Guildford Model Engineering Society



Gauge 1 Railway

Modelling standard gauge railways at a scale of 1/32 or 10mm to the foot

What is Gauge 1?

Gauge 1 is one of the oldest sizes model railway. The track gauge is 45mm between the rails. The trains running at GMES are usually scale models of full-size ones you can/could see running on the national railway network which has a gauge of 4ft 8½in or 1435mm.

There are two scales that are commonly used, 10mm = 1foot, and 1/32nd scale which is slightly more accurate for the track gauge used.

The size of Gauge 1 modelling allows the hobby to span two interests, that of model railways where the landscape and trains can be modelled realistically and that of model engineering where real watchmaker quality engineering skills can be exploited. From the earliest days of the hobby, the main source of power has been live steam and is still a major attraction. Electric power is also common and with the evolution of compact, rapid charging, high powered batteries and miniature radio control, a completely different experience to live steam is possible. Digital sound systems and smoke generators add to the ambience. All of this has appealed to the younger generation who are interested in modern traction which all adds to the diversity we have within this branch of the hobby.

The GMES Layout

The GMES Gauge 1 layout is the second one on this site. It has a double track main line continuous run, with a small station and goods yard. The supporting steel frames, with height adjustment at the top, were fabricated by the Gauge 1 group and cast into the ground with 'Postcrete' footings. 'Riggatex' resin bonded board was then fixed to the frames. The track layout was designed in CAD and great care taken to ensure that the geometry flowed correctly using transition curves on the main lines so that the trains run smoothly and are stable, which is very important when trains are running at the higher speeds typically used when compared to our 16mm narrow gauge layout. We have used Peco Gauge 1 nickel silver track and point work.

Modelling Skills

The group includes people with no previous modelling experience. There are members of the group who delight in trying to make a miniature version of an actual prototype whether that be a locomotive, item of rolling stock or a building. They enjoy exploring the historical aspect and research as much as building the model. The advent of commercially made, ready to run models based on actual prototypes has also encouraged people to follow the prototypical path.

The coaches and wagons we run may be ready made, fabricated from kits or scratch built. However, it is probably true to say most members own a commercially made steam engine and then enjoy making rolling stock kits from one of the suppliers to the hobby.

A good source of information about the hobby is the Gauge 1 Model Railway Association (www.g1mra.com), which has a superb web site, explaining more about this hobby along with web links to all the main suppliers.

Motive Power

Our trains are either steam or electrically powered, with steam being the most popular. Steam is raised in the boiler by heating the water with either gas, methylated spirits or coal. Traditionally the most popular fuel sources in Gauge 1 have been methylated spirits and coal but gas is becoming a popular option.

Coal firing can be challenging to master but gives great satisfaction once you have cracked the firing technique. Steam engines can be controlled manually or driven via radio control. Our electric locos have batteries installed in them; we do not use track power at GMES. Electric models can be controlled by simple on/off and direction switches, a manual speed controller or fully radio controlled. Some electrically powered models also have on-board sound systems that can replicate the noises produced by steam and diesel locomotives. The advent of digital technology has enabled other sounds to be generated such as whistles, bells, air pumps and coupling noises.

Commercially manufactured steam engines are available from Accucraft, Aster and Bowande. As well as these major manufacturers, there are numerous small businesses which contribute significantly to the hobby, providing bespoke commissions, kits, services and materials. There is also a thriving second hand market.

Rolling Stock

We use a wide variety of engines and rolling stock on our layout which reflects the diverse tastes of our group. The layout will eventually have a Southern Railway look at feel to it, but you will see trains from France, Germany and the USA running on the layout.

Buildings

Our layout is rather bare at present but there are plans to add station and yard buildings once the basic layout has been completed.

The Group

The GMES Garden Railway Group meet every Monday evening, usually from 7pm to 10pm. If this is something you would like to get involved with, please talk to us at one of our open days or visit us on a Monday. You will be made most welcome.