Message boards on 1" and 1-1/2" scale?

Hi all, are there any message boards/forums/newsgroups/etc that anyone can recommend on 1" and 1-1/2" scale (i.e. 4-3/4" and 7-1/2" gauge)? I guess this is sometimes referred to as live steam, although in our case we're interested in scratchbuilding an electric diesel in one of those scales. I'm particularly interested in gleaning whatever we can about specific construction materials and methods (motors, power systems, cab fabrication, etc, etc). Thanks for any ideas!

Reply to
Frank
Loading thread data ...

In message , Frank writes

You could try the following

formatting link
It's based in the UK but the people there have extensive knowledge of 7

1/4 and 10 1/4 inch scales. They have a dual gauge track. Some of the people that work there are ex British Railways engineers. If they can't help ,ay be they can put you in touch with someone who can.
Reply to
Mike Hughes

Thanks, Mike, it looks like a good operation. There are in fact some number of websites of groups and clubs that operate at this scale. I was just hoping for a good online discussion forum (as opposed to a website per se) -- I'm wondering if such doesn't exist?

Reply to
Frank

Probably a reason why is that model railroaders that tend to build such large models tend to be more the mechanical types that don't go for the computers as much as the general public. Such is the way with such things. Also, there really aren't many such people that do railroads by themselves but rather join clubs where they get their necessary smoozing done there. On the subject of diesels, most of them are actually gas-hydraulic drives. True diesel electrics are a rare breed. Why, I don't know. Probably due to the lack of a lot of electric motors at the time that they got started. Now there are a lot of motors for wheelchairs and treadmills available that can be teamed up to do the job. You need to have about 3-4hp to do a decently powerful loco for pulling more than a few cars. I'll also note that the machinsit types also are usually more familiar with hydraulics than electricty so they tend to work with what they are familiar with.

-- Why do penguins walk so far to get to their nesting grounds?

Reply to
Bob May

Then why would that scale be around for decades... well before home computers?

Reply to
Mark Mathu

In message , Bob May writes

That's why I pointed to the Eastleigh Lakeside Railway site. I know that they have made locos that run on 7 1/4 scale (and 10 1/4) powered by steam, diesel hydraulic, petrol hydraulic and by electric only. They also have access to others who would be able to help. Unfortunately for the OP they are based in the UK.

Reply to
Mike Hughes

??? Mark, that isn't what I said. Go look again and you'll see an explaination why they're not on the web with their stuff as much as they otherwise would. I'll note that they may have a email based interchange started before the Yahoo Groups which doesn't interface with the rest of the webbies.

-- Why do penguins walk so far to get to their nesting grounds?

Reply to
Bob May

I'll buy that. One thing I didn't mention is that in fact I've joined a local club that operates in these scales. After hanging around for a couple of months, though, I'm finding it slow-going in trying to hook up with folks to answer my questions -- ergo the interest in an online discussion group.

Thanks. When I said "electric diesel" I didn't actually mean a replica of the kind of system that would power a real locomotive (diesel engine turning generator that powers motors on the wheels). What I meant was a locomotive styled after a classic diesel but that runs on battery-powered electric motor(s). The local club has several of these, although they also have diesel-style locomotives that run on gasoline engines (I gather these are along the lines of what ou'd find on a lawnmower?) Several of the guys have expressed a preference for the electric ones as they're quieter and less smelly.

I've seen one or two web pages on electric-motor-powered locomotives put up by fellows who knocked these togeher using things like motors from treadmills, etc. But I've yet to run across any kind of guide on scratchbuilding these. Most of the people in the club I've joined appear to buy theirs ready-to-run.

Reply to
Frank

There are two that I follow regularly: a yahoo group called 7-plus-NGM and an email list 'livesteamers':

formatting link
You should also check out Livesteaming.com and Discoverlivesteam.com. Despite the names you'll find folks working in electric and gas as well.

---john.

Reply to
John Haskey

Good suggestions! Thanks much.

Reply to
Frank

Here is a search Result at !Yahoo Groups

Reply to
NoOne

PolyTech Forum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.