What We Do

Home
What Is Narrow Gauge
What We Do
Joining
Show Diary
Trade News
Links
Members' Area

What We Do

The pictures below are examples of layouts created by our members, and our Show Diary gives information on where and when you can see some of these layouts. This web site offers a guide to our hobby and the services we offer to our members. If you are new to narrow gauge modelling, or are unsure of where to start and perhaps confused by the wealth of alternative scales and gauges, then read our page on "What Is Narrow Gauge". Visitors are welcome to browse.

"Picardy" - Philip Moss

Photograph Mick Thornton, and © Mick Thornton

Many of our members model just for the fun, and you do not have to be an expert to enjoy the hobby. In Narrow Gauge, the layouts may be quite compact, yet still produce a realistic model. This scale is a useful size of model for narrow gauge modelling without requiring too much space. The models are large enough to be modelled using human sized fingers and with normal eyesight! Models, particularly rolling stock such a engines and coaches, are sturdy and have a reasonable weight, which gives good adhesion and electrical contact. Additionally, 7mm scale being that of 0 gauge also gives access to commercially produced figures and many other accessories.

Many members use 16.5mm gauge as a standard, which has the advantage of commercial support for track and a wide range of HO/OO locomotive chassis, suitable for the larger scale, narrow gauge. 16.5mm is equivalent to 2'4", a prototype gauge representative of the Talyllyn, Corris, Glynn Valley and Welshpool & Llanfair, which is also acceptable to many, to represent other railways. However, those who require greater accuracy scratch build their track at 14mm for 2' gauge and a few at 21mm for 3' gauge. A growing interest is modelling the 15" gauge or similar, on 9mm track using N gauge components, whist a few choose to use Z gauge track, which scales to about 10.5" gauge.

Latest from "Beaver Creek" - Don Mason

"Bridport Town" - David Taylor

Photograph Mick Thornton, and © Mick Thornton

We also have a few members who are using 9mm scale, (1:33.8) or 8mm scale, (1:38) to considerable effect, and as their work is seen, others are being converted.

Not everything need be scratch built. There are now a large number of manufacturers who support our scale with kits and accessories, whilst Bachmann and Fleischmann produce ready to run American (On30) or German (Oe) rolling stock. Because of the availability of ready-to-run stock, the US On30 (1/4 inch to the foot scale on 16.5mm track) is gaining in popularity, with some fine layouts on the exhibition circuit.

The Association was founded in 1979 and is based in the UK. We have members all round the world, representing most European countries, and the USA, Canada, South America, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Scandinavia, India and South Africa are also represented.

We have a number of Area Groups which meet regularly for members to swap information and tips, or in some case, to collaborate in the building of layouts.

We also have a very active Sales Department to cater for members specialised needs.

"Hollies End" - Brian Stubbles

"Henmore Dale" - The Trent Valley Group

"Picardy" - Philip Moss