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 at 20 years of the On30 Annual, led by editor and narrow gauge modeler Chris Lane, and published by White River Productions.
Creating a Narrow Gauge Logging Behemoth
I obtained a Banta Model Works conversion cab for the Mantua HO scale 2-6-6-2 tank engine. They are very nice kits and fit the locomotive perfectly. Mine was for the version without a tender but Banta makes both types.
Mann’s Creek Hopper Plans
One of the more appealing aspects of these diminutive wooden 20-ton hoppers was that after twenty or so years of service on the Mann’s Creek Railway, each had been individually rebuilt in a variety of ways. Download free plans to build your own.
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.
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
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.
AMS D&RGW 6000-Series Flat Car
AMS has made the rounds at the shows for the last few years showing narrow gauge sample cars for the On30/On3 modeler. These cars are now hitting the market and that is good news for modelers looking to expand their rosters with sturdy, good-preforming cars of familiar prototypes.
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