Why model narrow gauge railways?

Often the narrow gauge railways ran through very scenic terrain such as mountainous or deep forested areas. The trains were typically shorter and smaller in size which resulted in tighter curves, steeper grades and less of a right-of-way necessary. They were built this way to be able to save money during construction of trackwork, rolling stock and motive power. These features can then translate into an ideal situation for very interesting modelling where space is limited. Also you can model in larger scales such as ‘O’ scale without using more space for trackage and increase your level of detail.

What is narrow gauge track?

Any prototypical track that is less than 4’-8 1/2”(standard gauge) between the rails. Examples of this would be 3’-6”, 3’-0”, 2’- 6” and 2’- 0”.

What is the difference between gauge and scale?

Gauge represents the distance between the rails, and not the size of the model. Scale is the ratio of the model to the real thing.

What does On30 mean?

• `O’ stands for O scale (1/48, 1/4 inch per foot scale which is approximately twice the scale of HO)
• ‘n’ stands for narrow gauge.
• ‘30’ means the prototypical track gauge or distance between the rails is 30 inches.

What does O-16.5 mean?

• ‘O’ stands for O scale (1/43, 7mm per foot scale which is approximately twice the scale of HO)
• ‘n’ stands for narrow gauge.
• ‘16.5’ means the model track gauge is 16.5millimeters. Prototypical track gauge or distance between the rails is 30” or 760mm.

Peco open wagon and timber bolster on Peco On30/O-16.5 flex track

Why On30/O-16.5 ?

The advantages of modelling in On30 is:
• With ‘O’ scale, more realistic detail can be represented.
• ‘O’ scale is easier on your eyes then the smaller scales.
• Inexpensive HO motive power mechanisms can be used.
• Many HO motive power and rolling stock models can be easily converted.

On30 centrecab diesel converted from a HO SW7 model. Open coach converted from two O scale San Francisco Cable car kits.

Where can I get more information?

Narrow Tracks & Trains, 1671 Killoran Road
RR4 Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, K9J 6X5.
Tel. (705)745-3988 & (705)876-7200 and Fax (705) 876-7200ntt@ptbo.igs.net

7MM Narrow Gauge Association, 97 Browning Avenue,
Worcester Park, Surrey, KT4 8LD, England.

Narrow Gauge & Shortline Gazette, Benchmark Publications,
P.O. Box 26, Los Altos, California,USA 94023

On30 Model Railroading

Narrow Tracks & Trains
Suppliers & Builders of Fine Model Railway Equipment
1671 Killoran Road, RR4
Peterborough, Ontario
Canada. K9J 6X5
Tel. (705)745-3988 & (705)876-7200 and Fax (705) 876-7200
E-mail - ntt@ptbo.igs.net

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