As a model railroader, I have been in HO Scale, 1:87, since the early 1960's. While I always loved narrow gauge, HOn3, 3 feet between the rails, was always too delicate and too expensive. Then a few months ago I met On30, O Scale, 1:48, 30 inch gauge. This is the narrow gauge equivalent to Lionel O Scale 3 rail trains, but runs on standard HO gauge, 2 rail track. Model railroaders jumped at the chance to build equipment using the readily HO mechanisms and track.
On30 became even more popular some years ago when Bachmann brought out a line of well detailed, but inexpensive, locomotives and cars. In recent years this scale and gauge has been exploited by several specialty "Mints" releasing various "Theme" trains on monthly subscriptions. While the detail is similar to the original models, the color schemes are a bit too gaudy for serious modelers without repainting. A lot of these are being offered on the auction sites for quite reasonable prices.
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| A colorful train running around 18" radius and card model buildings at a Christmas showing. |
The train above was purchased on the auction site for less than $15 + shipping. It is running on my 4'x4' HO layout with two circles of track, 22" radius & 18" radius.
