Going Minimum Gauge Handbook 2

A guide to modelling narrow gauge railways of 15" and under in 7mm scale.

The term "Minimum Gauge" was first used by Sir Arthur Heywood to maintain that his 15" gauge was the smallest practical gauge for a fully working railway for the transport of both people and goods. Several Estate railways were built to his principles in the late 19th century and early 20th century such as Duffield Bank and Eaton Hall in Cheshire. A number of lines have been built subsequently with track gauges of 12 1/4" and 7 1/4", which due to length of the line or the number of passengers carried can be considered as serious railways. For the purpose of this handbook, the term "Minimum Gauge" refers to any railway with a gauge of less than nominally 2 feet down to 7 1/4" gauge. Below 7 1/4" gauge can be considered as "Model". This handbook is divided into two main sections. The first of these shows you how to model these smaller gauge lines, including details of the kits that are available. the second section contains information on most of the relevant railways which are currently working. This publication does not cover prototypes outside the UK.

The prototype lines can be grouped into a number of categories as follows:-

1) Long lines originally built either for passenger or freight and which are operated as preserved railways e.g. Ravengalass & Eskdale, Romney Hythe & Dymchurch.

2) Estate Railways e.g. Eaton Hall.

3) Industrial or Mineral lines e.g. 18" gauge line within Crewe Works.

4) Seaside or Theme Park attractions e.g. Cleethorpes Coast, Moors Valley, and Dobwalls. The stock for this type of line can either be a scale version of a standard gauge prototype or be in a freelance "narrow gauge style". It is the latter group which is of particular interest. A good example is the Beer Heights Light Railway at Pecorama in Devon.

Why choose Narrow Gauge?

Narrow gauge lines have charm and individuality. Each prototype narrow gauge line was built for a purpose. Modelling prototype narrow gauge lines can be very rewarding, and individual modellers can create their own "freelance" world, limited only by their own imagination. In all gauges very detailed models can be built in relatively small spaces. This can be as small as 2'x2'.

Modelling Minimum Gauge Lines

Many 7mm NG modellers start with 0-16.5. some progress to 0-14 (14mm gauge track accurately representing 2 ft gauge) or 0-21 (21mm gauge to represent 3 ft gauge) if they are interested in Isle of Man or Irish prototypes. In recent years the concept of taking smaller gauge track e.g. 9mm or 6.5mm and using 7mm scale accessories has been developed to allow the modelling of 15" gauge and below. the terms 0-9 and 0-6.5 will be used throughout this handbook when 9mm and 6.5mm gauges are referred to.

The following ranges are stocked by the Modelling Goods department of the Association Sales:

Avalon Line : Black Dog Mining Co : Peco

ISBN No: 095113300047 Order Code: GM01

Going Minimum Gauge was written and compiled by Howard Martin (Association Chairman 1997-2005), edited and prepared for publication by Philip Moss and the late Mervyn Axson.

Cover Photograph: A scene on David Rae's Irton Road layout which is based on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway.

Photo: David Broome

Published by the 7mm Narrow Gauge Association

Copyright © 1999 the draughtsmen named and the 7mm Narrow Gauge Association.

The contents may not be reproduced by any means without the written consent of the Association, which is normally gladly given, provided that acknowledgement is made.

Any sales enquiries to The 7mm Narrow Gauge Association should be sent to the address which is listed on the main Association Sales pages. Email orders for publications can be sent to Publications