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 layouts build to our chosen scale. This website 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 the public pages of our website.
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"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, layouts may be quite compact, yet still produce a realistic model. This scale gives a useful size of model for narrow gauge modelling without requiring too much space. The models themselves are large enough to be modelled using human sized fingers and with normal eyesight! Models, particularly rolling stock such as engines and coaches, are sturdy and have a reasonable weight, which gives good adhesion and electrical contact. Additionally, 7mm scale being that of 'main line' O scale also gives access to commercially produced figures and many other accessories.
Many members use 16.5mm gauge track as a standard, which has the advantage of commercial support for track and a wide range of OO/HO locomotive chassis, suitable for the larger scale in narrow gauge. 16.5mm is equivalent to 2'4", a prototype gauge representative of the Talyllyn, Corris, Glyn Valley and Welshpool & Llanfair, and is also acceptable for 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 scale components, whilst a few choose to use 6.5mm Z gauge track, which scales to about 10.5" gauge to represent miniature lines.
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| From "Beaver Creek" - Don Mason |
We also have a few members who are using 9mm scale (1:33.8), or 8mm scale (1:38) to considerable effect.
Not everything need be scratch built. An important development in 2024 is the launch by Bachmann (Europe) of a range in O-16.5 (which they are marketing as NG7), initially various Quarry Hunslets with some wagons and buildings.
There are also a large number of manufacturers who support our scale with kits and accessories, whilst Bachmann (US) produce ready to run American (On30) rolling stock. Because of the availability of ready-to-run stock, the US On30 (1/4 inch to the foot scale (1:48) on 16.5mm track) has become very popular, with some fine layouts on the exhibition circuit. For more information on On30, please see this page.
Another particular scale/gauge combination that has a considerable number of adherents is O-9 using 9mm gauge track to represent miniature and small industrial railways to 15-18in gauge. See this page for more details.
The Association was founded in 1979 and is based in the UK. We also have members all round the world, particularly in Continental Europe, North America and Australasia.
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 organisation to cater for members' specialised needs.
Details of the principal benefits of joining the Association may be found on this page.
A copy of our NEW booklet 'Modelling Narrow Gauge Railways in O Scale' may be downloaded here.
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| "Bridport Town" - David Taylor
Photograph Mick Thornton, and © Mick Thornton |
"Hollies End" - Brian Stubbles | |
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| "Henmore Dale" - The Trent Valley Group | "Picardy" - Philip Moss Photograph Mick Thornton, and © Mick Thornton |
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| Click here see more of the layouts, locos, stock and buildings produced by some of our members. | ||
