You may well have stood at model railway exhibitions and watched larger scale trains rush around and thought how impressive are those sights and sounds. It is almost certain that the largest scale you have seen will have been Gauge 1 (10mm to 1 foot scale).

If you think those models have 'presence' then be prepared for the shock of being introduced to models of a scale more than one-third larger (and that equates to 2½ times the volume or mass of those Gauge 1 models).

If you have admired the 'clackety-clack' of those smaller scale wheels, then just imagine the roar of these giants of the model railway world as their huge mass pounds along the track, over bridges and through tunnels.

At this point, you are probably thinking, 'Yes, very nice but I could never afford that nor do I have the ability to build such models'. We aim to convince you that these widely-held views are not reliable and that Gauge 3 is a scale which has moved forward in the past few years and is fast becoming the choice of modellers graduating from the smaller scales.

To help you appreciate what is involved in setting up a Gauge 3 railway (note we say 'railway' and not 'layout') the Gauge 3 Society has compiled 'Starting Out in Gauge 3', firstly to lay to rest all the pre-conceptions about the cost and expertise involved and, secondly, to demonstrate that there is a wide range of products and support available to anyone beginning in Gauge 3.

You are now intrigued to learn more?

The following pages will open your eyes to a new world of model railways and explain how easy it is for you to become part of that world which is Gauge 3.

Part 1. Is Gauge 3 Really For Me?

Part 2. Advice on Planning and Pitfalls.

Part 3. Taking the Leap and Getting Started.

Part 4. Sit Back and Enjoy!