Hello! I have just joined the forum after lurking for a while, and thought I’d post a little bit about my somewhat eccentric approach to the hobby. I started out modelling in N, with an emphasis on automation, but eventually moved down to T Gauge. After getting more and more frustrated by its limitations, but still entranced by its possibilities, I started experimenting with using a linear motor drive system instead of conventional propulsion, and have been modelling exclusively that way for the last 10 years or so.
This approach uses printed circuit boards (PCBs) instead of conventional track along with magnets in the trains, so the combination of train and track forms the actual motor. While the trains do not actually have wheels and just slide along the flat track surface, the scale is small enough that this isn’t too obvious. While that is certainly a bit of a drawback, the benefits are that it avoids all the usual reliability hassles with T, and allows for some unusual tricks such as fully automated shunting/switching.
Over the last few years I have been using this approach to build a series of small (6’x2’) exhibition layouts of UK and Australian prototypes. The latest is a 1:480 scale model of Penzance, a busy steam-era terminus in south-west England, set just prior to World War 1. So, I’ll let the video speak for itself…
Most T modellers go for the tiny layout-in-a-box style. A few have built large layouts to take advantage of the vast scope for scenery, but the standard T equipment really isn’t up to that. I have gone for a middling sort of size while heading off at 90 degrees.
A few people have made large layouts in conventional T, but they are few and far between. It is possible to get good results, but it takes a lot more work than the conventional scales.
I first came across T at an exhibition down in my little corner of Australia where a couple of its early adopters are based, and was completely fascinated and captured by it.
There is a lot of appeal to modelling early eras. It is actually easier for me than most, since there is nothing available RTR for anything, so I have to do it all myself anyway. Kudos to anybody who tries!
Thanks, although this isn’t really standard T. There are a couple of superb layouts in the scale on the exhibition circuits in the UK and Australia, but I haven’t seen any elsewhere.
