SIZE MATTERS : NOT YOUR FATHER’S ELECTRIC TRAINS

This is a site --- and a blog --- about Mega-Gauge railroad models, very large modeling in the size customarily called “live steam” or “miniature railways”. Our interest lies in those models that
1. are powered by electricity RATHER THAN by live steam and small gasoline engines AND
2. represent prototypes --- the original full-size rail transportation on which the models are based --- that were electrically powered:
a. trolleys, trams, and street cars
b. interurban trains
c. boxcab electric locomotives
d. urban subways and elevated rail
e. light rail and rapid transit AND
f. heavy traction (main line) electric locomotives
because we believe that electricity is by far the most sensible means of propulsion for many reasons, which we will outline in future blogs.

The subject of these Internet pages --- web logs --- generally run on rail with a gauge (distance between the rails) greater than 7 inches. This latter distance was not chosen arbitrarily.
7¼ inches and 7½ inches are the gauges of the two most popular “live steam” gauges in this country, the former being popular in the Northeastern U.S. and Britain, the latter being by far the more popular throughout the rest of the U.S.
BUT, given any degree of interest in gauges smaller than 7 inches, we will explain, discuss, and promote other scales, also. The two that stand out are 1” to the foot (dollhouse scale and also the subject of interest among some live steamers) and ¾” scale. The latter scale is carried forward principally by Jimmy Sparkman of the East Penn Traction Club, who builds beautiful ¾ inch models of elevated third rail trains (“els”) running on aluminum elevated trestles and exhibited at many of the special events that occur in the Philadelphia area.

We will discuss and advocate these giant electric trains, knowing very well the dual definition of the phrase in the vocabulary of both full size railroading and models. We will recommend that commercial manufacturers and amateur builders broaden the range of models in this size; suggest that a wide range of model buildings and accessories in that size would be welcome and marketable; advocate that the entire hobby become oriented toward true model railroading, as it is in the smaller gauges (H0, 0 gauge, and the misnamed G scale); and provide arguments (in the legal broad meaning, not the usual sense of “quarreling”) for the use of Forced Perspective as practiced in stagecraft.