HOn3 Extra Board

Welcome to the HOn3 Annual Extra Board! Here you’ll find extra content we just couldn’t fit into each jam-packed issue. We also welcome your contributions for exclusive features related to HO scale narrow gauge model railroading.

Scratchbuild a 24-Foot Boxcar in HOn3

December 15, 2021

Scratchbuild a 24-Foot Boxcar in HOn3

This scratchbuilt HOn3 24-foot boxcar was typical of the equipment on The Milwaukee Road’s 3-foot gauge Bellevue & Cascade subsidiary in the 1930s.

Switching In/To HOn3

December 15, 2021

Switching In/To HOn3

The author builds a detailed HOn3 diorama to help stay active in model railroad construction as his main On30 layout nears completion.

Converting and Modifying an HO Scale Locomotive to HOn3

December 15, 2021

Converting and Modifying an HO Scale Locomotive to HOn3

Combining a brass White Pass & Yukon “Shovelnose” diesel body with parts from a Kato NW2 to make a reliable HOn3 diesel.

Better Looking Commercial Track in HOn3

December 15, 2021

Better Looking Commercial Track in HOn3

Step by step instructions to make your pre-built HO scale track look like a hand-laid, down-and-dirty HOn3 narrow gauge line.

Silver City Tool Shop Plans

June 15, 2014

Silver City Tool Shop Plans

The advent of home computers and printers has dramatically changed modeling in card. You are now able to download full color detailed print outs to construct models that rival some of the most detailed kits currently available. For tips and techniques used to construct detailed paper models.

Easy Techniques for Turning Styrene into Wood

August 1, 2013

Easy Techniques for Turning Styrene into Wood

The character of the Westcliff & Alton I am trying to create, that of very well used and aged equipment and structures, is not the normal state of styrene as a material. With that in mind, I began to explore techniques to transform the styrene surface into a reasonable representation of the material often associated with narrow gauge steam railroading, aged and weathered wood.

East Broad Top’s “Company Square” in HO scale

June 15, 2013

East Broad Top’s “Company Square” in HO scale

From its junction with the Pennsylvania Railroad in Mount Union, Pennsylvania, the East Broad Top wound its way in a southerly direction for some 30 miles, to the coal fields on the east side of Broad Top Mountain. The town of Robertsdale, Pa., was named for one of the principal investors when the EBT was built, it was the epitome of the company town.

A Case for the Colorado & Southern

March 15, 2011

A Case for the Colorado & Southern

The Colorado & Southern and its related and associated railroads are an often overlooked subject for model railroads. Yet, the C&S was the largest narrow gauge railroad contained wholly within the state of Colorado. It was made up of several other railroads that were joined together after the repeal of the Sherman Silver Purchase Act, in 1893.

Rico Station Kitbash in HO scale

February 11, 2011

Rico Station Kitbash in HO scale

I have been building a module of the town of Rico on the Rio Grande Southern for our Hon3 Free-Mo group for a few years now. I chose the 1900-1910 era for this, as it would (theoretically) allow the Blackstone K-27’s to be on the line, but still have the original wooden engine house. One of the centerpiece structures is the Rico depot with its unique tower.

Introduction to HO Scale Narrow Gauge

January 5, 2010

Introduction to HO Scale Narrow Gauge

HOn3 uses HO scale models that operate on 10.5mm gauge track to replicate true three foot gauge. Hobbyists going this route often build their own track, but HOn3 has always enjoyed the largest selection of pre-built turnouts and flextrack.