First impressions of 0n30.

[John H-T]

At Warley last year I picked up a copy of the Bachmann America Catalogue and discovered their 0n30 range. For those who don’t know (like me!) this means 0 gauge narrow gauge running on H0/00 track and represents a track gauge in real life of 30 inches. Word of warning here American 0 gauge is 1/4“ to 1foot (just over 6mm) not 7mm as in the UK!

I have always had an interest in narrow gauge and quite often thought it would be fun to build a layout based on North American Practice. At a number of exhibitions I have visited recently there have been American layouts, usually narrow gauge, based on North American Logging Railroads. There have also been a growing number of minimum space layouts. Also I have been increasingly drawn towards 0 gauge, but don’t have the space. It seemed that 0n30 might be a way ahead.

Last Saturday The 7mm Narrow Gauge (Trent Valley Group) had an open day at Mickleover near Derby so I went along. I had very little idea of the size of 0n30 stock and how small a space I could build a layout in. I came away very impressed with a copy of the New 0n30 Handbook, published by the 7mm NG Association and a Bachmann 0-4-2 Porter Tank Engine, photos attached with a Hornby 0-4-2 Auto Tank to compare size.

The Porter cost me less than the Hornby Auto Tank 2 years ago and in general stock seem to compare with Hornby/Bachmann prices. Even a Shay geared loco with DCC sound wasn’t a lot more than a Hornby Duchess with DCC sound. There are also quite a few kits and detailing packs available in addition to the Bachmann products.

I now believe that I could build a small “logging layout” on a 4’x2’ baseboard!

Useful Sites: 7mm Narrow Gauge Association: www.7mmnga.org.uk
EDM Models: www.ngtrains.com stock Bachmann 0n30 at reasonable prices plus a wide range of other 0n30 products. Watch this space!

[swisstrains]

I hope the Midwest Quarry and Mining Co. isn't going to take priority over the Will Valley Railway.

[John H-T]

Originally Posted by swisstrains

I hope the Midwest Quarry and Mining Co. isn't going to take priority over the Will Valley Railway.

John,

May run in parallel. Certain make the baseboard while finishing the boards for Will Valley.

Incidently it won't be "The Midwest Quarry and Mining Co." but no idea yet what. I also bought a Banta laser cut wood kit for a new cab.

Best wishes,

John H-T.

[david1943]

Very popular in Australia and at very good prices, if I had the space I would be very interested in modelling On30, good luck with the project.

[John H-T]

Originally Posted by david1943

Very popular in Australia and at very good prices, if I had the space I would be very interested in modelling On30, good luck with the project.

Did some work on a layout plan to-day. Can get an interesting little layout into 4'x2'.

Best wishes,

John H-T.