2025 On30 ANNUAL: What a time to be a modeler, especially in On30! We’ve added even more value to the On30 Annual, delivering amazing models, layouts, and building projects in O scale for 2025. Now in its 20th year of providing modeling fun and accessible narrow gauge for everyone, the On30 Annual is your definitive guide to O scale narrow gauge modeling. Order your copy today!

A Look Back… And a Look Ahead

A Look Back… And a Look Ahead

A look back at 20 years of the On30 Annual, led by editor and narrow gauge modeler Chris Lane, and published by White River Productions.


How I Made On30 More Funner*

How I Made On30 More Funner*

The occasional use of questionable grammar aside, what a pleasure it has been to be part of the founding and producing of the On30 Annual. My railroad, the Cheyenne Mountain Southern has appeared in many issues in some way, but now I would like to share with you my experiences in actually building an On30 model railroad.


Quincy Mining Co. Assay Office

Quincy Mining Co. Assay Office

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula was home to the Quincy & Torch Lake Railroad, and the inspiration for this scratchbuilt O scale model of the mining company’s assay office.


Scratchbuild a Country Depot in Six Steps

Scratchbuild a Country Depot in Six Steps

While planning the town of Bayfield on my new Texas Creek & Southern railroad, I located the site for my depot. I wanted it to be a small, branchline-type structure. After looking around to see what was available, I decided to scratchbuild my own.


AMS On3/On30 D&RGW Short Caboose

AMS On3/On30 D&RGW Short Caboose

The short caboose was once the mainstay office and living quarters for train crews throughout the Rio Grande’s narrow gauge operations. Decoration and minor detail miscues aside, this a very good O scale model of a numerous, well-known and well-preserved class of narrow gauge cars.


San Juan Car Co. O Scale Parts

San Juan Car Co. O Scale Parts

After getting a few pairs of the excellent On3/On30 passenger car trucks, I was pretty excited when San Juan announced they would be doing a Jackson & Sharp coach. I was equally disappointed when they announced late in 2012 that the coach project was suspended indefinitely.


RS Laser add-on deck for Bachmann freight cars

RS Laser add-on deck for Bachmann freight cars

Both kits from RS Laser include two custom fitted plywood decks with double sided tape applied to attach the deck to the host car as well as Grandt Line O scale brake wheels and ratchet and pawl castings for two cars to replace those removed when new decks are installed. The kit for the tank cars also includes Standard Oil Company decal sets to add to the tank of each car.


Explore the world of White River Productions

  • Model Railroad News
  • Railroad Model Craftsman
  • Railfan & Railroad
  • Passenger Train Journal
  • Trains and Railroads of the Past
  • Railroads Illustrated
  • On30 Annual
  • HOn30 Annual
  • HO Collector