O Gauge is where it all started for Ellis Clark Trains. We’re the UK’s largest retailer of pre-owned O gauge models and often the first port of call for those looking to get started in the larger scale. Although we’ve since branched out into models of all sizes, O Gauge will always be close to our hearts, so we thought we’d share some thoughts on 7mm scale modelling together with what we find so special about it. Hopefully we’ll inspire those who’ve not already taken the plunge to consider upsizing – while demonstrating that we’re the best place to start that journey.
British O Gauge is a scale of 7mm to the foot and so is 75% larger than the 4mm/ft models familiar to many as OO Gauge. O Gauge models are 43.5 times smaller than the real thing.
But strictly speaking, ‘gauge’ refers to the distance between the rails – which is where we come to one of the prime benefits of O Gauge. The 32mm distance between the rails of ‘Finescale O Gauge’ (the term used for almost all models produced in 7mm scale today) is almost exactly to scale. This contrasts with the large discrepancy that exists in OO Gauge, where 4mm/ft models run on 3.5mm/ft (effectively HO) track, which is much narrower than it should be. This is partly why O Gauge trackwork immediately looks ‘right’.
As an aside, the term ‘Finescale O Gauge’ is used to distinguish from the vintage tinplate models with much deeper wheel flanges (and far less detail) that are now commonly referred to as ‘Coarse Scale’. Usually designed to run on 3-rail track systems, these are still available from a limited number of sources aimed at collectors or those with large numbers of these models who often run them outdoors.
Trains are big. Trains are heavy. The mass and presence of the real thing means they exude character and is why children (and a lot of us grown-ups) are captivated when standing next to an engine. While beautifully detailed models are available today in the smallest of scales, when you see an O Gauge model in the flesh or hold one in your hands, there’s something about it that says ‘I’m a train’ that just can’t be recreated in a smaller form.
The extra weight possessed by models that are larger in every dimension lends them not only excellent adhesion and electrical pickup but a smoothness and purpose to their movement that’s enthralling and can provide lots of entertainment in itself. While a very simple siding or two probably won’t keep you occupied for long in a smaller scale, you can be mesmerized by watching an O Gauge loco glide onto a scene, hook up to a wagon or two and then move off. This effect is further enhanced when using DCC sound, which is usually much fuller in O Gauge thanks to the space available for more powerful speakers.
And then there are the practical benefits of working in a larger scale. O Gauge is a ‘natural’ size that falls easy on the eye and banishes the need for squinting to observe fine details as well as the use of magnifying goggles (and a swear box!) when fitting detail parts. Most O Gauge modellers use prototypical 3-link couplings, as they’re so much easier to manipulate with a suitable home-made prong – and a pleasure if you’re used to attempting the latter in 4mm scale. And when it comes to weathering, O Gauge stock is a delight, being easy to observe and manipulate while also avoiding the tendency to ‘overdo’ things frequently suffered by smaller models. There’s also the opportunity to incorporate those intricate details into your finishes – as well as into buildings and carriage interiors – that bring a model to life.
If you’d like to see O Gauge in action, pop into our showroom, where we’ll be happy to give you a demonstration on our test track (any excuse to play trains!) and introduce you to the large variety of models available. Alternatively, visit one of the Gauge O Guild’s seasonal shows or the excellent Modern Image O Gauge show, all of which are a hive of inspiration and advice.
An excellent range of Finescale O gauge track and points is readily available from Peco and comprises rigid ‘Settrack’ as well as Flexitrack lengths. We stock Peco’s full range of O Gauge trackwork, and it’s a great starting point for any O Gauge project. Available in Bullhead, Flatbottom and concrete-sleepered variants (for flexitrack), Peco track is well detailed, robust and easy to work with. The matching pointwork is available in ‘Settrack’ (best restricted to smaller engines and industrial settings) and medium/large-radius flavours (suitable for almost everything).
Those looking for even more variety can take advantage of the huge range of high-quality track building components available from the likes of C&L Finescale, whose easy-to-build kits means the sky’s the limit when it comes to designing bespoke track formations.
One thing to bear in mind is that larger models need larger track radii - though in some cases not as large as you might think. ‘2nd radius’ - the accepted minimum for most O Gauge modelling – is approximately 3ft 5in (103cm) and can be negotiated by virtually all smaller engines as well as most factory-built diesels and our own ‘Black 5s’. But from both a visual and operational perspective, 6ft (180cm) radius is considered a good minimum. This will be required for the majority of kit-built steam engines we sell, although as most O Gauge modellers have ‘end-to-end’ layouts, curve radius often doesn’t come into the equation.
Let’s debunk some common misconceptions about O Gauge that may have kept you from its door:
1. You need lots of space
Well, obviously if you’re building a main-line layout in a sweeping landscape or modelling a major station, you’ll require significant acreage. But O Guage – especially in light of the dozens of small ready-to-run locos available - lends itself very well to ‘micro layout’ or industrial settings, where its potential for detail can be particularly engrossing. There’s the added benefit that these types of layout can give rise to fascinating explorations of the less glamorous – and often hidden – corners of the railway, as well as being ‘finishable’ within a modest timeframe.
A lot of excellent O Gauge layouts have been built in 6ft or less of scenic space (with perhaps a little extra for off-stage storage) and can live comfortably in a small spare bedroom or even stored away when not in use. When you consider that the length of a Class 08 shunter in O Gauge is roughly 20cm – less than most large OO Gauge diesels – you begin to see that with careful selection of your prototype, 7mm scale needn’t be a space-chomper at all. If you’d like to see examples of some truly tiny O Gauge layouts, the Gauge O Guild has published three volumes of ‘Small Layouts’ booklets that are full of ideas.
2. O Gauge is expensive
It needn't be. Shunters and small steam engines (the perfect place to start) can be bought new for around the same price as their OO Gauge cousins, with most freight stock – especially vans and open wagons – available in the £35–£60 price range. Our extensive pre-owned collection makes it even easier to jump into O, with significant discounts on even mint-condition items to help get you off the ground.
If you’re a digital user, you’ll find that almost all smaller engines in O Gauge use the same decoders as OO locomotives, with either 21-pin or Next18 interfaces – so there’s no extra cost here, either.
And then there’s the size factor. Ironically, as you won’t be able to fit so much ‘train’ within the same space as åOO Gauge, you won’t need as many trains! Not that we’d want to dissuade you from buying trains, of course (it’s therapy, after all…) – but you can get a lot of satisfaction in O Gauge from a very small fleet of choice specimens.
3. O Gauge locos are heavy on the juice
Again, not necessarily. The motors of smaller ready-to-run engines are very efficient and can be safely run using good-quality controllers with a current rating in the 1.0A to 3.0A range. Sound-equipped engines will draw more current, but as mentioned above, these often use the same decoders as OO Gauge models, which means they can be run with the same controllers. The caveat here is that you’ll probably want to stick to having one engine ‘on the go’ at any one time, but this will likely be the case with the majority of small layouts.
Larger engines such as Heljan diesels with twin motors do require more power, but a 3.0A controller will easily handle a single engine. It’s worth investing in a 5.0A controller (or booster) if you plan on running multiple engines on a larger layout.
We said at the top that O Gauge has a special place in our story. We remain one of the country’s foremost O Gauge retailers, with a wealth of expertise among our staff – many of whom are themselves O Gauge modellers. Alongside friendly advice, we stock a huge range of pre-owned O Gauge trains and accessories as well as brand new Dapol products that represent an excellent and budget-friendly starting point for the larger scale. We update our website daily with new arrivals, all of which are tested prior to listing.
O Gauge is immensely satisfying, and we’ll wager that once you’ve dabbled, you’ll never look back. So what are you waiting for? There’s never been a better time to ‘go large’, and we’re here for you every step of the way!
