Modelling in 7mm scale.  “O” gauge and Scale 7

Around the start of the 1900’s, there were four scales, 0, 1, 2 & 3. At the time, 0 Gauge was thought to be the smallest practicable one, and its early day saw it more as a ‘toy’ scale. In the UK, the scale is 1:43 ½ or 7mm to a foot. Models of the LNWR were produced by Bassett Lowke  and others.

This scale is a good size for easy handling and an opportunity for more detail. Modellers often move up from 00 and N as they get older. However, compared to 00 and smaller scales, either more space is required, or a smaller station must be modelled. For example, the recommended radius for mainline running is 6ft or perhaps 5ft for a branch line. Some make use of the space that a garden offers or share a club layout.

Fine Scale is the most popular variant today, with an ever increasing number of Ready to Run models being manufactured. The scale is supplied by a small number of manufacturers along with kits and models supplied by modellers who produce for others. The main manufacturers include PECO and Slaters. The vast majority have web sites

Initially, the toy aspect led to Coarse Scale, with wide rimmed wheels and a ‘third rail’ power supply to the locomotive. The locomotives and stock of this time still have a following today.

Medium Fine (0-MF) is variation of Fine Scale, with the rails slightly closer together giving a more pleasing look to pointwork.

Scale Seven uses the exact dimensions of the prototype railway.

Other variations are Broad Gauge (Brunel’s 7ft 0 ¼ “ GWR) and Narrow Gauge, usually on 16.5mm gauge rails to make use of the mechanisms etc offered by 00 gauge.

The main 0 gauge group is the Gauge 0 Guild, which brought about a revival in 0 Gauge in the 1960’s. The GOG has over 5000 members worldwide and organises four exhibitions each year, zoom talks and other virtual events, a web forum plus the Quarterly Gazette.

See www.gaugeoguild.com and www.gaugeoguild.com/traders/Traders_links.aspx for links to traders

A smaller group are the 7mm Scale Society, www.7mmscalesociety.org who run an active web forum.

Also of interest are the Broad Gauge Society www.broadgauge.org.uk  and Narrow Gauge Association www.7mmnga.org.uk