Last Updated on September 5, 2019 by Dave Farquhar
What are 1 gauge trains? It’s a fair question, since it’s terminology you don’t see every day. And it’s one, as in the number one, not L gauge or I gauge. It’s not the same as O gauge, and it’s terminology that goes all the way back to the 19th century.
German model railroad maker Marklin introduced 1 Gauge, or Gauge 1, in 1891 as the smallest of five train sizes. Its track measures 1.75 inches across and trains marketed using this terminology are usually 1:32 scale.
1 gauge and G scale are the same, sort of
One reason for the confusion is that 1 gauge and G scale do use the same track gauge. The difference is G scale trains are larger, because they are supposed to be narrow gauge models. So G scale trains from companies like Aristo-Craft or LGB are noticeably larger than 1 gauge trains from Marklin or MTH, even though they run on the same track.
1 gauge track size
1 gauge often defines track curve dimensions with four different radii, called R1, R2, R3 and R5. These sections form circles of the following diameters:
Diameter measured from center to center of track:
- R1 = 1200 mm = 48.0″
- R2 = 1560 mm = 61.5″
- R3 = 2390 mm = 94.0″
- R5 = 4640 mm = 182.7″
Diameter measured from outer edge to outer edge:
- R1 = 1286 mm = 50.62″
- R2 = 1646 mm = 64.8″
- R3 = 2476 mm = 97.5″
- R5 = 4726 mm = 186.0″
As you can see, 1 gauge takes up a lot of space. But it could even work for a seasonal display. You could set up a loop of track on a 5×5 table with midcentury figures and vehicles and make a nostalgic-looking display.
Modeling in 1:32
Even though 1:32 isn’t a super-popular size for model trains, it is a popular scale in other types of modeling. This means if you have the space for it, it can be convenient, since you’ll have a wide selection of diecast vehicles. While 1:32 scale figures may be a bit difficult to come by, 54mm is a popular scale for wargaming, and 1/35 is a popular scale for military modeling. So civilian figures and buildings for 54mm wargaming or military modeling would be a good match for 1 gauge trains. A 54mm male figure scales out to 5’8″ in 1:32. Today, the average male is about 6 feet tall, but remember, in the past, people tended to be a bit shorter. And since WWII is a popular era for military modeling, it’s convenient. Those figures will evoke a 1950s look if you place them with 1950s vehicles, which is perfect for modeling the steam/diesel transition era.
David Farquhar is a computer security professional, entrepreneur, and author. He started his career as a part-time computer technician in 1994, worked his way up to system administrator by 1997, and has specialized in vulnerability management since 2013. He invests in real estate on the side and his hobbies include O gauge trains, baseball cards, and retro computers and video games. A University of Missouri graduate, he holds CISSP and Security+ certifications. He lives in St. Louis with his family.