1:32 FINESCALE SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP

By Simon Dunkley

Are you interested in exploring the boundaries of 1:32 model railways, and bringing to Gauge One the fruits of the developments in the smaller scales, towards more realistic but practical railway modelling?

If so, then the 1:32 FS SIG is for you!

We are a small group, spread over the country but operating on similar principles to an area group. Generally we meet at the AGM and the Spring Meeting, and at other occasions (exhibitions) when we can. There (was at the time) an active Yahoo group, not restricted to G1MRA members although many are, with about 50 members – so you can see there is interest already.

WHAT ARE WE ABOUT?

Essentially, we are about bringing the finescale approach - not just to track and wheels - into 1:32 railway modelling. As such, we start where the G1MRA “fine standard” stops, and have developed standards – called “ScaleOne32” which will accommodate wheelsets ranging from slightly modified (increased B2B, by 0.25mm) G1 Fine to truescale, and which uses a 45mm track gauge of straight track. The easiest way to adopt these standards is to use a prototypical wheel profile, set at 42.25mm back-to-back. If you do this, then you can run your stock on fine track as well! is also works in the garden, as Mark Wood has already proved.

JUST WHEELS AND TRACK?

Finescale railway modelling is not just about the wheels and the track, but about “total railway modelling”. is involves bringing a high level of detail not just to the railway items, but to those beyond the railway boundary fence, to create a convincing setting for the railway models. However, it does not mean incorporating every single detail – particularly not the unseen ones – nor does it mean precision engineering to the nearest micron. It simply means making models that look like the real thing.

WHAT IS AVAILABLE?

Most of what you need is already available, or soon will be. The major difference is in attitude, but wheels and track are required. For the latter, Cliff Barker is already selling code 180 rail, and is working on a chair to 1:32 standards. For the former, Mark Wood can supply some wheels to the appropriate standard, and if you have a lathe, then details of a source of a reasonably priced form tool can be supplied. A minor producer of wheels for model railways has been engaged in the production of wagon and coach wheels, and we expect these to be produced soon.

G1MRA Newsletter 211 - Autumn 2006

51