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.


Using 1:48 Scale Model Kits on On30 Layouts

Using 1:48 Scale Model Kits on On30 Layouts

With scrutiny and forethought, a number of 1:48 military kits currently on the market can be adapted for model railroad use.


Easy Lionel Depot Kitbash

Easy Lionel Depot Kitbash

Lionel makes a perfectly good station kit. It has a timeless “railroady” look to it that could be appropriate for any period for the last century. So why kitbash it? Well there are several good reasons. My reasons were to make it smaller and a little less imposing and a little less likely to overwhelm my Bachmann On30 narrow gauge trains.


Interview with Nancy Workman of Soundtraxx

Interview with Nancy Workman of Soundtraxx

You’ve heard of their products for years (literally)… Most notably the Tsunami™ line of sound-equipped decoders from Soundtraxx. Editor Chris Lane was able to sit down with Soundtraxx co-founder Nancy Workman in 2008 and discuss the history of the company, their design philosophies, and even a bit about Blackstone Models, their HOn3 manufacturing division. Here is the complete interview from the 2008 On30 Annual.


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.


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.


Creative Laser Design’s Quincy Station

Creative Laser Design’s Quincy Station

Available in both O scale as well as HO scale, the Quincy station model by Creative Laser Design will find a number of uses on any model railroad being able to serve as a flag stop station, crossing guard’s shanty or small yard office just to list a few the possibilities.


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