On30

What's the appeal of On30?

On30 model railway gauge is regarded as the fastest growing in the O scale. Because narrow-gauge railways models can also round tight radius curves, it is allowing layouts be built in confined spaces at home.

Proponents of the scale suggest the appeal lies in the models representing quaint narrow gauge prototypes. The scale gives the models a certain bulk, and allows details to be easily seen compared with HO scale. At the same time electrically and mechanically it is the same as the very popular HO scale, ensuring reliability of operation. Lastly, models are cheaper to purchase than those produced for On2, On3 or larger scales such as G gauges.

Sporadic critics from clamour model railroader, particularly in the United States, point to the inaccurate track gauge, especially when modelling 2 ft (610 mm) or 3 ft (914 mm) gauge prototypes. They also dislike the tendency to modify HO models, claiming this produces freelance models that would not have been built in reality.