An Introduction to HOn30

 

HOn30 is essentially narrow gauge HO-scale trains running on N-gauge track, which works out to a track gauge of about 30 inches; this scale/gauge is known as HOe in Europe and fits the same track gauge as the British 009 standard, which uses the 1:76 OO (“British HO”) scale vs. the 1:87 scale of HO.  Although many Americans model the Maine two-foot railroads using this somewhat wider track gauge, there were (and are!) 24” and 30” railroads around the world, often used for logging, mining and other industrial purposes; the interests of those currently working in HOn30 cover the entire broad spectrum of the prototype. 

 

HOn30 gained some limited popularity in the 1960’s with equipment from both American and European manufacturers, then went through a dormancy period, but in the last few years has seen an increase in the number of modelers working in it and a large growth in both the quantity and quality of commercially available track, rolling stock and engines.  Many modelers were introduced to the gauge by the layouts and articles of Bob Hayden and Dave Frary, notably their Carrabassett and Dead River railroad, which has been featured in both Railroad Model Craftsman and later Model Railroader.

 

Currently there are active HOn30 module groups in New England, the Midwest and California.  Although our modules are generally 2’ X 4’, the same dimensions as HO standard gauge modules, instead of a double-tracked main line at the front of the module we feature a single main line near the back of the module, so our trains are running through the landscape instead of in front of it.   We also have our track height set at 48” vs. 40”, since we feel it allows us to model in greater comfort as well as view our trains at something closer to eye-level.

 

Information on module standards is available separately from the Home Depot web site listed on the HOn30 Resources on the back of this sheet.  The New England group exhibits at the annual Two Footer Show in Taunton, MA, the Saturday before Thanksgiving and also the Little Rhody show in Warwick, RI, in mid-March.  Some active new members have also been setting up at other shows in Connecticut.  We welcome anyone who is potentially interested in HOn30 modeling, particularly if willing to build a module!

 

The fact that HOn30 is a “minority” scale/gauge is no doubt a large part of what attracts many of us; however, although our trains are small we are not as challenged as Nn3 modelers! (N-scale narrow gauge using Z-scale track and engine chassis)  The major reason that we use HOn30 instead of true HOn2 is the large availability of high-quality and inexpensive N-scale mechanisms to use as the power for many of our engines.  In fact, there are quite a few conversion kits available that use popular Bachmann, LifeLike and other units.  Some of us are also very fond of converting N-scale diesels to HOn30 “critters”, often keeping the original hood and adding a larger cab and cast details.  There have been a number of HOn30 brass engines available over the years, both ready to run and kits, including some highly-prized geared engines. 

 

Commercial freight and passenger car kits have been available for a while, but just in the past few years have we seen the variety, quality and ease of assembly of these increase dramatically.  Due to the limited market for HOn30, most of our kits are small run items cast in resin.  Traditionally the car kits consisted of separate castings for each side which the modeler had to square off and assemble, but we now have an ever increasing number of car kits available with a one-piece cast resin body.  Not that building a HOn30 car is the same as an Athearn “shake the box” kit in HO standard gauge!  You will generally need to drill holes for grab irons, truss rods, etc. and work with very small parts.  However, therein lies a lot of the satisfaction.  Although there is no American prototype equipment available ready to run, there are several European manufacturers who produce RTR HOe engines and rolling stock.  Some of us are interested in modeling other prototypes in addition to Maine 2-footers, including European prototypes as well as logging, mining and tropical sugar cane railroads.

 

As for track, MicroEngineering produces HOn30 code 70 flex track and has promised #6 turnouts for several years, which are finally expected this month.  Code 55 track has been available from them in the past and there is a slight possibility that it will be produced again in the future.  There are two custom turnout builders who will build switches using either code 55 or code 70 rail.  We don’t have any slip switches or double crossovers available, but such sophisticated trackage was never used on the small narrow gauge railroads that we model.  There are also a number of European manufactures who produce track in a number of code sizes, including the British Peco firm.  Tillig makes some HO/Hoe dual gauge turnouts.

 

Having Internet access isn’t essential to modeling in HOn30, but it does make it a lot easier.  The east and west coast modular groups have their own local email lists, but there is also a national list that most people modeling in this scale/gauge belong to.  There is also the HOn30 Home Depot web site connected to this “Mail Car” list which has a wealth of information on HOn30, as well as links to producers, suppliers and individual model and prototype sites.

 

 

Resources

 

The Home Depot – HOn30 central headquarters:   http://www.hon30.org/

 

The Flag Stop – home of the New England HOn30 Module Guild:                                                  

http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Galaxy/8525/flagstp.html

 

New England HOn30 Module Guild members and module info:

http://www.geocities.com/doctordotcom_2000/index.html

 

Photos of HOn30 modules at the September 2002 National Narrow Gauge Convention in Warwick, RI:

 http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Galaxy/8525/nngc.html

 

 

Stores

These two stores stock a wide range of HOn30 equipment:

 

B & F Hobby, 1424 Baker St., Bakersfield, CA 93305                           http://www.bnfhoby.com/
Contact Big Al Sandrini at:        mrbnf@lightspeed.net                           Tel. (661) 322-7955

 

Train & Tropper, 68 Memorial Hwy. North Yarmouth, ME 04097          http://trainandtrooper.com/

Contact Matt or Martha at:        info@trainandtrooper.com                     Tel. (207) 829-3211       

 

 

Publications

The following magazines cover the Maine 2-footers and modeling in HOn30:

 

Light Iron Digest

Maine Two Foot Quarterly
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 133 Washingtonville, Ohio 44490-0133
Contact publisher Gary Kohler at:          m2fq@aol.com                                      Phone: (330) 702-0117