Garden Railway Forum

The Hampshire 16mm group is considering building a modular railway but unlike the standard spec of the 16mm Association has both 32mm and 45mm running lines. Our group has both gauges and wanted all to be able use modules without having to exclude 45mm members. Each module owned by a member allows a railway to be constructed without major storage problems associated with a whole club layout.

Having experimented with dual gauging with 32mm track I have discovered that 45mm flanges hit 32mm chairs. So our modules will be stock 1200mm x 600mm with two main running lines each with track centres 150mm from each edge. This enables Hampshire Spec modules to connect with Rowlands (16mm Assoc) modules on the 32mm side. Both lines can meander and have passing loops or sidings utilising the gap between running lines.

These modules can then provide a right gauge track when visiting gardens, test tracks for meetings and railway for shows. Corners will come once enough straight modules are constructed.

This sounds like an interesting project, please post plenty of pics of the progress.
Tony Bird, who is on here occasionally has built a lot of duel gauge track and some rather DG ingenious points for the track at Cardiff MES. It might be worth dropping him a line if you need any friendly advice on the subject.

We now have 10 modules under construction with the both gauges on the boards. By having a main line with each gauge and room to spread, it is hoped that passing loops of each gauge will be made by members. Pictures will follow once we have something to photograph.

It will be good to see it when you can take some pictures.

Hoping to see the photo’s soon.... sound's brilliant.