In the earliest and chaotic days of model railways, many scales and gauges were tried. However, some order was established in the first decade of the last century when Gauges 1, 2, 3 & 4 were agreed upon. Gauge One was the smallest gauge commonly available and featured a track gauge (the distance between the inside surfaces of the running rails) of 1¾ inches.

Up to the early 1920’s Gauge One was the Premier Gauge but its supremacy declined during the 1920’s and 30’s as first Gauge 0 and then later Gauge 00 and H0 gained in popularity. By the late 1940’s Gauge One was very nearly extinct with little or nothing available commercially and only a few stalwarts still working in this format. However these few enthusiasts were determined to keep this neglected scale and gauge alive and so the Gauge One Model Railway Association was formed in 1947.

During the 1950’s and 60’s the Association gained interest and membership and it is probably during this time that the Association’s reputation as a particularly sociable and co-operative bank of enthusiasts was earned.

Membership rose sharply during the 70’s and early 80’s as firstly, commercial live-steam locomotives and self-build kits became available from the Aster  company of Japan and secondly, simply self-assemble flexible track and turnouts were introduced as part of the "Tenmille" range.

Today membership stands at well over 2200 members, with the majority located in the United Kingdom, but Europe, North America and Australia are well represented too.

The basic premise for Gauge One is a track gauge of 1¾ inches which equates to 44.45mm, generally referred to as 45mm.

The Association caters for all scales using the 45mm track gauge; the most usual for models of standard gauge locomotives & rolling stock being close to 1:30 full size (10mm/foot) or the slightly smaller 1:32 full size (3/8th"/foot, 9.5mm/foot) which offers a more correct scale-to-gauge ratio. For example, the Aster range of locomotives are generally built to 1:32 scale and many suppliers offer rolling stock items to suit both scales. Happily the two are generally compatible, although, as the UK prototype loading gauge is very restricted by international standards, models of some Continental & American locomotives, even if modelled to 1:32 scale, may exceed the G1MRA standard clearances for UK prototypes in 1:30 scale.

If you build a layout for these larger scales, or even if you are following Continental or USA practice, then you must build in appropriate clearances. Models of narrow gauge prototypes will not generally be able to run on layouts with standard gauge clearances.

Having established the Gauge and the Scale,  the only other consideration is the Standard to which track, locos and rolling stock are built. The Gauge One Model Railway Association currently has three recommended Standards. First there is Standard Scale which is almost universally followed by the membership and is particularly suitable for outdoor use. There is also a Fine Scale which more accurately represents the tolerances of the full size railway. Another very interesting recent development is that of ScaleOne32 which has been developed for members specifically interested in fine scale 1:32nd. modelling utilising prototypical wheel profiles and scale trackwork. By the way, don’t be misled into thinking that the coarse track and "Steam Roller" wheels of the early part of the last century are anything to do with Standard Scale, because they are not!

There is little doubt that a Gauge One Model Railway is the perfect place to run live-steam scenic models. Most locos are fuelled by methylated (meths) spirits, but coal is practicable and impressive and butane gas firing has a strong following too. The sheer pleasure of running a loco that really resembles its full size brother is a thrill that cannot be described, but has to be experienced! It is not just the running of course, the preparation, maintenance and performance improvement adds to the fascination.

The best place for a Live Steam Gauge One Model Railway is undoubtedly the Garden. Layouts can be as simple or complex as the builder wishes or can afford. Simple single track arrangements give much pleasure and fellow members in your locality are always happy to advise the novice and maybe lend a hand with the construction and maintenance. But don’t think that it’s just live steam; electric propulsion is very popular in two rail, stud-contact and on-board rechargeable battery formats. Electric operation is gaining interest for indoor exhibition running, with a number of layouts being developed.

Many early models used clockwork mechanisms and these are occasionally given an airing at Association meetings. Indeed, the Vintage Tinplate Group is a thriving section of the Association. 

Even real Diesel-Hydraulic and Diesel-Electric locomotives have been built and successfully run, although Modern Image enthusiasts mostly prefer to use electric power for their models. Radio Control of locomotives has a following both in Live Steam and Battery powered models.

The Association first published the famous "Project" Book more than 25 years ago. The latest updated edition is available to all members at a special price. The book is particularly useful for those with access to a lathe and basic workshop equipment, since it takes the novice through every step in the construction of a simple Gauge One Live Steam MR/LMS Class 4F 0-6-0 Tender locomotive. The "Project" concept is easily adapted to other prototypes and many hundreds have been constructed.

Not so many years ago the only components available to the Gauge One Modeller were those sold by the Association. Today the picture is quite different. Kits for locomotives, carriages, wagons and vans, track work, buildings and components of every kind are available from a profusion of Suppliers. It is particularly gratifying to see more Modern Image equipment in the form of Etched Nickel-Silver kits coming onto the market, for this will hopefully encourage younger members who do not have the fond memories of the Great Days of Steam. It has to be said that not every little item can be bought "off the shelf" to make an instant model railway, although it is possible to commission models from a number of professional builders, albeit at at a price. Many active members make their own models, or acquire new items by exchange with fellow members and use Trade supplies perhaps to kit-build some wagons or vans.

We are all aware that each of us has our own perception of model realism. Form some it is dimensional perfection. For others the sight, sounds and smell of steam are the over-riding priorities. We welcome all approaches that enrich the hobby and we try to foster tolerance and co-operation amongst all our members, regardless of their aspirations and viewpoints. If you join our Association you will be made most welcome, particularly if you join in with the Local and/or National activities. If you have encounter difficulties with any aspect of the hobby there is a wealth of experience from which you can draw upon for help. The Officers and Committee are always happy to speak to new members and offer help and support in any way they can. We look forward to welcoming you into our Association!

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