I was thinking of the possibility of creating custom-scaled narrow gauge models and I mean gauges that has probably never been brought up anywhere, and that would be 3 and 2-foot models in Gauge 1, aka 1/32 or 1:32 scale. I don't mean Gauge 1 on O scale like in Thomas & Friends, I mean an entirely custom track gauge. It's for a possible film project involving the D&RG(W) in the future. I was wondering how I could pursue this probably ridiculous dream of mine! What could I do in terms of making these models and track for them? Anyone who could help me on this topic, could you provide me with your input?
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Your post reminds me of one a couple years ago where a guy wanted to build the largest MR in the US. You will have to hand lay all the track and turnouts for this never before modeled scale.
The motive power and rolling stock will have to be built.
I'm sure someone with machining, custom model building and 3D printing skills could manage it. I'm not sure we have many of those folks in this forum.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Hi there. Building rolling stock in On30, for which you can use HO scale mechanisms, would be a lot easier.
Simon
Comrade_FrunzeI was thinking of the possibility of creating custom-scaled narrow gauge models and I mean gauges that has probably never been brought up anywhere, and that would be 3 and 2-foot models in Gauge 1, aka 1/32 or 1:32 scale....What could I do in terms of making these models and track for them? Anyone who could help me on this topic, could you provide me with your input?
1:32 scale is the same as 3/8" scale. So 2ft gauge = 3/4" and 3ft = 1.125". Both are 1/8" smaller than existing S gauge (7/8") and O gauge (1.25"). The 1/8" difference means a 4" discrepancy from prototype.
If you can't live with the discrepancy, On3 uses the exact 3/4" gauge. Many of the On30 mechanisms are designed and/or have been converted to On3. Full On3 mechanisms exist, but tend to cost more than their On30 counterparts. The 1-1/8" gauge can likewise use regauged O gauge mechanisms. Wheel sizes are going to be a little off, especially in the 3/8n2 scale/gauge, since those are already narrow gauge wheels in O scale. O standard gauge 36" wheels are going to scale to 24" in 3/8n3 so that might be doable.
Handlaid track would be pretty easy to accomplish in these scales and gauges, and would give you realistic rail, tie size, and tie spacing. And given the larger scale, there wouldn't be as much track to lay in a given space. I believe there is/was some On3 flex track made, perhaps even turnouts that could be used temporarily (tie spacing and size would be wrong).
3/8" (1/32) scale is not unheard of, and was used by some of the large scale manufacturers so car bodies, structures, and figures might be available in limited quantities.
I don't see your dream as impractical IF you are willing to regauge or scratchbuild mechanisms, hand lay track, and build what you can't locate. Keep the scope reasonable - a few locomotives, a not huge layout, and it's all doable.
Fred W
....modeling foggy coastal Oregon in HO and HOn3, where it's always 1900....
To add further, Gn18 (1:22.5?, uses HO gauge, 16.5mm) has been used to model 18" gauge industrial rail lines - often in a micro-layout format. Some of these are featured on carendt.com. railroad-line.com has a large scale forum. Short Line & Narrow Gauge Gazette occasionally has layout and diaroma articles (and advertisements) on scales larger than 1/4". There are other 3/8" scale modelers out there, but they typically are not MR readers or forum members.