About Gauge One
Ian’s King and Roger V’s Scotsman pass each other – Both with surplus steam!
Gauge One requires a track gauge of 1¾ inches (44.45mm) which is generally referred to as 45mm. In practice this means Gauge One models are from one to two feet in length (300mm to 600mm); 50% longer than O gauge models and 50% shorter than “3 ½ inch”. This in-between position means the hobby is influenced by both model railways and model engineering; at its best it takes the concern for prototypical system accuracy of the former and the authenticity of the latter.
Traditionally, enjoying the hobby of model railways means taking pleasure in the construction of a working diorama: either a scale replica of a real railway or a creation of the imagination. To this end, participants lay lines, adapt or scratchbuild models, and construct scenery as well as operate their layout.
Tony’s Britannia – radio controlled and meths fired – pulls his rake of Maunsell coaches onto the viaduct
The generous model proportions of Gauge One compared to N, OO/HO and O gauges requires a different approach. Space is usually at a premium, especially for an indoor continuous loop to suit live steam. The usual minimum radius is 10 feet (3 metres), although be assured that many models will make it round a 2 metre radius and note both radii are very tight by full-size standards. However, when viewed from the inside of a tight curve as is usual, the appearance is surprisingly palatable and the absolute distances involved serve to somehow soften the effect. Line length varies from around 20 metres up to an astonishing 300 metres in one well known garden which features gentle curves with radii of 20 feet (6m) and above.
Trains are generally run at table height rather than at ground level and on that premise there are two schools of thought with respect to the look of the line. Some prefer “Track” meaning bare sleepers on an unfinished surface such as felt-covered plywood which is then held up by scaffolding poles. Others choose a “Ladies Line”, in which trains pass over support- hiding hedges, glide over elegant bridges and run atop grassy embankments; all combined with suitably sized plants such as dwarf fir trees or alpine flowers. When effected judiciously, it’s a delight.
Ready-made Gauge One track including points and crossovers is available from many suppliers, while numbers of Newsletter and Journal articles have been written on line construction methods. Lineside structures are used sparingly in Gauge One, indeed none at all is realistic; a mile equates to 180 feet or so !
Railway models form the heart of the pastime. The sheer size of models means modelling form and function is the norm. Many locomotives, particular models of recent origin, show superb exterior detail, while genuinely steam-powered cranks, rodding and valves furnish some engines with additional integrity. Open the hot-to-touch blower and steam gushes from the chimney; leave her waiting and the safety valve fizzes, ease open the regulator and with a hiss and a chuff the pistons push the rods which turn her cranks which turn her wheels!
Ian’s King makes a fine show along the back straight
A surprisingly large selection is available new and, for the patient, secondhand. The last decade has seen existing manufacturers such as: Aster, Barratt, J&M, the Finescale Locomotive Co and Peter Rogers added to by newer firms such as Accucraft, Finescale Brass, Northern Fine Scale, Golden Age and the Gauge 1 Model Co. Inevitably, marques and models vary as to size, complexity, price and arguably, quality. Compare the exciting entry-level Accucraft B4 to the magnificent new Aster 241P, for example.
Reading this, you might think that the way to Gauge One “Cooldom” is to invest the kids’ inheritance in some Gauge One RTR “bling”. Indeed, this will guarantee popularity at the trade-supported AGM and Spring Meeting. Away from these venues, it’s not that easy as for the most part standing in Gauge One is obtained from scratch and kit-built creations as well as adapting factory models. Inviting others to your line and skilled driving helps too!
Tenmille and Wagon and Carriage have a large range of kits and inevitably there are a host of small suppliers such as Just the Ticket, Wallsall Model Industries. Slaters Plastikard and Orion. It has to be admitted that compared to O gauge, the range is limited and scratchbuilding is often required complete a train. Choose your materials: plasticard, wood, metal or even paper and then source fiddly bits such as roof ventilators or brake gear from suppliers.
Alan keeps control of his Duchess as she runs through the station area
Building live steam locomotives is both a science and an art. Fortunately the Association has several publications for sale on this topic, with parts for the Project, Dee and now ARMIG available from third party suppliers. If you have not done this before then you would be well advised to make acquaintance, via G1MRA, of an experienced builder to guide you. Alternatively, purchase an Aster kit or for the more ambitious, a Barrett or Keith Cousins kit, where the parts have been made for you.
The secondhand route should not be forgotten, dealers such as Wagon and Carriage, Rushford Barn Models and TMS Models carry a fair range. Auction houses specialising toy sales are worth a visit: Vectis, Specialist Auction Services as well as regional houses (often listed on http://www.the-saleroom.com) and not forgetting that armchair modelling favourite ebay; check out Modellbau/Modelleisenbahn/Spur 1, on ebay.de in particular. Be warned: minor fettling to an all-out re-build may be needed.
Roger v’s Scotsman passing through the station area
Photos:
Chasewaterstuff's Railway & Canal Blog 