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flatpack On30 module kits that meet the FremoOn30 standard.
The largest, longest “finescale” American 1/48th scale narrow gauge model locomotives don’t take to tight turnouts, so the Peco turnouts which are 24" (61cm) radius are impractical for some of these locos. ME turnouts and San Juan turnouts are larger radii. Whisper it softly but some even use commercial OO/HO track. Well ballasted and weathered it can pass.
Photo 3: FremOn30 module 1m x 50cm (the alignment dowels are not standard)
The Old Track & Trestle (OTT) below is a simple design for 4’ x 2’ modules, 45” high with a single-track main line inset 7” from the front. Peco Code 100 On30 track is stipulated. The boards use a standard end board and pattern makers dowels for alignment.
Photo 5: On30 track, Code 100 Peco in the front, Code 83 Micro Engineering behind
Rolling Stock
One word of caution – availability. Not everything you seek will be in production and/or on sale new all the time. Bachmann, a major supplier, is notorious for this but the flip side is that when the item is finally re-released it will usually have been improved/upgraded and they are still adding new locomotives and freight car ranges. Sadly the 2007 crash precipitated the loss of many small US suppliers and lines and a recent flush of retirements have added to that.
Photo 4: Old Track and Trestle On30 module 4’ x 2’
Track/Code/Gauge
The most common sources for track used for On30 are Peco and the American company Micro Engineering (ME). Peco On30 track is only available with code 100 rail. ME rail is available in codes 83 and 70. If you’re modelling 1/48th scale narrow gauge but not 30” gauge, then there is track made by the San Juan Car Company to 36” gauge.
An alternative approach is to use track building templates, of which the Canadian Fast Tracks system has the highest profile. Don’t overlook UK companies like C&L Finescale for all you need to build your own track or Markway who offer turnout building services.
Photo 6: On30 Boxcab, Coyote Flats Depot laser etch body on Model Power 2 axle switcher chassis
Accucraft do a range of smaller brass ready to run locomotives but ready to run out of the box generally means Bachmann Locomotives. There is however a whole additional industry out there who add value to that range or exploit Bachmann and other mechanisms for use in other models. Banta Models and Mount Blue Model Co
16 ROUNDHOUSE - June 2019