On30 Models -- Physical Dimensions

** NOTE: The data on this page is being populated as we complete evaluations of the various models

In any discussion of On30 models, one of the topics is usually physical size of the various models and how they compare. The table below provides the basic information for the common ready-to-run engines available.

On30 Locomotive Dimensions (including other Powered Equipment)

Manufacturer & Model	Length	Length Over Couplers	Width	Height
Bachmann On30 14-Ton Two-Truck Stearns-Heisler	144 mm / 5.65 in	160 mm / 6.28 in	46 mm / 1.78 in	70 mm / 2.74 in
Bachmann On30 T-Boiler Two-Truck Shay
Bachmann On30 28-Ton Two-Truck Climax
Bachmann On30 2-6-6-2 Articulated
Bachmann On30 2-4-4-2 Articulated
Bachmann On30 Baldwin Forney 2-4-4
Bachmann On30 Baldwin 2-8-0 Outside Frame Consolidation
Bachmann On30 Baldwin 4-6-0
Bachmann On30 4-4-0 American Inside Frame
Bachmann On30 4-4-0 Modern Outside Frame
Bachmann On30 Porter 0-4-2
Bachmann On30 Porter 0-4-2
Bachmann On30 2-6-0 Mogul
Bachmann On30 Closed Streetcar
Bachmann On30 Railbus & Trailer
Bachmann On30 RailTruck
Bachmann On30 Whitcomb 50-Ton Center-Cab Diesel
Model Power HO Plymouth MDT Switcher

On30 Rolling Stock Dimensions

Manufacturer & Model	Length	Length Over Couplers	Width	Height

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NMRA On30 Clearance Gauge plus more!

If you're getting started in On30 model railroading, one of the key tools to have on your workbench is a gauge to measure essential items. The National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) On30 gauge will measure these items:

• Coupler height
• Track gauge
• Clearance
• Flangeways
• Wheels
• Points

The NMRA 0n30 Clearance gauge includes a NMRA HO gauge (for track and wheel measurements) nestled inside a On30 clearance gauge.

Get yours today direct from the NMRA's Online store (including NMRA member special pricing) or at your local hobby shop (through Walthers affiliated dealers - Walthers item number 98-9).

Additional Notes:

When determining track clearance you generally should factor in which "narrow gauge" you're modeling in On30. Are you modeling a specific prototype or prototype region? Or are you using commercial models? Or some hybrid? Maine narrow gauge cars have different maximums (esp. width) than for example Colorado narrow gauge or perhaps a specific UK or New Zealand line might. Similarly commercially available models have different car end overhang that will affect the necessary parallel track clearance (e.g., in On30 models the Bachmann passenger cars and the Bachmann Forney rear overhand will definitely impact your parallel track clearance on curved sections of track). So it becomes more important to understand what you're checking clearance for in On30. For example the NMRA's clearance for Old Time/Narrow Gauge is primarily taken from the Colorado Narrow Gauge railroads. More detail can be found in the NMRA Recommended Practice 7.1 on Tangent Track Centers and Clearance Diagrams.

Some modelers use an On3 (aka On36) track clearance gauge. If you have one of these handy, it should work as well for track clearance, although the track gauge is different. If you're interested in purchasing an On3 gauge, they are available from the NMRA Company Store.

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