Track Gauge Question

This topic has 6 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 19 July 2015 at 15:15 by Merl T.

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18 July 2015 at 19:40 #197199
Merl T
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@merlt
Hello

I live in a retirement community in the U.S. that has an extensive garden railway layout. I would like to build a small, simple steam powered engine that will fit on their tracks. In searching for plans, I am confused by the various gauges that I find on the internet. I see references to all kinds of scales such as 3”, 4”, 4.5” on up to 7.5”, but do not know what scale I would be looking for

I measured the track and it measures out 1 15/16” center to center on the rails. I believe this is called “G” scale but do not know how this relates to the scales such as the ones I listed above.

My questions are:

When searching for plans, what scale am I looking for (in inches or millimeters)?

Are there plans for this scale?

If so, what vendors or sources are recommended?

Are there any recommendations for a specific plan or plans?

Are there any important questions that I failed to ask?

Any and all help is appreciated!

Merl T
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18 July 2015 at 19:40 #1426
Merl T
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@merlt
18 July 2015 at 20:34 #197202
wheeltapper
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@wheeltapper
Hi, Don't think I am being cheeky but why don't you ask whoever else uses the track.

they must know if they run loco's on it.

Roy.
18 July 2015 at 21:15 #197204
Neil Wyatt
Moderator
@neilwyatt
Hello Merl,

'scale' and 'Gauge' have different meanings for model locos.

Gauge is the distance between the rails, 'Scale' is the ratio of models to the real thing.

This means that for every gauge there can be many scales – these may be rough approximations of the ratio of the track to full size gauge or close ones, giving small differences in the size of models of the same loco, even though they run on the same track.

Another issue is that models of narrow gauge locos need to be made to a much larger scale to run on the same track as model mainline locos.

There is a reasonably complete list of scales and gauges here:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_transport_modelling_scales

You can sort the columns in the table by clicking the boxes at the top of it.

Your track seems to be about 49mm, but I see you are measuring centre to centre – you should measure the gap between the rails, which may well be 45mm. In this case you have an embarrassment of riches with five or six 'scales' to choose from, all of which will probably run on your track (but check there is enough depth for the flanges of the wheels of your chosen model).

The article links to pages on the different scales, and they should lead you to find further information.

Neil
18 July 2015 at 21:39 #197206
Bazyle
Participant
@bazyle
3ft or 3ft 6in modelled at 1/2 in to the foot for 45mm (Gauge 1) track is popular in the 'states. See this magazine for information about supplies and designs.

Edited By Bazyle on 18/07/2015 21:40:24
18 July 2015 at 22:21 #197210
Robert Dodds
Participant
@robertdodds43397
Merl,

You can get a lot of info re G scale/gauge from searching wikipedia for just that.
I see that ebay in the UK is awash with locos and rolling stock for less than 100 pounds but it is electric and I reckon you should check out running systems with your neighbours just in case you build a steamer that blows the power or signal system that they may have in place.
G scale have a variety of online forums that may offer you more relevant info.

Regards Bob D
19 July 2015 at 15:15 #197266
Merl T
Participant
@merlt
Thanks for all of your responses!

Now I know how to identify the plans that I am looking for.

Merl T
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