Restart - Looking for help with UK OUtline

carnellm

carnellm

Registered
Country flag
OK, i may have offended some people by posting this question on another thread. Sorry! So here is a new try ...

I am in the US but would like to model UK railways. I have easy access to US and European outline locos and rolling stock, but all I ever really see in UK outline is live steam. Unfortunately live steam is a bit beyond my means - at least right now.

So the question is, who makes and where can one obtain UK outline models? I have picked up the ever ubiquitous Thomas loco and rolling stock, but would really like to obtain something a bit more authentic. I understand I will be paying shipping and such, but so far I really just can't find anything of Bachmann / LGB equivalence in UK outline.

In response to a comment / question on what I am actually looking for: UK, 45mm, standard gauge, probably branch line, mixture of goods and passenger, probably sometime in early 60s. As a weird bit of related info, I am a huge British car enthusiast - especially MG. Would love to do something that captures the general feel of the Abingdon Branch of the GWR where the MG factory loaded MGs on to rail for transport. But, and this is a big thing, I am not looking to do detailed, rivet counting, scale modeling. I am looking more to create an impression of the time and place more than a scale exact replica.

Any help would be appreciated! And sorry for intruding on the other thread.

Thanks,

Michael
 
The main problem you'll have is that MOST ready to run models in G scale are of European or North American outline. To be honest if you want a British narrow gauge you'd be best looking at 16mm Scale (1:19ish) either on 32 or 45 mm gauge track. There's a fair few ready to run and obviously numerous kits available here, and I know some overseas folks on this forum model in this scale. If you want standard gauge, your best bet would be the Gauge 1 society, again there's probably quite a following in the States.
 
carnellm said:
OK, i may have offended some people by posting this question on another thread. Sorry! So here is a new try ...

I am in the US but would like to model UK railways. I have easy access to US and European outline locos and rolling stock, but all I ever really see in UK outline is live steam. Unfortunately live steam is a bit beyond my means - at least right now.

So the question is, who makes and where can one obtain UK outline models? I have picked up the ever ubiquitous Thomas loco and rolling stock, but would really like to obtain something a bit more authentic. I understand I will be paying shipping and such, but so far I really just can't find anything of Bachmann / LGB equivalence in UK outline.

In response to a comment / question on what I am actually looking for: UK, 45mm, standard gauge, probably branch line, mixture of goods and passenger, probably sometime in early 60s. As a weird bit of related info, I am a huge British car enthusiast - especially MG. Would love to do something that captures the general feel of the Abingdon Branch of the GWR where the MG factory loaded MGs on to rail for transport. But, and this is a big thing, I am not looking to do detailed, rivet counting, scale modeling. I am looking more to create an impression of the time and place more than a scale exact replica.

Any help would be appreciated! And sorry for intruding on the other thread.

Thanks,

Michael
Click to expand...
Ok so if you want 45mm Trains of UK appearance you are somewhat out of luck with G Scale. However there are many firms that do some of what you want, joining the Gauge One Model Railway Association. Web Site link below.

www.g1mra.com

The Gauge One Model Railway Association – Official Website

Welcome to the Gauge One Model Railway Association How to join G1MRA UK and international groups Publications and standards Free "Getting Started" Booklet Sample G1MRA Newsletter & Journal G1MRA Spring Show - 26 April 2025 Contact Us
www.g1mra.com www.g1mra.com

You may be surprised at the prices, these are not main stream low cost mass produced (relatively low cost like Piko etc) items but for a smaller minority group. You can get an idea of some things that may meet your 60’s branch-line here as just 1 example.

Welcome to Tower Models Website

www.tower-models.com

Look for Gauge 1 items. Hope this helps some.
 
Hi
As Jon says, if you are looking to run UK standard gauge on 45mm track then it's Gauge 1 you're after. The links page on the G1MRA website gives you a list of suppliers but, as Jon says, you may need to take a deep breath and lie down when you see the prices.
www.g1mra.com

Resources

G1MRA publishes standards, guidance and various books including construction guides. Standards G1MRA Standards Sheet 1 – Track & Wheels G1MRA Standards Sheet 2 – General Dimensions ScaleOne32 Standards Suggested Track spacing for non-British stock Guidance Steam loco fault diagnosis...
www.g1mra.com www.g1mra.com

Rik
PS if you changed to 0 gauge, then the prices will be lower, partly because the models are smaller and partly because Dapol and Heljan are now mass producing models which brings the prices down
 
Carnellm. Although you may want different things to this forum's main theme, there will be plenty of advice and banter to be had, after all we all like testing our trains! So don't log off completely
 
carnellm said:
OK, i may have offended some people by posting this question on another thread. Sorry! So here is a new try ...

I am in the US but would like to model UK railways. I have easy access to US and European outline locos and rolling stock, but all I ever really see in UK outline is live steam. Unfortunately live steam is a bit beyond my means - at least right now.

So the question is, who makes and where can one obtain UK outline models? I have picked up the ever ubiquitous Thomas loco and rolling stock, but would really like to obtain something a bit more authentic. I understand I will be paying shipping and such, but so far I really just can't find anything of Bachmann / LGB equivalence in UK outline.

In response to a comment / question on what I am actually looking for: UK, 45mm, standard gauge, probably branch line, mixture of goods and passenger, probably sometime in early 60s. As a weird bit of related info, I am a huge British car enthusiast - especially MG. Would love to do something that captures the general feel of the Abingdon Branch of the GWR where the MG factory loaded MGs on to rail for transport. But, and this is a big thing, I am not looking to do detailed, rivet counting, scale modeling. I am looking more to create an impression of the time and place more than a scale exact replica.

Any help would be appreciated! And sorry for intruding on the other thread.

Thanks,

Michael
Click to expand...
Have you looked at what may be available by Accucraft UK in their electric powered range? The choice may not be huge, but you might find something that tickles your fancy.

As others have said, while they make locos that are usually convertible between 32mm and 45 track, the scale will be 16mm : 1ft which is 1:19, but with narrow gauge, anything goes.

The shock with British standard gauge (if you looked at the Gauge 1 offerings) is how small they are, due to the British loading gauge. As an example, see if you can find a picture of Aristocraft's UK Class 66 against one of their US diesels - you'll get the drift :nod: :nod:
 
Problem is that what you are looking for is UK outline in 1:32 scale and gauge 1 (45 mm) track gauge. That subject area here is very much what might be defined as a "finescale" product - i.e. High fidelity scaling and detail and as near prototypical in it's constructional dimensions and standards - in other words, low volume production and high cost per unit. They also need wide open curves to perform properly, so you need the space to build a layout.

What has sparked your interest in the '60's era and type of stock you intend to run. Maybe we can collectively come up with an alternative approach to what you are seeking to achieve in your mind's eye. Max
 
If you want 'UK branchline', rather than specify 'gauge' and scale, go for a 'look and feel'..

Have a look at what Rik has done with (relatively) low-cost items, and lot's of imagination..

Peckforton Light Railway

Narrow gauge large scale model garden railway. Battery powered, radio controlled locomotives, some Bluetooth. Set in Cheshire UK in 1930s
riksrailway.blogspot.com riksrailway.blogspot.com

The locations exist, the railway did not, many of the industries 'might have'.. :)
There is no reason the loco's etc. could not have 'GWR' on their sides..

PhilP.
 
Wow, thanks for all the great advice! I really appreciate it.

I was not concerned as much about the scale as I was the gauge - I like the 45mm track, but really don't care what the scale is of the trains for it. I have thought about 'O', but around here so much of everything is either Lionel or MTH that it is a bit overwhelming. Plus, I would like what I build to be outdoors, and to stand up to both the weather and local critters around here (my dog for one), I am thinking 45mm track might be a better alternative. Also, I just like the things a bit bigger. I actually started in N-Scale years ago and have even done Z along the way. But I kinda like the heft of things running on 45mm track.

I do still have a bunch of OO, and of course that is easy to find what I am looking for, but it really doesn't lend itself to being outside, swatted by the cat, nor does it have the heft I like. Which brings us back to things running on 45mm track.

Someday I hope to save up my money for a live steam loco, but that is currently a someday.

I don't mind building at all. In fact I am looking forward to it. I will check out PDF models and the others. And I really one to look at the Gauge One Association. Again, I think the larger scales really lend themselves to building it yourself from kits or plans. After all these years of working on my old cars, I have no fear of mechanicals. And I am a computer programmer by trade, so I am looking at running everything through a homebuilt RC system with arduinos and the like.

Not to offend those fine modelers who are, but I am really not a rivet counter or scale fanatic. As long as everything looks good, that is what I care about. I actually plan on having this be a two part layout with some American Narrow Gauge, like ET&WNC's Tweetsie running on it, but then doing the British part in a visually separate area. They won't normally cross, but could if I just wanted to run something all the way around. A bit weird maybe, but there is a town in the US in Virginia near where the ET&WNC ran named Abingdon. So, my Abingdon will kind of sit between my British side and my US side. Then that will be the crossover between the the US and UK. And yes, I know the look you are giving me right now, my wife gives me the same look!

OK, I have talked too much again. Thank you for all the great advice, and keep it coming! I love this board - not only the great railways you all are building, but your sense of commaraderie and friendship. Thanks for letting me onboard.
 
Interesting - I run both US narrow gauge (D&RGW + logging) and UK/Colonial narrow gauge and have my line set up with "separate" areas. Quite a few of us in the UK do the same.

You mention "Tweetsie"......there is a very popular, understatement, "G Scale" loco - Bachmann's Big Hauler/Anniversary 4-6-0. Very numerous and very cheap that is said to owe its origins to one of their locos. It is happy running on that robust code 332 (height of rail in thou' ") critter proof 45mm gauged track system tha LGB pioneered and just about everybody copied and makes compatibles to. We may have a starting point Max
 
maxi-model said:
You mention "Tweetsie"......there is a very popular, understatement, "G Scale" loco - Bachmann's Big Hauler/Anniversary 4-6-0. Very numerous and very cheap that is said to owe its origins to one of their locos. It is happy running on that robust code 332 (height of rail in thou' ") critter proof 45mm gauged track system tha LGB pioneered and just about everybody copied and makes compatibles to. We may have a starting point Max
Click to expand...

I actually have that loco - actually the full set. It is what started me down the G Scale route. Picked it up off of a local FaceBook sale quite reasonably. And then did the same thing with the Lionel G-Scale Thomas set. And then I went nuts and bought LGB stuff off eBay. So I have a mixture you might say. Trying to make some order out of everything I have bought! I did find out that I very much prefer the solid track of LGB and such to the cheap folded and easily corroded track of Bachmann and Lionel.
 
carnellm

Bachmann produced a model of the Southern Railway (UK) Lyn several years ago. In truth, an "anglicized" version of a US tank locomotive, but good enough. They are all sold out, but I found this one on ebay.

Lots of discussion about scale, but I found the height and width to be fairly accurate for 1:20.3, but the length (too short) is more like 1:22.5.

I have one and use the SR wagons and vans from Accucraft. The L&B rolling stock is the same, just from an earlier era. The vans/wagons are currently sold out, but The Isle of Man passenger coaches scale very well (same height) with the Lyn. I just bought 3 of these and the IoM E van. I have some of the SR bogie vans and wagons, which are currently available, but I feel they visually overpower the Lyn.

I run primarily British live steam (Roundhouse). I converted the Lyn to battery so I could run a train without having to raise steam.

ne5OZYT.jpg
 
I'm here in the UK and I have just bought a Lionel set from the US. It's the Harry Potter one in Gauge 1 although it seems to be called G scale on various sites. Runs on 45mm track and with a little fettling would be a very cheap entry to British outline Gauge 1. The set is a loco, two coaches, plastic oval of track and basic remote control is still in transit but here is someone's video of it.


Paul
 
RogerK said:
Bachmann produced a model of the Southern Railway (UK) Lyn several years ago. In truth, an "anglicized" version of a US tank locomotive, but good enough. They are all sold out, but I found this one on ebay.

Lots of discussion about scale, but I found the height and width to be fairly accurate for 1:20.3, but the length (too short) is more like 1:22.5.

I have one and use the SR wagons and vans from Accucraft. The L&B rolling stock is the same, just from an earlier era. The vans/wagons are currently sold out, but The Isle of Man passenger coaches scale very well (same height) with the Lyn. I just bought 3 of these and the IoM E van. I have some of the SR bogie vans and wagons, which are currently available, but I feel they visually overpower the Lyn.

I run primarily British live steam (Roundhouse). I converted the Lyn to battery so I could run a train without having to raise steam.
Click to expand...

That is excellent! I had not seen that one at all. Thanks for the info and link, now the hunt is on. I like the idea of the various wagons too.
 
voodoopenguin said:
I'm here in the UK and I have just bought a Lionel set from the US. It's the Harry Potter one in Gauge 1 although it seems to be called G scale on various sites. Runs on 45mm track and with a little fettling would be a very cheap entry to British outline Gauge 1. The set is a loco, two coaches, plastic oval of track and basic remote control is still in transit but here is someone's video of it.
Click to expand...

So it looks ok? Plastic wheels though, right? I suppose it could be modified and upgraded a bit. Is the correct look though! And should be easy enough to find over here - the Lionel corporate offices and shop are just a couple of hours away up the road.
 
carnellm said:
So it looks ok? Plastic wheels though, right? I suppose it could be modified and upgraded a bit. Is the correct look though! And should be easy enough to find over here - the Lionel corporate offices and shop are just a couple of hours away up the road.
Click to expand...
Cheap plastic, battery operated but look at the price.

www.ebay.co.uk

Lionel Hogwarts Express Ready To Play Train Set - 711960 for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Lionel Hogwarts Express Ready To Play Train Set - 711960 at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!
www.ebay.co.uk

Paul
 
Just a little note about the Bachmann L&B Lyn and UK's Southern Railways (SR) - While the SR were well known as a a standard gauge operator in the UK between the years 1923 & 1948 (before the formation of British Railways, think Amtrak for analogy) their L&B operation was a 2 ft gauge short line, an anomaly in their operations. But you will find it easier to get into British outline on a budget on 45mm gauge track if you look at narrow gauge equipment rather than standard gauge prototypes.

If buying this loco 2nd hand, as you in all probability will (there might be some new/old stock still around), avoid the 1st editions, made around 20 years ago. The 2nd editions made about 6-7 years ago are the ones to go for as they have brass gears and better detailing. To confuse matters they are both merchandised under Bachmann's "Spectrum" branding, though both editions fall far short of the standards set by their 1:20.3 (Fn3) scale stablemates. But I started with one of these all those years ago and it put a smile on my face. From small acorns......Max
 
Michael

Maxi is quite right. You requested info on standard gauge British trains and I recommended a model based on a narrow gauge prototype. On the other hand, that was the only British model that came to mind, other than live steam.

There are always indoor trains. Hattons Model Railways would be a good place to start.

Roger
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom