how big can a thread about nothing in particular get?

[traingeekboy]

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 ]

[BoxcabE50]

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?

:D

Boxcab E50

[traingeekboy]

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.

[BoxcabE50]

Originally posted by traingeekboy:
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.... :eek:

:D

Boxcab E50

[traingeekboy]

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.

[BoxcabE50]

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?

:D

Boxcab E50

[traingeekboy]

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.

[BoxcabE50]

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?

graemlins/headscratch.gif

Boxcab E50

[traingeekboy]

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.

[BoxcabE50]

Originally posted by traingeekboy:
I have found that as long as i'm having fun with my toy trains and historical books about trains, all is good.

<snip>

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.

:D

Boxcab E50

[traingeekboy]

Allright Boxy here's something to peek at for a bit:
http://on30guy.wordpress.com/

[BoxcabE50]

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.

:D

Boxcab E50

[traingeekboy]

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.

[BoxcabE50]

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? :confused:

I've heard of guys who do indeed swap out ties. Have seen mention of Kappler as a source. Supposedly it's inexpensive.

:D

Boxcab E50

[traingeekboy]

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. smile.gif 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. tongue.gif

[BoxcabE50]

No wonder I couldn't spot them. I was looking for a link from their home page. redface.gif

Beer? With roadways such as Lager Street, Pilsner Boulevard, Ale Alley.... tongue.gif

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.

:D

Boxcab E50

[traingeekboy]

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.

[BoxcabE50]

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!

:D

Boxcab E50

[traingeekboy]

What are those magazines?

[BoxcabE50]

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.

:D

Boxcab E50

[traingeekboy]

I like NG&SLG. ;)

I made the guy at the LHS run a shay for me. Oh man, It's a nice little loki. then I looked at all the wood train car kits and found a gilpin style caboose. Of course Grandtline makes gilpin tram ore cars. I can feel the dark force getting stronger....
::::Must control spending::::
::::Must control spending::::
::::Must control spending::::
::::Must control spending::::
::::Must control spending::::

lol

[BoxcabE50]

Luke. Luke, you must give in to the Dark Side.......

Just think of how much you'd lean to one side, were there too much money ever in your wallet. All that weight could be bad for your health! Spend! Spend quickly!!!

graemlins/LOL.gif :D

OK. So I'm not much help.... :rolleyes:

Boxcab E50

[traingeekboy]

Oh man, I have to be honest about my life these days. I really really regret getting married. Before marriage I was on a hog wild buying spree with my train stuff. Now I am married and my wife holds the purse strings. Life has never been so bleak. lol

I'm afraid the loki will have to wait a year or two, but it's fun to day dream. I can always do research too.

[BoxcabE50]

Originally posted by traingeekboy:
I'm afraid the loki will have to wait a year or two, but it's fun to day dream. I can always do research too. Don't feel bad. That's what I'm doing here. Too many bills right now. One of these days....

graemlins/wah.gif

Boxcab E50

[traingeekboy]

Boxcab,
Would these work?

http://www.hon3.com/rollingstock.htm

http://smokymountainmodelworks.com/Boxcars%20On3%20&%2030.htm

http://www.remsmodels.com/OKits.htm

http://hometown.aol.com/on30resinkits/freight.html

I think the Bachmann cars hold alot of kitbash potential, but there's alot of stuff out there to be modified or peintedup differently.

http://www.grandtline.com/model_railroad/o_scale_car_and_loco_gallery/3018%20sm%20gilpin.jpg
I'm after this kind model. Thankfully the kit is only 10.00$ list. Of course with trucks and couplers they still come out around 25-30.00$

[ October 30, 2005, 12:39 AM: Message edited by: traingeekboy ]

[BoxcabE50]

Geeky-

Stevens Creek had some nice flat car kits in HOn30. Unfortunately, he's one of those who does a limited run/one time run. So you've got to grab it, or do without forever.

I remember Dallas Mallerich from when he was in high school. Long ago. Maybe 25 years back. He was always building stuff in N. Quite talented. BVM is interesting. Especially the loco conversions. Wish his freight cars were not so whimsical.

Had not previously seen the REM's line. Those look very good. Will need to explore that site in depth!

:D

Boxcab E50

[dobrag]

I'm hoping this is the place to ask this question.

My dad turned me on to On30 since I like "O" but also have HO as well. I have not seen any On30 items next to an O. But my dad says they are the same, only that On30 runs on HO track. Are the On30 Engines and rolling stock the same size as an equivelant O, or would it be smaller?

Thanks.

D'

[BoxcabE50]

On30 is the same size as O. The obvious difference, is gauge between the rails.

Some On30 engines and rolling stock will appear to be smaller. But is actually in scale.

If you are familiar with prototype railroads, just picture the difference between a 4' 8&1/2" gauge company, side by side with a narrow gauge such as a (24" between rails) Maine Two Footer. They're still the same physical scale.

Or perhaps just picture a small industrial switcher, next to an SD90MAC. Same scale. Just different designs, for different purposes.

Hope you aren't thoroughly confused now... :eek:

:D

Boxcab E50

[traingeekboy]

Welcome to Trainboard Dobrag.

If you look at all the posts on this narrow gauage section you will find that there is lots of info and links about On30. This thread alone should have plenty of links from Boxcab and myself as we were both starting to explore the idea of On30 stuff.

I assume you understand the difference between Narrow and standard gauges. The difference between HO and On30 is the actual scale. Yes the gauge is the same for both types of trains.

Radius for On30 seems to be fairly flexible depending on what you plan on running.

[Stourbridge Lion]

dobrag:

Welcome to TrainBoard!!!!!!!

:D :D :D :D :D

[traingeekboy]

I had posted this somehwhere else but no one seemed to think it was interesting, perhaps the NG folks will like it:
http://www.geocities.com/mark_the_train_brain/hint/hints2.htm

I think the use of white glue for rivets, though I have heard of it before, is still really good.

[r_i_straw]

Originally posted by traingeekboy:
I think the use of white glue for rivets, though I have heard of it before, is still really good. I use 10 minute epoxy applied with a dull pin point. I can get better control of smaller rivets than with white glue. Plus I find white glue makes a flatter rivet because it shrinks when drying where epoxy retains its shape better while it cures. The down side is you have to mix up a lot of small batches to do a lot of rivets.

[BoxcabE50]

Well, it may be about nothing in particular.... But it's been fun touching on various aspects of On30, and more about narrow gauges. modeling and other.

:D

Boxcab E50

[N_S_L]

Um.... I'm confused about the subject matter graemlins/226.gif

[dobrag]

Thanks!!! I greatly appreciate the feedback and have been attempting to read through the Narrow Guage forums.

What magazines are recommended? I have two issues of the Narrow Gauge and Shortline Gazette and I really like the articles. What other Mags are good for Narrow Guage (and more specifically) On30?

Thanks again for the welcome and the info.

D'

[traingeekboy]

sorry, I just had to rename this because I started it, and then I steered it way off course. graemlins/222.gif graemlins/LOL.gif

Dobrag- what exactly do you want to do in narrow gauge? time period locale prototype roadname etc. I think the choice of magazine really depends on what you are doing.

[BoxcabE50]

dobrag-

Do you have a theme, time frame, or something specific in mind? Or are you researching what is out there, before deciding where to settle?

There are three excellent Narrow gauge oriented magazines available, which I noted their web sites earlier in this thread.

Maine 2 foot Quarterly.
Light Iron Digest
And a new one- Colorado Narrow Gauge Quarterly.

All from the same publisher. I get them all. IMHO- Neat little magazines!

Light Iron Digest, or as it's affectionately known, "LID," does have a fair amount of On30 content. Not necessarily every issue.

Another option, is to check a local hobby shop, that is well stocked with magazines. Model Railroading Magazine is coming out, should be out by now, with an ALL On30 Annual issue. A first ever edition. That's Model RailroadING. NOT Model Railroader. This has nothing to do with Kalmbach Publishing. There can be confusion between the two. I'll see if I have their web site handy. And post it here.

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

I found in in my Favorites:

Model Railroading Magazine (http://www.modelrailroadingmag.com/)

Scroll down the linked page, and you'll see a picture of their On30 Annual. Click on it for more info.

:D

Boxcab E50

[EricB]

Since this thread isn't about anything specific anymore - I have to tell you guys about a smoken' deal I got last weekend.

While I was purusing some wares at the train show this weekend with Geeky, I came across a vendor that had some Bachmann On30 stuff. I was expecting the prices to be on par with Caboose Hobbies (as they always have decent prices). In this vendors stack, I found a 0-4-0 porter. Expecting the price to be about $50, I was shocked when I saw that he was only asking $32. :D

I had an internal struggle to decide if I should buy it(I really didn't need it - or maybe I did!!). Geeky convinced me that in fact I did need it. graemlins/222.gif So I did buy it. I later found out that Caboose wants $55 for one of these. I saved $23 by only spending $32 (that's my wife's logic - seems to work for her anyway). graemlins/wink.gif

My only reget was that I didn't have the $130 this guy was asking for his Shays :(

Now I just need a layout to run it on. Hmm...

Eric

[traingeekboy]

Boxcab, that On30 annual looks great. Any idea when it comes out?

Eric,
I truly regret not having had the 130.00$ it would have taken to buy a shay, because I would have been ahead by 70 dollors of the list price! Thats like having them give you 70 dollars right? Instead I lost 70 dollars and the shay. :(

I'm still pondering the door panel layout we saw at the show, as a track plan for an On30 layout. the thing is...I need a shay and some cars to see if they can do the 15" radius curves.

[BoxcabE50]

Geeky-

The On30, from what I hear, is supposedly out now. Have not been able to find a copy. And I won't use electronic payments. Oh well.

Are you talking about the Bachmann On30 Shay? If so, I've seen more than one dealer that has them for $115-125.00 range every day. Micro-Mark shows them as $114.95 (their choice of road name.....)

:D

Boxcab E50

[traingeekboy]

Hmmmm 115.00 wow. what dealers? Got any links?

Adds im MR tend to be around 149.99 with about 10 bucks or more in shipping. My LHS sells em for 166.00 so it comes out pretty close.

I don't mind the fact that they get to choose roadname, but I really want the diamond stack, not the straight one.