Tim gave his talk entitled “An introduction to Narrow Gauge” and told us that his primary interest was in industrial narrow-gauge railways although of course there are numerous passenger lines to model if you wish. Narrow gauge modelling in 7mm scale covers a number of different gauges including O9, O16.5, On2 and On30.
Tim has built a number of different layouts and has been inspired by Theobald’s Yard which is a very complex and inspirational layout that has been on the exhibition circuit for many years.
Narrow gauge modelling is relatively cheap and with tight radius curves and point work requires less space than a standard gauge layout. There is growing manufacturer support for narrow gauge modelling and much scope for scratch building and kit bashing. The first narrow gauge loco Tim built was a Smallbrook body kit built around a cheap “Smokey Joe” chassis.
Tim has since gone on to build numerous locos and wagons scratch building the bodies around OO chassis. Tim then went on to talk about the models that he had brought in and which were displayed on one of the display tables.
Geoff had also brought along some examples of his narrow-gauge stock most of which he had hand built. Geoff said he used to build and exhibit narrow gauge layouts mainly using modified Peco OO track.
His interest in narrow gauge had been stimulated when seeing the South African East London Line most of which still exists.
Roger too had brought along some of his narrow-gauge stock and proceeded to review them and tell us of the fiendishly clever ways in which he had modified and adapted them.
Lastly John D talked us through the fine display of models in many different gauges ranging from OO9 to G scale that he had set up. His larger models were particularly impressive and included a South African Beyer Garratt and a resplendent Isle of Man Southwold Light Railway tank Peveril.
Numerous books and magazines on various aspects of narrow-gauge railways had been set out on tables clearly demonstrating that the subject is not so niche as some people may have thought. Chris
