a period of increased interest in HOn30 for modeling the 2-foot (610 ) gauge sugar cane railways of , following the progressive dieselization of these lines starting in the 1950s, with diesel locomotives becoming predominant by the 1980s and mechanized harvesting leading to the use of bulk bins transported by wagons. While ready-to-run (RTR) options were limited at the time, the scale's compatibility with N gauge mechanisms encouraged for prototypical representations of these lines, including side-dumping sugar boxes hauled to ports. This regional adaptation highlighted HOn30's versatility for tropical and subtropical narrow gauge operations, with layouts often incorporating the extensive 2,000 miles of tramways serving coastal mills. The growth of online communities in the 2000s further propelled HOn30's international reach, enabling global enthusiasts to share techniques for and emerging applications tailored to the scale. Platforms like Yahoo Groups, including the HOn30 Mail Car, fostered discussions on customizing N scale parts for narrow gauge prototypes, while the rise of affordable from the early 2000s onward allowed modelers to produce unique components such as chassis and body shells. This digital connectivity democratized access to scarce RTR items, promoting collaborative projects across continents. HOn30's adaptability extended to diverse international prototypes, such as the narrow gauge slate mines of , where crossovers with modeling—sharing the same 9 mm —enabled the use of British 1:76 scale bodies on HO mechanisms for hybrid layouts depicting 2-foot gauge quarry tramways. Similarly, the scale has been employed for Pacific island narrow gauge lines, including plantation railways on remote atolls, with kitbashed models capturing the isolated, diesel-powered operations typical of these regions. As of 2025, manufacturers like Bachmann continued to expand HOn30 offerings with ready-to-run models tied to popular franchises, such as narrow-gauge equipment, enhancing global appeal.

Technical Specifications

Scale Ratio and Track Gauge

HOn30 modeling employs a scale ratio of 1:87, consistent with the standard HO scale as defined by the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) in standard S-1.2, which specifies a proportion of 3.5 mm per foot. The track gauge is fixed at 9 mm (0.354 inches), matching the NMRA-defined N scale track gauge to enable use of compatible sectional track and components. This 9 track gauge aligns with the NMRA S-1.2 minimum of 8.74 and maximum of 9.00 for , ensuring interoperability while representing narrow-gauge prototypes in dimensions. In European practice, the Normen Europäischer Modellbahnen () standard 010 similarly establishes H0 scale at 1:87 with a standard gauge of 16.5 , while H0e narrow-gauge variants (including equivalents to HOn30) utilize 9 track for prototypes under 1250 gauge. The corresponding prototype gauge is derived from the formula: prototype gauge = model track gauge × scale ratio. For HOn30, this yields 9 mm×87≈783 mm9 \, \text{mm} \times 87 \approx 783 \, \text{mm} (or about 30.8 inches), providing a close approximation to the targeted 30-inch (762 mm) narrow gauge when adjusted for modeling tolerances. Operational reliability on HOn30 layouts is supported by minimum curve radii of 12 to 18 inches, accommodating most commercial equipment without excessive stress. Wheelsets adhere to the NMRA RP-25 contour profile, originally developed for fine-scale operation and adapted for the shallower flanges suitable to 9 mm gauge track.

Prototype Gauge Equivalents

HOn30 is designated for prototype narrow-gauge railways of 30 inches (762 mm) but is commonly used as a practical compromise to model narrower 2 ft (610 mm) gauge railways, such as industrial and logging operations including the two-footers and Colorado's Gilpin Gold Tramway. Although exact 30-inch gauge prototypes are rare, HOn30's use of readily available 9 mm N-scale track makes it ideal for modeling approximate narrow gauges, especially 2 ft lines, with enhanced detail over larger scales. In European contexts, the equivalent HOe designation approximates real-world gauges between 650 mm and 850 mm, including prominent German 750 mm field railways, where the 9 mm model track introduces a slight overscale factor to enhance mechanical reliability and smoother operation on curves. As a compromise scale, HOn30 employs a 9 mm that scales to approximately 2 ft 7 in (783 mm), providing a close representation of 30-inch (762 mm) gauge prototypes, yet it accommodates a broader spectrum of prototypes from 500 mm to 900 mm through proportional adjustments in superstructure dimensions. While not an exact match for 762 mm (2 ft 6 in) prototypes, HOn30 finds common application in modeling British 2 ft (610 mm) gauge lines, often via chassis conversions from N-scale mechanisms to achieve proportional .

Other HO Narrow Gauge Variants

In addition to the HOn30 variant, which uses 9 mm gauge track compatible with standard N scale infrastructure, several other HO-based narrow gauge systems exist, each tailored to specific prototype gauges and regional modeling traditions. H0m, operating on 12 mm gauge track at a 1:87 scale, represents prototype meter-gauge (1,000 mm or 3 ft 3+3⁄8 in) railways, encompassing a range from 850 mm to 1,250 mm to accommodate variations in real-world systems. This gauge is particularly favored in European modeling for depicting meter-gauge lines in and , as well as Asian prototypes like those in parts of and where meter gauge was historically prevalent. Its 12 mm track width aligns with standards, allowing some cross-compatibility while requiring dedicated narrow-gauge rolling stock to maintain proportional . Narrower still is H0f, which employs 6.5 mm gauge track in 1:87 scale to model extremely tight prototype gauges of 600 mm (1 ft 11+5⁄8 in), often associated with industrial, mining, or military field railways (Feldbahn in German). This variant is suited for compact, utilitarian trams and short-haul operations in rugged terrains, emphasizing the challenges of modeling very confined clearances and sharp curves typical of such systems. In North American contexts, HOn3 uses 10.5 mm gauge track at 1:87 scale to replicate 3 ft (914 mm) narrow-gauge prototypes, such as those from the or logging and mining eras. Unlike HOn30's reliance on readily available 9 mm N-scale track, HOn3 demands custom or specialized 10.5 mm trackwork, which can complicate layout construction but enables more precise representation of American three-foot gauge heritage lines. A related but larger-scale alternative is On30, which combines (1:48) body proportions with 16.5 mm gauge track to model 2 ft (610 mm) or 30 in narrow-gauge prototypes, often drawing from British, Australian, or American industrial railways. This setup leverages standard HO track for accessibility while providing bulkier, more detailed models than pure HO variants, appealing to modelers seeking a balance between size and narrow-gauge authenticity.

Comparisons to Broader Modeling Scales

HOn30, operating at a 1:87 scale ratio on 9 mm , provides a narrower profile compared to standard , which uses the same 1:87 ratio but on 16.5 mm track representing standard-gauge prototypes. This allows modelers to replicate narrow-gauge railways in proportionally smaller layouts, ideal for branch lines or industrial settings, though it often necessitates custom modifications to standard HO detailing kits for accurate narrow-gauge proportions. In relation to other narrow-gauge variants, HOn30 shares its 9 mm track with , which employs a slightly larger 1:76 scale for British prototypes, resulting in HOn30's finer, more delicate proportions that better suit American narrow-gauge aesthetics. Similarly, at 1:160 on the same 9 mm gauge effectively halves the size of HOn30 equipment, enabling even more compact scenes but at the expense of visible detailing. Compared to On30, which models 30-inch gauge prototypes in the larger 1:48 on 16.5 mm track, HOn30 offers significant cost and space advantages through its smaller dimensions, making it more accessible for hobbyists with limited areas while still providing substantial detail potential. It strikes a balance against finer options like H0m (1:87 on 12 mm for meter gauge), where HOn30's use of readily available N-scale track enhances build accessibility despite slightly reduced prototypical accuracy in gauge representation. For ultra-compact modeling, at 1:220 on 6.5 mm gauge represents an even smaller alternative to HOn30's 9 mm setup, prioritizing minimal space over the balanced detail and operability that HOn30 achieves in narrow-gauge contexts.

Modeling Practices

Available Equipment and Manufacturers

The earliest ready-to-run (RTR) HOn30 equipment was produced under the AHM Minitrains brand starting in the 1960s, with initial manufacturing by the Austrian firm Egger-Bahn, which introduced models like industrial and four-wheeled freight cars. These were later manufactured by Roco after Egger-Bahn ceased production, maintaining the line's focus on compact industrial and narrow-gauge prototypes suitable for small layouts. Original Egger-Bahn and early Roco Minitrains items have become rare collectibles, valued for their pioneering role in accessible HOn30 modeling, though they often require maintenance for smooth operation today. In modern production, European manufacturers dominate HOn30 (or HOe equivalent) RTR locomotives and , with Roco offering a range of diesel and models and various freight cars, emphasizing detailed European prototypes like those from Austrian railways. Liliput provides high-fidelity HOe locomotives, including modern diesels like the BR 2091 for the and classes such as the BR 99, often with intricate detailing for alpine narrow-gauge lines. For British-inspired modeling, supplies cross-compatible items like wagons and coaches that adapt well to HOn30 setups, while Tillig produces compatible European prototypes including open wagons and tank cars. Bachmann contributes RTR narrow-gauge locomotives such as the 0-4-2ST Talyllyn and Sir Haydn, scaled for HOn30 operation on N-gauge track. Kit-based and custom options expand HOn30 availability, with manufacturers like Toma Model Works offering resin kits for locomotives such as the Porter saddle and freight cars, complete with etched details for assembly. Railway Recollections provides craftsman kits for tenders and specialized cars, such as medium water tenders adaptable for auxiliary use. Since the , 3D-printed components from platforms like have grown in popularity, enabling custom shells for steam engines and hopper cars that fit N-scale chassis, supporting prototypes like trams and industrial diesels. Ready-to-run options remain limited compared to broader scales, but production is increasing with (DCC)-equipped locomotives from brands like Bachmann and Liliput, enhancing operational realism. A key aspect of HOn30 modeling involves conversions using N-scale mechanisms, such as those from Atlas, which provide reliable drives for kit-bashed locomotives like Americans or diesel switchers, allowing modelers to achieve HO-scale body proportions on 9mm-gauge track. This reliance on N-scale parts, including Atlas Shay or RS-3 chassis, facilitates custom builds while minimizing costs for unique prototypes.

Trackwork and Layout Considerations

HOn30 modeling employs trackwork that leverages the compatibility with N-scale infrastructure to achieve a narrow-gauge appearance in HO scale. Standard N-gauge sectional track, such as Atlas Code 55, provides a readily available option for basic layouts, featuring nickel-silver rail on brown wood ties for durability and realism. Alternatively, handlaid track using code 40 to 55 rail allows modelers to customize for finer detail, often with assembly fixtures to ensure NMRA compliance and precise alignment. Turnouts in HOn30 are frequently adapted from Peco's N-scale offerings, which support electrofrog designs for reliable electrical conductivity. These turnouts, such as #4 or #5 configurations, have minimum lengths of 4 to 6 inches, enabling smooth operation at HO-scale speeds without excessive derailing on curves. Layout design in HOn30 emphasizes space efficiency, making it ideal for compact shelf arrangements, such as 2x4-foot modules depicting lines or industrial spurs. Electrical must account for low-profile routing beneath the track to maintain scenic realism, often using hidden bus systems for DCC control. This scale's trackwork is particularly suited to portable modules used in club displays, where standardized interfaces facilitate quick assembly and disassembly. techniques, including washes and powders applied to rails and ties, enhance the industrial aesthetic typical of narrow-gauge prototypes, adding without compromising functionality.

References

  1. https://www.nmra.org/beginner/scales
  2. https://forum.trains.com/t/difference-between-hon3-and-hon30/244994
  3. https://forum.trains.com/t/hon30-vs-ho/108524
  4. https://www.beavertonrailroadclub.com/hon30-gauge-railroad.html
  5. https://ngslgazette.com/radio-control-for-hon30-a-simple-approach/
  6. https://forum.trains.com/t/hon30-minitrains-anyone-tried-em/219686
  7. https://www.nmra.org/beginners-guide-part-1-getting-started
  8. https://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~bolo/rr/sgauge.html
  9. https://www.trains.com/vid/modeling/layout-visits/hon30-narrow-gauge-coal-mine-railroad/
  10. https://forum.trains.com/t/hon-hon3-hon30/276697
  11. https://www.modeltrainforum.com/threads/hon30.194459/
  12. https://morop.org/images/NEM_register/NEM_E/nem104_en_2007.pdf
  13. https://www.world-of-railways.co.uk/techniques/model-railway-scales-and-gauges-explained
  14. https://www.keymodelworld.com/article/model-railway-scales-and-gauge-explained
  15. https://www.egger-bahn.de/english/history-01.htm
  16. https://www.egger-bahn.de/english/history-02.htm
  17. https://www.jehubbard.com/hon30lines/hon30_baldwin.htm
  18. https://groups.io/g/HOn30/topic/elk_river_line/72801037
  19. https://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?3,2964904
  20. https://www.brasstrains.com/Classic/Product/Detail/128978/HOn30-HOn2-1-2-HO9-Brass-Model-JW-Joe-Works-C-S-Colorado-Southern-2-6-0-Unpainted-1982-Run-Sango-HARD-TO-FIND-
  21. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1mkQNbQ1kQ
  22. https://www.zelmeroz.com/archives/2008/nmra_2008.pdf
  23. https://www.lrrsa.org.au/LRR_SGRd.htm
  24. https://groups.io/g/HOn30/topics
  25. http://pcrnmra.org/NMRA2021/pdf/Persing-3D-Printing-Clinic-Handout.pdf
  26. https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=8403
  27. https://www.facebook.com/Bachmanntrains/posts/thomastuesday-heres-a-closer-look-at-the-upcoming-thomas-friends-hon30009-narrow/1259214362915730/
  28. https://www.morop.org/images/NEM_register/NEM_E/nem010_en_2011.pdf
  29. https://handlaidtrack.com/product/tri-hon30-s-me70-83/
  30. https://www.trains.com/ctr/railroads/railroad-operations/reminiscing-on-five-prolific-narrow-gauge-railroads-in-colorado/
  31. https://ngslgazette.com/toma-model-works-sandy-river-rangeley-lakes-6-hon30/
  32. https://traincollector.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Gauge-and-Scalesmall.pdf
  33. https://www.miniatur-wunderland.com/discover-wunderland/technologies/others/hints-tricks/model-trains/model-trains-get-started/
  34. https://www.gres.org.uk/gres-model-railway-section/gres-modelling-article-a-guide-to-model-train-gauges-in-the-uk/
  35. https://www.brmna.org/modinf.shtml
  36. https://www.tramwayinfo.com/Models/Makersos/Oshom.htm
  37. https://www.conrad.com/en/p/h0f-narrow-gauge-railway-12303-straight-track-66-6-mm-2-pc-s-499373.html
  38. https://www.nmra.org/store/products/on30-gauge-combo
  39. https://www.ebay.com/itm/205678892331
  40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUllSMeKOAg
  41. https://www.central-hobbies.com/products/minitrains.html
  42. https://www.eurorailhobbies.com/roco.asp
  43. https://www.hattons.co.uk/17217/liliput_l170755_class_br2091_diesel_loco_of_the_austrian_obb_in_orange_cream_livery/stockdetail
  44. https://www.trainworld.com/shop-scale/hon30.html
  45. https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=258_1275
  46. https://tomamw2.com/collections/hon30
  47. https://www.ebay.com/itm/175187781156
  48. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dh0qxYiEvh4
  49. https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=5898
  50. https://groups.io/g/HOn30/topic/converting_couple_of_old_time/25304411
  51. https://www.ebay.com/itm/226446174345
  52. https://shop.atlasrr.com/c-1042-n-code-55-track.aspx
  53. https://handlaidtrack.com/product/af-hon30-a-me70-c/
  54. https://handlaidtrack.com/product/af-hon30-t-4-me55/
  55. https://handlaidtrack.com/product/af-hon30-t-5-me55/
  56. https://www.nmra.org/sites/default/files/membership/bulletins/bulletinpdf/2018_06Bulletin.pdf
  57. https://www.nmra.org/beginners-guide-part-10-weathering
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