I was at caboose and everytime you go thorugh the door you can't help but notice a small on30 layout. It is L shaped and looks to be made of two 2x4 foot panels with two separate ovals on them. How narrow a radius can you use with this stuff? I assume a porter and some logging cars can go pretty sharp. [ November 09, 2005, 09:42 AM: Message edited by: traingeekboy ]
Geeky- Most people I see writing on Groups, about this topic, state 18" minimum. However, their are plenty of people who do smaller layouts. Even so-called "micro-layouts." And I just read mention of 9" radius today. The problem is that less than 18" severely limits those numbers of engines, locos, and rolling stock, able to negotiate such curves. Are you looking at doing On30? I am. Also, did you see the announcement today about the new Moclova Model Works On30 critter kit? Boxcab E50
I think it is very interesting stuff. I had G scale wich is basically the same models by Bachmann only only larger. I have a Ho scale timesaver on a plank that I can mess around with and there is a strong temptation to get one of the porters and some cars. That's what I had in G scale was a porter and one of most of the cars Bachmann put out. I think I will hold off and get back to the N scale for now, but half of the fun with this hobby is the what if factor. I'm always window shopping online and at the LHS.
Same here. What's happening with me, may be somewhat of a burnout. Partially due to being locked into a specific prototype scenario. After 33-34 years in N. Although I might thin my N some, I'd not part with it all. Just store it. As I'm currently in between layouts, it's simple to do. I've always admired the Hayden/Frary HOn30 efforts. Whimsical, yet with prototypical basis. HOn30 is growing. On30 even faster. My aging eyes, and a bum hand, I might choose On30. HOn30 would be a better fit for the room (10' by 14') available. Choices, decisions.... Boxcab E50
The porters and the shays are what intrigues me about On30. Very "CUTE" stuff. Also it could run on my plank layout, but as I said it's just a what if thing. I recall those Frary and hayden pictorials in MR. Amazing stuff. The scenery was great. I was conmvinced I was going to build a Hon30 layout too. I would eyeball all the ads with Flying Zoo engine kits in them. In the end I just stuck to standard gauge because i'm just not prolific enough to build a layout from scratch like that. 10'x 14' is alot of space for a ho gauge layout. especially when it's narrow gauge and you use less track and more mountains.
Actually, I have a scenario in mind, that's not mountains. But salt water. Yet it's not in Maine. The Olympic Peninsula area of Washington is just perfect. And since I have so many memories of my youth there, plus family still in place, it's special. Has a certain draw. And an "n30" layout, HO, or O, would be just perfect! Now, will temptation overwhelm me? Boxcab E50
So you must be thinking of a Logging line perhaps? I find proto narrow gauge layouts to be limiting. I think if I did one I would want a little of everything from logging to gold mines to little porters. it would also be hard to limit one self to a specific time period, there is just so much interesting stuff to want to model. Just conjecture here. I really need to lay that track work on the N scale layout.
Geeky- Actually, it would be a common carrier setting. But, yes. There would be forest products. And also seafood. Eventually interchanged with a standard gauge company. I keep thinking about the idea of a scale change. My scenario feels good. Will I have the courage to put aside my beloved N scale? Boxcab E50
I have found that as long as i'm having fun with my toy trains and historical books about trains, all is good. I wouldn't get rid of the N scale. I would build a small switching layout scene with the On30. Maybe 1 foot by 8 foot or so. That seems small , but when you start building things for the layout board by board, you'll be kept busy for a long time. It would also give you a chance to do something very different from the N scale layout.
Both good points. It's the doing something different, which may be calling. That, and my ever lasting love of the Lionel And American Flyer of youth. Those great big trains I once held in my hands. Boxcab E50
Geeky- Here's his Group web site: http://www.on30xchange.net/ I've swapped a few e-mails with him. Talented modeler. Nice guy. I'm trying to find a copy of the On30 Annual Issue by Model RailroadING Magazine. It's a first ever. Boxcab E50
Have you seen this site? http://www.on30man.info/G5/fat.htm I checked pricing on On30 track and boy it's steep. This seems like a good compromise. i have also seen where people lay in wood ties to replace the ho plastic ones on peco turnouts.
Geeky- I've stopped by the Peco web site a couple of times lately. But am unable to find a link to anything more than straight HO scale. No HOn30, or On30. Wonder where it's hidden? Can you find these on their page? I've heard of guys who do indeed swap out ties. Have seen mention of Kappler as a source. Supposedly it's inexpensive. Boxcab E50
http://www.peco-uk.com/products.htm If you scroll to the bottom there are pictures of catalogs. clicking the catalog pictures downloads the PDF file. This is the european site. I do not know if there is a different one for USA products. I was reading and realized that Peco is in a town called Beer. Sweet! I'm going to Beer.
No wonder I couldn't spot them. I was looking for a link from their home page. Beer? With roadways such as Lager Street, Pilsner Boulevard, Ale Alley.... What intrigues me about the n30 concept, is that you can model using prototypical equipment, in a whimsical setting. After so many years locked into prototype stuff, am finding the concept more, and more appealing. Boxcab E50
I like how it free's you up to just do your own thing. I would do something that would pretty much defy reality by modelling a logging/mining/passenger railroad all in one. Sort of a Gilpin tram, DRG&W, pacific logging, etc. I just can't pick just one thing, I seem to notice that alot of the On30 folks buy one of each of the Bachmann engines. Lots of layouts with a shay a porter and a 2-6-0.
I've also found myself, this past year, getting hooked on publications such as LID, M2FQ, and now CNGQ. The feeling I'm having about modeling, I've not felt since pre-college days of Lionel, etc. Fun! Almost exciting! Boxcab E50
Oops! Sorry- Light Iron Digest http://www.lightirondigest.com/ Maine 2 Foot Quarterly http://www.maine2footquarterly.com/ Colorado Narrow Gauge Quarterly http://www.lightirondigest.com/cng.htm All from the same publisher. Boxcab E50
