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.
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.
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.
Introduction to O Scale Narrow Gauge and On30 Model Railroading
So where does the narrow gauge modeler start? Most ready-made track products are only produced in standard gauge, and handlaying track is an intimidating proposition for many. However, by using models from one scale and track components from another, you can achieve the effect you’re looking for.
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.
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.
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