1:32F - Why?

Why bother with 1:32 Scale?

(apart from it being right for the track gauge!)

1:32 Scale is the dominant Gauge 1 scale worldwide, including almost all commercial British Outline locomotives and most commercial rolling stock.

Aster BR 9F, 1:32 Scale, Standard track 2007

This owner has probably never given Finescale a thought. His locomotive is not in the least physically compromised by its Standard wheels. Visually, the tyres are barely visible, even in this close-up. And it will run pretty well anywhere.

But he may well have fretted over the dearth of 1:32 Scale rolling stock to go behind it, especially stock of quality comparable with the excellent locomotive.

Fair enough, but why bother with Finescale as well?

John Dale: Worlds End Quay, 1:32 Scale, Finescale 2009

This Finescale layout has discreetly stunning turnouts, causing neither track wear nor derailments.
As it's self-contained, there's no need to accommodate all-comers.
The tiny 1:32 Scale Manning Wardle benefits enormously from correct-sized wheels beneath its low footplate, and a correct-sized firebox between them.

In a nutshell,

the smaller the model,
the more exposed the wheels,
the higher the viewpoint,

the more benefit Finescale offers.

There are some models on which Standard wheels would amount to Barbarism:

And looking down on the track exposes gaping flangeways:

Perhaps so, but who needs infinite detail?

Those who relish it, those who build small (thus right-in-yer-face) layouts, and those who take close-up photos.

Here's an extremely popular 1:32 Scale BR Standard Brake Van kit, assembled straight out of the box. Because it's constructed almost entirely of Styrene, both for strong joints and affordability, some parts are deliberately moulded over-sized for robustness:

Northern Finescale 2016

Now the same kit, lovingly re-proportioned and improved with slender brass components - compare details such as the lamp brackets and handrail ends, and count the extra rivets:

Simon Castens: 2017

This interim photo gives an impression of the parts that have been added or modified:

Simon Castens: 2017

And a reminder of the basic starting point:

Exclusive Models (Bram Hengeveld) 2016

Either version matches the proportions of the BR9F at the top of the page, but which suits your style?

The Case for 1:32 Scale by Joe Macaluso is an archived article from Uncle Russ Reinberg's wonderful but now defunct Finescale Railroader magazine. (Please let me know if the link breaks.)

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