Modelling Australian HOn3½

This paper was prepared by Peter Knife, and was presented at the Second Australian Narrow Gauge Convention, held at Blackheath in 1998.

Right: Yaninee station yard on Peter’s under-construction model of Minnipa (Eyre Peninsula, S.A.). This yard uses Shinohara track, and a number of kitbashed and scratch-built wagons are present.

Introduction Model scales and gauges in Australia Australia over the years has seen many thousands While this presentation is a discussion of HOn3½, of miles of 3’6” (1067mm) gauge railways constructed, mention should be made of the various modelling from Queensland to Tasmania and Western Australia. representations of 3’6” which have been traditionally The combination of HO scale and 12mm gauge track is adopted in Australia. an ideal combination for modelling these prototypes. South Australian modellers have historically 12mm gauge has been around for many years tended to use HOn3 (10.5mm) gauge, partly because in TT scale (representing standard gauge in a scale of of the early availability of HOn3 track and wheels 1:120), but in the last decade or so has come into its but primarily because the combination of 10.5mm own as an established representation of 3’6” gauge (HOn3) and 16.5mm (HO) gauges gives a better visual in HO scale. Much early support came from Europe, representation of SAR dual gauge (3’6” and 5’3”) track. where 12mm gauge is used to represent metre gauge Both gauges are technically undersize, but the relative track in HO scale. The European terminology for this spacing of the rails is good and for those wishing combination is HOm, and for our purposes HOm and to model both gauges, it represents an acceptable HOn3½ are interchangeable. compromise. HOn3½ is gaining wider acceptance in There is considerable scope for the modelling South Australia of late, and of course for pure 3’6” of Australian 3’6” gauge prototypes. In Queensland, layouts or for combinations of 3’6” and 4’8½”, 12mm Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory, gauge is very accurate. 3’6” is or was the predominant ‘main line’ gauge, while Tasmanian modellers have in the past used OO South Australia had extensive networks of 3’6”, 4’8½” scale on 16.5mm track, but again HOn3½ is gaining in and 5’3” gauges. Even New South Wales and Victoria popularity. had small representations. In addition to the government In Western Australia, Sn3½ is the predominant systems, all states had at least one private 3’6” line, scale, and this is reflected in the absence from the market with many of these being major operations such as the of any HOn3½ rolling stock of WAGR prototypes. Western Australian timber lines, BHP’s Whyalla lines Queensland has been a stronghold of HOn3½, in South Australia, Tasmania’s Emu Bay Railway, and while Sn3½ modelling is growing rapidly, HOn3½ New South Wales’ Silverton Tramway and Victoria’s remains the most popular scale. Fyansford Cement line. Table 1 shows how some of these combinations HOn3½ in Australia is becoming increasingly relate to the gauge represented. popular with those modellers wishing to represent one or more of these government networks, or one of the HOn3½ (HOm) Track multitude of private lines. Shinohara HOn3½ track has been the most Many Australian items which are available in popular brand in 12mm gauge for several years, but the HO scale (such as structures, detail items, etc) can be recent arrival of the new Peco Streamline range may used in modelling narrow gauge, but the purpose of see this change. The Bemo and Pilz HOm ranges offer this presentation is to highlight the modelling of 3’6” specialised items which are not available from the other in particular, so such ‘gauge independent’ items are not two suppliers. discussed here. Table 1 - Scale and Gauge Relativity Scale Model gauge Prototype gauge Model scales to Variance HOn3½ 12 mm 3’6” (1067 mm) 3’5” (1044 mm) -2% HOn3 10.5 mm 3’6” (1067 mm) 3’0” (914 mm) -14% HO 16.5 mm 4’8½” (1435 mm) 4’8½” (1435 mm) --- HO 16.5 mm 5’3” (1600 mm) 4’8½” (1435 mm) -10% HO 18.82 mm (EM) 5’3” (1600 mm) 5’4½”(1637 mm) +2% HOm 12 mm 3’3” (1000 mm) 3’5” (1044 mm) +4% Modelling Australian HOn3½ 2

Table 2 - Available Track Item Shinohara Bemo Bemo Code 70 Peco Pilz Rail height Code 70 Code 70 Code 75 Code 80 Sleepers (actual) • length 24.5 mm 22.6 mm 23.5 mm 25.0 mm 21.3 mm • width 2.7 mm 2.7 mm 3.0 mm 2.7 mm • height 1.5 mm 1.8 mm 1.5 mm 1.6 mm 2.0 mm • spacing 8.0 mm 6.9 mm 7.0 mm 7.6 mm 6.7 mm Sleepers (scale) • length 7’ 0” 6’ 6” 6’ 9” 7’ 2” 6’ 1” • width 9” 9” 10” 9” • height 5” 6” 5” 5” 7” • spacing 2’ 3” 2’ 0” 2’ 0” 2’ 2” 1’ 11” Sleepers (typical) SAR • length 6’6” • width 8” • height 4.5” • spacing 1’9” – 2’6” Flexible track 900 mm 500 mm 1000 mm 900 mm 680 mm Standard points • #4 (12 deg) ... Yes Yes Yes Yes • #6 (9.5 deg) Yes Yes Yes … … Curved points ... Yes Yes … … Diamond crossing ... Yes (12 deg) Yes (12 deg) Yes Yes Double slip ... Yes (12 deg) Yes (12 deg) … … HO/HOm dual gauge • 3-rail track ...... Yes • points ...... Yes * • side-to-side ...... Yes • diverging ...... Yes Other items ... • Sectional track Sectional track … ... • Scissors crossover * Pilz dual-gauge points are narrow gauge straight and diverging, standard gauge straight only.

Table 2 gives some relevant comparisons between measurements taken from a limited number of the various types of track available. components, so are representative only. The NMRA Trackwork Standard (S-3) for TT Modellers should be aware that the flange gauge track also provides a useful standard for HOn3½ clearances of the new Peco track are a little tighter track. With acknowledgement to the NMRA, the details than Shinohara (but still within the NMRA standard), in the standard (and some comparative dimensions for and some earlier HOn3½ wheels may require that the some of the available products) are shown below. flangeways be filed out slightly. The wheelsets currently All dimensions in the table are in millimetres. on the market do not have the problem. The values shown for the various products are sample

Dimension NMRA S-3 Shinohara Peco Bemo code 70 Pilz G - track gauge 12.0 (min) 12.3 (aver) 12.0 12.4 (aver) 12.1 12.3 (max) C - check gauge 11.1 (min) S - span 10.3 (max) 10.1 10.3 F - flangeway 0.91 (max) 1.0 (min) 0.9 1.0 (min) 1.2 (max) 1.2 (max) H - flange clearance 0.66 (min) P - point spread 10.9 (max) Modelling Australian HOn3½ 3

Locomotives number of CR vehicles were obtained from the QR or Very few steam outline HOn3½ locomotives are were based on QR designs, so several of the Hanovale available. Queensland Railways modellers are served Model Castings kits can be used also. by Colonial Model Railways (BB18¼ and DD17) and Much rebuilding and adaption of passenger cars, The Turntable (C17 and PB15), with Chivers Finelines in particular, took place on the old SAR, and the same due to release an AC16 in May. can be done with several of the available kits. The range of diesel outline locomotives is better Modellers of the Tasmanian Government Railways served, with body kits available for many Queensland have a few items available from WD Models. Railways and Commonwealth Railways classes from Those wishing to model the Western Australian suppliers such as Black Diamond Models, Far North Government Railways will either need good Hobbies, Ian Lindsay Models and Hanovale Model scratchbuilding skills, or should choose a different Castings. Mechanisms from Model Meks and Main West scale! Models are available to suit most of these bodies also. The Powerline model of the South Australian Railways Running gear 830 class (with a suitable HOn3½ mechanism) is ideal Modellers wishing to put together their own diesel for both SAR and Tasmanian (AN era) models, and for mechanisms should refer to the article by Ian Storrie in Tasmanian modellers the QR 1300 and 2350 classes Issue 3 of Branchline Modeller magazine. This article also meets the needs of the AN era. describes a technique for adapting the power bogies from the AR Kits 45/600 class to HOn3½ gauge. Rolling Stock The Bemo range of HOm locomotives is also a The range of items available in HOn3½ varies potential source of mechanisms. For example, I have significantly from system to system. Modellers of the motorized a South Australian Brill railcar using a cut Queensland Railways are well catered for, while those down Bemo 4-wheel shunting tractor mechanism, with of the South Australian Railways have a moderate excellent results. range of choices. Other prototypes have minimal or Wheelsets for HOn3½ vehicles have been non-existent choices. available in Australia for some time, including RP25- The appendix lists all models currently on the 110 disc and spoked wheels in various diameters. market (to the best of my knowledge), including specific More recently, Steam Era Models have entered the 3’6” vehicles, some simple kitbash adaptions and some market with a range of RP25-88 wheels. Bemo wheels more extensive or creative adaptions. have also been available for many years. Table 3 lists The Queensland Railways market is catered for some typical dimensions of some commonly-available by several kit manufacturers - Black Diamond Models, wheelsets. Far North Hobbies, Hanovale Model Castings, Ian A further source of supply for 12 mm gauge Lindsay Models, Scaleways and Three Foot Six Models. equipment is the Three Millimetre Society in the U.K. Between them, a large range of passenger and goods While aimed at TT scale modellers, many of the items stock is offered. available through this Society are suitable for HOn3½ The 3’6” systems of the South Australian Railways use. and the Commonwealth Railways have always been A number of bogies are available. These are closely related. The CR Central Australian and North primarily QR style, but can be used for the other Australian lines were both originally SAR lines, and systems as well. The ‘Bettendorf’ style is universal, and CR took over much early SAR rolling stock. During the QR ‘archbar’ can be used (in some cases with end World War II, the Commonwealth Land Transport brake hangers removed) for many classes of SAR and Board was responsible for the construction of several CR wagons. types of vehicles which were used by both the CR and HOn3½ bogies are available from the following the SAR. In later years, interchange of rolling stock was suppliers: a routine occurrence. In recent years, the CR (and its’ successor, AN) transferred many broad and standard Far North Hobbies gauge vehicles to 3’6”. • QR TGV bogies For modellers of these systems, many of the 5’3” • QR plate frame bogies gauge body kits from Broad Gauge Bodies (and a few • QR 4’9” Bettendorf bogies VR kits from Steam Era Models) can be adapted for • QR 4’ archbar bogies 3’6” prototypes, while RTR Models SA also supply a • QR Sunshine Express bogies number of 3’6” kits for both SAR and CR vehicles. A

Table 3 - Wheelset dimensions Wheelset Wheel thickness Axle length Back-to-back SEM RP25-88 2.5 mm 19.5 mm 10.3 – 10.4 mm North Yard RP25-110 3.0 mm 21.0 mm 10.2 mm K&M RP25-110 3.0 mm 21.0 mm 10.1 – 10.3 mm Bemo 2.5 mm 18.3 mm 10.3 mm Modelling Australian HOn3½ 4

The Turntable from the tabulations. However the information • QR archbar bogies presented is as complete as I can determine at the time • QR ‘Lander bogies of preparation. If I have omitted any items which should • QR plate frame bogies have been included, then please accept my apologies. • QR Grovers bogie (4-wheel stock) • 2BP type bogies • 2CL type bogies • Commonwealth bogies Supplementary Notes - January 2007 Three Foot Six Models Since these notes were prepared (early 1998), • QR Sunshine Express bogies some changes have taken place in the Australian • QR ‘Lander bogies marketplace. Some of the listed suppliers are no longer • QR modern freight bogies with us, although their products can occasionally be • QR ‘QR1’ freight bogies picked up. • QR 4’ archbar bogies Two changes must be noted though - K&M produce brass mechanisms for the SAR 830, and a A popular technique which many modellers use new manufacturer (Hollywood Foundry) has a range of to produce HOn3½ bogies is to cut the centre of the power mechanisms suitable for a wide range of narrow bolster from an HO gauge bogie, then fit a new bolster gauge motive power (including railcars). made from a rectangular or channel section. The length of the new bolster is dependent on the axle length of the wheelsets to be used. This can be done easily with common bogies from suppliers such as AR Kits and Roundhouse, but the technique is also useful in cases such as adapting a South Australian BGB ‘Long Tom’ coach kit from 5’3” to 3’6”, where the supplied sideframes can be used for the 3’6” bogies. Replacement bolsters for these bogie conversions are available from Ian Lindsay Models and The Turntable. Couplers Some modellers choose to use the Kadee HOn3 coupler for HOn3½, because of its smaller size than standard Kadees. Many, however (myself included) use Kadee HO couplers because of the range of mounting types available, and their strength. In particular, the Kadee 30-series includes a number of styles with underset mounting which adapt easily to the low floor height found on many early 3’6” vehicles. Conclusion I hope that I have opened the way for modellers who may have hesitated in the past, to consider modelling Australian 3’6” prototypes in HOn3½. As can be seen from the listings, there are quite extensive resources and materials available, and it is now possible to build a Queensland or South Australian narrow gauge layout without having to ‘scratchbuild everything’. And with such a tempting array of prototypes to choose from, why not? Acknowledgements and Disclaimer Assistance in the preparation of this document was received from a number of sources, and grateful acknowledgement is due to the people behind these organizations: AMRM; Colonial Model Railways; Far North Hobbies; Ian Lindsay Models; Model Meks; Orient Express; RTR Models SA; The Turntable; Three Foot Six Models; WD Models. I have no affiliation with any of the suppliers, and cannot accept any responsibility for errors or omissions Modelling Australian HOn3½ 5 Other BHP DE TGR ZB (AN era) ½ WAGR CR Ex-SAR coach NCA NLA NF NHRD

SAR Brill railcar Brill trailer van camp Per-way coach Long Tom 300,400 series coaches sleeper “Morambro” vans relay/brake Crew coach Short Tom style) (later CN CFN GCF VCW VW VFN RN RCN SE OMN NH QGR 1250 1400 1450 1460 2350 SX / SXV Appendix - Rolling Stock (R-T-R and Kits) Adaptible for Australian HOn3 Adaptible for and Kits) Appendix - Rolling Stock (R-T-R Modifications / kitbash - Bo-Bo mechanism New New power unit, narrow trailing bogie Narrow bogies, optional window mods bogies Narrow mods Window bogies new Shorten body, axleguards Narrow sides cut down roof, Remove Shorten body ends New ends Shorten sides; new bogies Narrow bogies Replace bogies Narrow Vehicle Black Diamond Models diesel QR 1250 diesel QR 1400 diesel QR 1450 diesel QR 1460 diesel QR 2350 QR stainless steel subn set Gauge Bodies Broad (5’3”) Brill Model 75 SAR (5’3”) Brill trailer SAR coach (5’3”) Long Tom SAR (5’3”) wagon C cattle SAR (5’3”) wagon CF cattle SAR (5’3”) van louvre DW SAR (5’3”) van louvre DWF SAR (5’3”) van R refrig SAR (5’3”) van RX refrig SAR SE explosives SAR (5’3”) wagon SO ore SAR (5’3”) BH horsebox SAR (s.g.) van HRD relay CR Modelling Australian HOn3½ 6 Other TGR WAGR CR NJ SAR 400 NJ (ANR) QGR Beyer-Garratt ALG FG/FGW BB18-1/4 DD17 DH 1150 1170 1200 1300 1502 1620 1720 2170 2000 Sunshine cars TGV Brake C / CLF CMIS CMN CMR QLX / QSC Roadrailer VMO Modifications / kitbash Close approximation Vehicle Chivers Finelines (imminent) QR Beyer-Garratt van QR ALG QR FG/FGW wagon Colonial Model Railwayss 4-6-2 QR BB18-1/4 4-6-4T QR DD17 NorthFar Hobbies QR DH diesel as bodies only or with mechanism available are The following NJ diesel CR diesel QR 1150 diesel QR 1170 diesel QR 1200 diesel QR 1300 diesel QR 1502 diesel QR 1620 diesel QR 1720 diesel QR 2170 (body only) QR 2000 railmotor QR Sunshine cars set QR TGV brake QR 24’ brake QR C / CLF QR CMIS insulated QR CMN nitrogen QR CMR QR QLX / QSC QR Roadrailer QR VMO molasses Modelling Australian HOn3½ 7 Other TGR ZC (AN era) WAGR CR SAR QGR 1200 1300 1720 2170 BUV BU MAS MBC MBL MCC MDC MPC MPC/C A ABG ALG ALY BBV BC C CB CH CHB CJ CJF CLC CMI CMIS Camp DM / DMP EC F FFC FGW Modifications / kitbash Vehicle Model Castings Hanovale diesel QR 1200 diesel QR 1300 diesel QR 1720 diesel QR 2170 QR BUV coach QR BU coach QR MAS sleeper QR MBC baggage QR MBL coach QR MCC club bar QR MDC diner car QR MPC power car QR MPC/C power QR A van QR ABG van van QR ALG van QR ALY brake QR BBV compo QR BC baggage QR C van van QR CB brake QR CH van van QR CHB brake QR CJ van QR CJF van van QR CLC QR CMI insul QR CMIS insul QR Camp QR DM / DMP cars QR EC open QR F open QR FFC cement tank QR FGW water Modelling Australian HOn3½ 8 Other TGR ZC (AN era) WAGR CR NC NCY SAR QGR FJC FW GV H HB HJ HJS HJC IC K KB KKB KL LSR MTW OLE / OLX PCW PWH S SW T TGV UR UW V VB VJM VO VR VT WR WW 1300 2170 RM55 Modifications / kitbash Vehicle QR FJC cement tank QR FW water QR GV brake QR H open QR HB open brake QR HJ open QR HJS open QR HJC cement QR IC livestock QR K livestock brake QR KB livestock brake drover QR KKB livestock QR KL livestock QR LSR shunters runner QR MTW flat QR OLE / OLX fuel tank tank QR PCW water QR PWH pineapples QR S flat tank water QR SW QR T ballast QR TGV brake QR UR open tank QR UW water QR V coal QR VB coal open brake QR VJM coal coal QR VO QR VR coal QR VT ballast QR WR rails tank QR WW water Ian Lindsay Models diesel QR 1300 diesel QR 2170 QR RM55 Modelling Australian HOn3½ 9 Other TGR ZC (AN era) (AN era) 830 WAGR CR

SAR (ANR) ENVA CGN vans camp Per-way (ex 5’3” Centenary cars) 830 QGR PL ALY BBV BRMP CLC CO CW CLV CL FJS HO / HOF PYC QLX QSC R TGVH UHJ 1200-1225-1250-1270 1300 1460-1502 1700-1720 2170-2400 1600-1620 Modifications / kitbash bogies Narrow rebuild extensive Very variations Several Vehicle QR PL trailer van QR ALY QR BBV brake QR BRMP tautliner van QR CLC QR CO wagon van QR CW camp brake compo QR CLV QR CL coach QR FJS wagon QR HO / HOF open QR PYC flat QR QLX van QR QSC tautliner van QR R refrigerated QR TGVH brake QR UHJ open Lima (5’3”) brakevan 8300 SAR MDC / Roundhouse coach 50’ end-platform classes shown) to fit bodies of Model Meks (mechanisms only, QR 1200-1225-1250-1270 QR 1300 QR 1460-1502 QR 1700-1720 QR 2170-2400 mechanisms: Special order QR 1600-1620 830 SAR Modelling Australian HOn3½ 10 Other ON STC TGR (AN era) 830 WAGR CR NJ NCA NLA NC

SAR NJ (AN era) 830 coach 4-wheel coach Short Tom (early style) brakevans Compo brakevans Passenger 450 “Light” “Lincoln” “Morambro” 300 / 400 “Wandana” CN VCW VW GC OMN ON SE tank Water W XX Y YY QGR Modifications / kitbash mechanism New Modify sides Shorten body sideframes Narrow Vehicle NJ CR Reproductions Orient Express to special order stock available rolling SAR Powerline diesel 830 SAR RTR Models SA scale dimensions from differ considerably Note - kits may coach 4-wheel SAR coach Short Tom SAR coach (450 class) SAR “Light”SAR “Lincoln” SAR “Morambro” SAR coach (300/400 class) SAR (as preserved) “Wandana” SAR (5’3”) wagon C cattle SAR (5’3”) van louvre DW SAR GC open SAR wagon OMN ore SAR wagon ON ore SAR SE explosives SAR tank water 6-wheel SAR W open SAR XX open SAR Y open (3’6” version) SAR Y open (5’3” version) SAR NC Cattle CR Modelling Australian HOn3½ 11 Other TGR WAGR CR NGAS NGC NGS NHA NM

SAR OCN YY XX vans MFN louvre V, van EFN explosives (4-wheel) PP refrig (bogie) RPN refrig QGR VTE DDM/P PCOY WHE WHO/C C17 PB15 1270 RM1800 TP1800 RM1800 AAS AL (SE) Modifications / kitbash Shorten sides, alter door None doors Shorten sides, narrow ends Shorten sides, new on new Body as above, underframe Minor details Vehicle NGAS open CR NGC open CR NGS open CR NHA brakevan CR QR VTE ballast Scaleways QR DDM/P car carrier flat QR PCOY QR WHE open QR WHO/C open Models Era Steam (5’3”) VR I/IA open wagon VR I/IA high side open (5’3”) (steel) (5’3”) VR U van (5’3”) van VR T refrig The Turntable 4-8-0 (body only) QR C17 4-6-0 QR PB15 diesel QR 1270 Six Models Foot Three railmotor QR 1800 trailer QR 1800 commissioners car QR 1800 QR AAS Sunshine sleeper QR AL Sunshine coach Modelling Australian HOn3½ 12 Other TGR WAGR CR SAR QGR AL (Sub) BC BL (SE) BL (Sub) DC FBS MMV MV SX SXV BC BCF BLC BLC C C C CH CJ CJF / CJFF CMIS CMR CR CWM HJC HJS HO HSA HWA PE PYC QLX QLX QRPC S Modifications / kitbash

Vehicle QR AL suburban coach QR BC Sunshine baggage QR BL Sunshine coach QR BL suburban coach QR DC Sunshine diner QR FBS Sunshine sleeper QR MMV ‘Lander brake QR MV Sunshine brake QR SX suburban coach QR SXV suburban brake QR BC baggage QR BCF furniture (original) van QR BLC (modified) QR BLC 26’ QR C van 30’ QR C van 32’ QR C van wagon QR CH covered QR CJ van QR CJF / CJFF van van QR CMIS insulated van QR CMR refrigerated van semi-refrig QR CR van QR CWM camp QR HJC cement QR HJS open QR HO open open QR HSA open QR HWA QR PE flat QR PYC containers QR QLX (original) QR QLX (modified) for PYC pack QR QRPC power QR S flat 40’ to order) (20’, 26’, 30’, 32’ or Modelling Australian HOn3½ 13

Other STC, BHP, timber lines WA TGR C CC, CCS BA C DB E H WAGR G G CR Nfc Nfb SAR Y Yx QGR BY AY, Modifications / kitbash Minor details rebuild Heavy

Vehicle WD Models TGR C 2-6-0 (not yet released) also in HOn3) (avail TGR BA coach TGR C open TGR DB brake TGR E van TGR H cattle