2026 On30 ANNUAL: Do you enjoy model railroading and On30 or narrow gauge? Then we invite you to immerse yourself in the captivating world of narrow gauge railroading with the all-new 2026 On30 Annual. This year marks the 21st issue of providing you modeling fun and accessible narrow gauge in O scale, featuring amazing models, layouts, and building projects. 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.
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.
Re-gearing the Bachmann On30 Shay
We sometimes forget our model locomotives are as much machinery as they are scale representations of the prototype; perhaps more so. You can replace the gears in your Bachmann On30 Shay for more reliable and precise operation.
Ditching the Dummy
The dummy coupler at the front of my Broadway Limited On30 C-16 steam locomotive drove me to distraction. It made impossible any realistic narrow gauge operations, where front couplers were used nearly as much as those on the tender. I wanted a functioning coupler up there.
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.
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 Schulz & Sons Kit
Creative Laser Design’s latest O scale kit is based on an actual light manufacturing facility located in northern Vermont. The Frank J. Schulz & Sons Precision Manufacturing Company has manufactured carved wood deep sea fishing lures for decades in Sutton, Vt., at their gambrel-roofed plant.



















