STARTING OUT IN GAUGE 3
Part 1. Is Gauge 3 Really For Me?
Starting Out in Gauge 3
Since you have ventured this far, it is to be assumed that you may be a willing convert to Gauge 3 but I expect you will have a lot of questions to which you require answers. I will attempt to predict a few of the thoughts running through your head and provide brief answers.
1) Wouldn't I need to win the Lottery to afford it?....... No, think again!
Locomotive kits start from as little as 215 GBP and are easy to construct with nothing more than basic modelling skills and hand tools.
2) Isn't my garden far too small?.........
No, If you have a garden you have space!
Obviously, if you own a country estate then your railway can be as large as you can afford but Gauge 3 Society members do not fall in that category. Take a look at this example built in an area just 25 ft square!
3) Don't I need to be an experienced model engineer?..... No!
Many of today's Gauge 3 kits are easier to build than a 4mm scale kit! GRS offer a wide range of locomotive kits which are easily built using little more than files, a saw, screwdrivers, small spanners and a soldering iron! There is no wrestling with tiny parts and a magnifying glass as in the small scales!
4) Won't the English climate ruin my track and stock?........ No!
Modern trackwork is robust and of rot-proof material while the locos and stock are robust and able to operate in almost any weather. Buildings and accessories are constructed of weatherproof resins and similar materials.
5) What if I move house and cannot keep the railway?..... There is a ready market for good quality, well-cared-for models in Gauge 3.
You need only attend one of the Gauge 3 Society's events to witness how quickly items are snapped up from the ' Bring and Buy' stalls. The value of quality items holds up well, aided by the limited supply (unlike smaller gauges where 'ready-to run' items can be bought from numerous outlets).
Part 2. Advice on Planning and Pitfalls.
Part 3. Taking the Leap and Getting Started.
Part 4. Sit Back and Enjoy!
1) Wouldn't I need to win the Lottery to afford it?....... No, think again!
Locomotive kits start from as little as 215 GBP and are easy to construct with nothing more than basic modelling skills and hand tools.
2) Isn't my garden far too small?.........
No, If you have a garden you have space!
Obviously, if you own a country estate then your railway can be as large as you can afford but Gauge 3 Society members do not fall in that category. Take a look at this example built in an area just 25 ft square!
3) Don't I need to be an experienced model engineer?..... No!
Many of today's Gauge 3 kits are easier to build than a 4mm scale kit! GRS offer a wide range of locomotive kits which are easily built using little more than files, a saw, screwdrivers, small spanners and a soldering iron! There is no wrestling with tiny parts and a magnifying glass as in the small scales!
4) Won't the English climate ruin my track and stock?........ No!
Modern trackwork is robust and of rot-proof material while the locos and stock are robust and able to operate in almost any weather. Buildings and accessories are constructed of weatherproof resins and similar materials.
5) What if I move house and cannot keep the railway?..... There is a ready market for good quality, well-cared-for models in Gauge 3.
You need only attend one of the Gauge 3 Society's events to witness how quickly items are snapped up from the ' Bring and Buy' stalls. The value of quality items holds up well, aided by the limited supply (unlike smaller gauges where 'ready-to run' items can be bought from numerous outlets).
Part 2. Advice on Planning and Pitfalls.
Part 3. Taking the Leap and Getting Started.
Part 4. Sit Back and Enjoy!
