On2 scale
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| On2 | |
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| On2 scale model of a SR&RL Coach, kitbashed from two Bachmann On30 coaches. | |
| Scale per foot: | 6.35 mm to 1 foot |
| Scale ratio: | 1:48 |
| Gauge: | 12.7 mm |
| Prototype Gauge: | 24" gauge. |
On2 scale is part of the hobby of rail transport modeling. It is a model railroad scale used to model 2-foot gauge railroads in 1/48 scale (O scale) running on 2-foot gauge track, which scales out to a gauge of 12.7mm. The name is based on common model railroad scale terminology. "O" means O scale, "n" means narrow gauge, and "2" means 2 foot gauge.
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[edit] History
Prototype 2-foot gauge railroads existed, and still exist, all over the world. The prototype railroads being modeled in On2 scale include:
- The Maine 2-foot railroads. A series of 2-foot gauge railroads that existed in the state of Maine, USA from the 1870's to the 1940's.
- 2-foot gauge railways of Wales and England, including the Ffestiniog Railway.
- 2-foot gauge railways of South Africa.
- 2-foot gauge Gilpin Tramway of Colorado, a 2-foot gauge logging railroad with Shay locomotives.
- 2-foot gauge industrial railroads found all over the world.
(need early history of On2 scale modeling)
Until 2007, On2 scale modeling involved mostly scratch-building of locomotive and rolling stock, and hand-laying track. On2 scale locomotives were obtained by either scratchbuilding, adapting chassis from other scales, or buying ready to run On2 locomotives, which were available in brass only.
In 2007, Bachmann gave a major "shot in the arm" to Maine On2 scale modeling when they introduced their On30 scale Forney locomotive, which is based on a Baldwin catalog design very close to actual locomotives used by Maine 2-foot gauge prototype railroads. These forney locomotives, although available in On30 scale only, have created a increase in Maine 2-footer modeling, and an increase in On2 scale modeling. On30 locomotives and rolling stock must be regauged to operate in On2 scale. This is often a difficult proposition. Many modelers choose to simply keep them in On30 scale for ease of use, modeling 2-foot gauge railroads in On30 scale, but this results in the wrong gauge for correct 2-footer modeling.
[edit] Controls
Control of On2 scale layouts is the same as other scales, including HO scale, N scale, etc. Electricity is through the rails, using either standard DC control, or DCC.
[edit] Curved track
For industrial modeling or "critter" modeling, tight curves are possible. But for Maine 2-footer modeling, curves need to be quite generous. The minimum practical radius is generally said to be 42"
[edit] Availability of models and supplies
In the early years of On2, Bob Werner's Portland Products was the major supplier of castings and the various small parts needed to model the Maine two footers. Peter Barney had his Sandy River Car Shops line of kits, which were essentially boxes of stripwood with meager instructions. The drawings were often not to scale, but there was little else available at the time. Later, Grandt Line produced some excellent styrene and brass parts that provided useful to scratchbuilders. NJ International, Coronado Scale Models, Gary Kohler, and others all brought out limited run kits or detail parts over the years of varied quality, only to have them fade from existence due to lack of sales. Portland Products exists in name only at this time, the victim of bad blood within the On2 fraternity. Sandy River Car Shops kits are still available from Peter Barney's friends at Cranberry Junction hobbies, but they are very dated in their design and materials.
In the mid 1990's there was a major growth spurt brought on by the introduction of a line of kits by Chris Cardinal. He was the first to apply the then-new technologies of laser cutting and resin casting exclusively to twofoot prototypes. He raised the bar in regards to the level of detail to be expected in such an obscure scale. His models are still highly sought almost a decade after production stopped. The line of kits was eventually bought out by Darryl Sleszinski after Chris' interests shifted to vintage auto racing, but it never enjoyed the same level of success seen in the beginning.
The year 2007 saw a major shift in On2 scale, especially Maine On2 modeling, with the release of the Bachmann forney. Before then, ready-to-run locomotives were only available in brass, and rolling stock kits were few. Since 2007, there has been an upswing in kits, structures, detail parts, and rolling stock, which will likely continue. See the list of Manufacturers below.
[edit] Advantages compared to other scales
The main advantage of On2 scale compared to its main alternative On30, is that On2 scale has the correct track gauge. The track and models "look right", because they are.
On2 has the advantage over its smaller brethren in that it is large enough to operate well and it is easy to add a significant level of detail to rolling stock and locomotives. It also requires approx. the same amount of room as a standard gauge HO scale layout.
[edit] Manufacturers
Currently-active significant manufacturers and marketers of On2 railroad equipment as of 2008, include:
Bachmann Trains
The Car Works
Banta Modelworks
Grandt Lines
Miniatures by Eric
Mount Blue Model Co.
American Model Builders Inc.
GC Design Group
Sandy River Car Shops
Stevens Creek Models
Train & Trooper
Macleod Western
Freshwater Models
Light Iron Turnout Company
Fast Tracks
Railway Engineering
[edit] External links
Modeling 2' gauge railroads
On2-On30-On3 modelers resource page
Maine On2 discussion forum
Maine 2-foot Quarterly discussion forum
Maine 2-footers discussion forum
Maine 2-foot Quarterly magazine
Light Iron Digest
Narrow Gauge & Shortline Gazette
The Maine On2 FAQ
Wiscasset, Waterville, and Farmington Railway
Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum
Boothbay Railway Village
Edaville
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways
