H.J. Coventry 1/2" scale K4 Locomotive ???

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Benjamin Maggi
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Re: H.J. Coventry 1/2" scale K4 Locomotive ???

Post by Benjamin Maggi »

Steve Bratina wrote:Too bad that the 1/2" didn't take hold at the clubs instead of the G gauge stuff. It's size lends itself to those who live in an apartment getting into the live steam hobby.
True, but the G gauge stuff is amply supported by vendors for things like rolling stock, assembled track, structures, figures, etc. Things that are scantly available here in the USA for Gauge 3.
"One cannot learn to swim without getting his feet wet." - Benjamin Maggi
- Building: 7.25" gauge "Sweet Pea" named "Catherine"
Pontiacguy1
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Location: Tennessee, USA

Re: H.J. Coventry 1/2" scale K4 Locomotive ???

Post by Pontiacguy1 »

The main reason that 'G' scale, which runs on Gauge 1 track (45mm), is so popular right now is because of LGB and the Richter Brothers. They started making meter gauge trains to fit on 45mm track, and they started doing this back around 1970. Most of the early hobbyists in G started out with LGB stuff, and it took several years for it to really catch on here. Like BM said earlier, the vast majority of people who run 2 rail electric trains are not going to be building their own rolling stock, track, and locomotives. They are going to go purchase whatever is available that is the closest to what they want, and then will 'kitbash' it and repaint it so that it looks like what they want. If there is nothing available other than some plans and castings, then that will put it out of the consideration of most of the entry-level hobbyists.

Actually, Gauge 3 in the UK has a LOT of live steam locomotives and builders both for ride-on and scenic modelers. Like GWRdriver said, to most UK hobbyists gauge 3 usually indicates trains that are not meant to be ridden, no matter what their power source is. There are some that do both, operating and scenic running, and some people are modifying LBSC's original designs with smaller pistons and somewhat lighter frames for use in powering scenic trains only. There is a little bit of crossover. I always used the terms 2 1/2" gauge and gauge 3 somewhat interchangeably, since they actually are the same gauge, and most people in the US have no idea that they are the same thing.
Steve Bratina
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Location: Cambridge Ontario

Re: H.J. Coventry 1/2" scale K4 Locomotive ???

Post by Steve Bratina »

Question. What is the difference between G scale and model railroading? If the engines, cars, track and switches are purchased, is it nothing more than an enlarged O scale regardless of what the driving force of the engine is? Also, if a member showed up to the club with an electric powered steam engine, would he be allowed to run or is the track strictly unpowered for steam use only?
Finally, for those who left large scale live steam to go to G gauge, if track was available, would you have built or bought a 1/2" scale engine instead of G?
Pontiacguy1
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Joined: Thu Apr 26, 2012 10:15 am
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Re: H.J. Coventry 1/2" scale K4 Locomotive ???

Post by Pontiacguy1 »

The term 'G' scale has caused much confusion over the years. G scale was what the Richter brothers termed their LGB meter gauge models which run on 45 mm, or Gauge 1, track. It is sort-of a catch-all term to describe trains that run on gauge 1 track, but really it doesn't indicate a particular scale. For the record, LGB stuff is 1:22.5 scale, which is what most knowlegeable enthusiasts consider G scale to mean.

That being said: Here are the typical scales that can run on gauge 1 track (45mm, 1 3/4"):
1:32- The original scale for gauge 1, and is the correct one for standard gauge trains on 45 mm track
1:29- Started by Aristo-Craft (I believe) and made by some other manufacturers as well. Reason: It was a compromise between the standard gauge stuff (1:32) and the LGB stuff (1:22.5), and would work ok with both. A lot is now made in this scale.
1:24- This is also 1/2"= 1' scale. Early 3' gauge prototypes were built to 1:24 scale for use on 45 mm track. Depends on the manufacturer.
1:22.5- European meter gauge for 45mm track- See LGB- Also most 3' gauge prototypes were built to 1:22.5 scale until just a few years ago when some manufacturers decided to become more scale to gauge conscious. This is also what 1/2" scale was changed to after WWII, so that the scale-to-gauge ratio is correct. If you want it to be in inches it is 17/32" to the foot. Most of your 1/2" scale 2 1/2" gauge and gauge 3 stuff is now being built to this.
1:20.3- F scale, which is the proper track gauge and scale for American 3' gauge scaled down to 45 mm track gauge. There is also some work being done in F scale standard gauge, which has a track gauge of 2.781". This is the corresponding proper scale to gauge ratio for standard gauge equipment in 1:20.3 scale, which matches the 3' gauge stuff offered by some companies today.
1:13.2 (or something like that)- This is 2' gauge modeling on 45mm track. I don't know too much about this one.

As for your questions about what someone would be allowed to bring and run: It depends on the club. Most large scale model railroad clubs focus on track-powered electric models, although some focus on steam. Some clubs do not have track power, so your trains would eithe have to be steam or battery powered to run.

Also: Most of the scenic modelers try to insulate their wheels and make them compatible with track-powered trains. Most of the ride-on modelers, or model engineers, do not worry about insulating their wheels. That is another difference. This is especially important for cars.

Now that you're confused, I'll shut up. I think that I actually may have confused myself with all of this!
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