Track Equipment

The more common miniature gauges are considered to be: in(mm) 2½(63.5), 3½(88.9), 5(127), 7¼(184.15), 10¼(260.35), 15 (381). Also in the UK, 12¼(311.15) is a recent introduction and is the largest gauge that can be open to the public with out a Light Railway Order (unless crossing a public road).The US also has 12(304.8) gauge. Years ago, before 7¼, became popular, 9½(215.9) was also common. Throughout the world there are other odd gauges, all presumably a whim of the builder. However the USA prefers 4¾(120.65)in lieu of 5(127) and, apart from the north east, 7½(190.5) in lieu of 7¼(184.15).

The minimum gauge for ground level, stable, passenger hauling is considered to be 5in and then only for garden railways. For public ground level railways 7¼in is the minimum. Many clubs increase stability for 5in tracks by raising them on piers and sitting passengers on sit-astride coaches with feet below track level, thereby reducing the centre of gravity. Whilst 2½ & 3½in locomotives are often capable of pulling passengers, the carriages are usually running on the 5 or 7¼in gauge. Hence many clubs have multi-gauge tracks.