42″ Narrow Gauge Lines
I'm very interested in Sn42 model railroading, mainly as a cheaper alternative (than 'true' Sn3) to modeling 3 foot gauge lines in S Scale. It was recently pointed out to me that there were actually quite a few 1:1 rail lines that used 42" gauge track. Well, of course I "knew" that but it just never registered in my mind. The comment piqued my interest so I decided to do a little Googling. It turns out that 42" gauge railroads were a lot more common than I thought. Even in the United States, more miles of 42" gauge track were laid than 24" track (which is much more popular with modelers here). It turns out there were at least 91 industrial (logging, mining, etc) and at least 11 common carrier railroads built to 42" gauge in the United States. In some countries (Australia, etc), 42" gauge was actually preferred over 36" gauge. So, while Sn42 is still a good "cheaper" alternative to Sn3 (but not so much these days), it can also stand on it's own as truly prototypical. Here are some links I've found on 42" gauge railroads:
The 42" Gauge Page has a fairly extensive list of 42" gauge railroads in the US and info on the types of locomotives they used.
TrainZone has a page devoted to a Chilean line in 42" gauge
Wikipedia has a bit of information on 42" gauge railroads in Australia
I also follow 42″ gauge railways, but in 1/48 scale. Our group uses standard S gauge track which is correct for On42. We have built many locos and r/stock and have a display layout. Anyone interested in what we are doing please send me an e-mail.
Regards.
Hi Ron,
I never thought of that but it’s an excellent idea. If you group has a web site let me know and I’ll post a link. I think Rich Yoder Models is offering a GE 50 ton in O, On30, and On3 – could probably be regauged to On42 without too much trouble. What does your group use for loco mechanisms?