One Layout, Two Scales
The 32mm Gauge Layout supports two scale’s of trains. O gauge trains which typically model the trains found on the british main line over the years, and 16mm scale which typically models the Narrow Gauge railways once common in industrial areas of the UK like the Welsh slate quarries, dockyards and factories.
The Layout
The club has a permanent raised outdoor layout for both 16mm Scale/SM32 and O Gauge trains, with each scale having it’s own loop of track.
The inner O gauge track is electrified. The SM32 track generally does not need power the 16mm scale locos are typically either live steam or battery powered, and controlled by radio control.
History of the Layout
The original layout was 16mm track in a double track oval with a passing/storage loop in both directions. The main feature being a freelance girder bridge at the rear. Trackwork and clearances were constructed to 16mm standards (16mm uses the same width track as 0 Gauge but represents Narrow Gauge rather than 0’s Standard Gauge). After some years with limited interest there’s recently been a revival in interest in the section.
In 2018 the inner oval of track was replaced with new Peco 0 gauge fine scale track and further sidings and loops added.
This leaves the older outer circuit and its loop available for both 16mm stock or coarse scale 0 gauge. This has regular running of both live steam and electric 16mm models, plus the occasional 0 gauge coarse scale model.
The 08 crossing the large girder bridge Aug 2018
16mm scale (SM32) Modelling Narrow Gauge Railways
The SM32 (32mm gauge) track represents the 2-foot prototype railways like The Ffestiniog Railway, Lynton & Barnstaple. Members run both battery and live steam locos. Most locos are purchased ready made, But some, and many of the rolling stock are either built from kits or scratch build.
A 16mm live steam Roundhouse ‘Katie’ at the March 2019 Open Weekend
Mark Brooking’s Guiness Loco
Typical 16mm rolling stock
Getting steam up in May 2019
16mm live steam at the May 2019 Show
O Gauge – Modelling Standard Gauge Railways
The 0 Gauge track is electrified and runs model’s of Standard Gauge trains. With a scale of 7mm to the foot, as aposed to 4mm to the foot, O gauge loco’s are nearly twice as long as the popular 00 gauge found on our large indoor layout.
A beautiful O Gauge LNER Class A4
An 08 hauled train entering the station in 2018
The 32mm Gauge Layout supports two scale’s of trains. O gauge trains which typically model the trains found on the british main line over the years, and 16mm scale which typically models the Narrow Gauge railways once common in industrial areas of the UK like the Welsh slate quarries.
The 0 Gauge & 16mm section have a permanent raised outdoor layout for both 16mm Scale/SM32 and O Gauge trains, with each having it’s own loop of track.
The original layout was 16mm track in a double track oval with a passing/storage loop in both directions. The main feature being a freelance girder bridge at the rear. Trackwork and clearances were constructed to 16mm standards (16mm uses the same width track as 0 Gauge but represents Narrow Gauge rather than 0’s Standard Gauge). After some years with limited interest there’s recently been a revival in interest in the section.
In 2018 the inner oval of track was replaced with new Peco 0 gauge fine scale track and further sidings and loops added.
This leaves the older outer circuit and its loop available for both 16mm stock or coarse scale 0 gauge. This has regular running of both live steam and electric 16mm models, plus the occasional 0 gauge coarse scale model.