Talking T Gauge

Will J · Joined: 04 Sep 2008 Posts: 2 Location: Kidderminster UK

I moved this from the steam locos thread... would be interested to see what people think Question

I have been thinking about some scratchbuilding projects to use the basic T-gauge chassis, based on British prototypes.

I have some ideas based on British diesel.. (or even Gas turbine!!) designs, built to 1/450 scale.

For steam however, I am keen to explore what can be done by using 3mm track to represent a narrow gauge prototype. The only tricky bit here is to decide what scale to use, if I was to use 1/220 scale, using continental Z gauge scenic parts, the track would be marginally too wide, using 1/148 scale (our own slightly oversized version of proper N gauge!) the track turns out a bit too narrow. Either way, its not far off right, either way it is a compromise. Using 1/148 has the advantages of letting me use scenic bits and pieces that I already own.

(bearing in mind the prototype track gauge I'm after is 597mm, just under 2 foot)

3mm gauge in 1/148= 444mm gauge
3mm gauge in 1/160= 480mm gauge
3mm gauge in 1/220= 660mm gauge

I guess that given the thickness of the rails themselves, you could consider the apparent size of the track to be a fair bit bigger than 3mm, I reckon if T-flex comes out looking the way it appears in the photos we have seen, it would serve pretty well as a sort of 'generic pretty narrow' gauge in either of the usual N scales.

The problem is creating a working model of a steam locomotive in such a small size, for now Im certain that it is beyond me, or at least, beyond me to scratchbuild realistic working motion.

Or maybe there is an answer, one of these...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SAR_NGG_16_Class

By modelling a Garratt, at such a small scale, you have a loco type that could reasonably sit on a standard, shortened, driving coach chassis (the 'pony wheels' at either end could be simply 'suggested'). This would allow a model of a section of the Welsh Highland Railway, with its tight corners and rugged scenery it makes an attractive proposition. One interesting challenge would be to make an N gauge / T gauge crossover, like the one at Porthmadog!

Peter · Joined: 17 Oct 2008 Posts: 13 Location: New York, New York

Will, I was also thinking of a Garratt when I was thinking of trucked NG steam. I ended up passing them over because the T scale motors seem to be integral with the car body (T experts - am I correct in this notion Question

) You would need to hack up the body a considerable bit. I think a conversion to a Garrett is definitely doable but may require a bit of tricky bodging.

David K Smith · Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2008 8:58 pm Post subject:

webbcompound · Joined: 25 Nov 2008 Posts: 3 Location: UK

Hi guys. Im looking to build a feeder narrow gauge for a german Epoch III Z layout. The actual guage of 3.2mm comes out at 704mm in z which is just fine. Plenty of 70cm prototypes to pick from.

Rolling stock is passenger cars built on top of the car shells. The motor units are just passenger cars. The steam traction will be non powered tram locos (no i dont see a way of making working Walchaerts, Ive seen em in expensive Z but they dont come standard on Marklin, and the low price of the T guage is the major attraction). i'm looking at four wheelers based on the bogie unit, or maybe even building six wheel running gear. Im also thinking about some of the articulated bogie trams that there were around.

Photos will be posted when I get close.

Jon Price
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Jon Price

building Epoch III Thuringia narrow gauge feeder for Z layout