Hello all,
I have been working with a fellow in the UK to build a test dual gauge turnout for a new track gauge he wants to develop to accompany the already established "Cape Gauge 1." Cape Gauge 1 uses the 45mm gauge we are familiar with, but with a standardized scale of 1:24 to model the 3ft 6in "Cape Gauge" in South Africa. The idea is for this new smaller 25mm gauge to model the South African 2ft narrow gauge in 1:24 scale.
The expectation is not that the 25mm gauge will become a very popular gauge and scale to model, since SAR modelling is already quite niche, but as an accompaniment for those who are already modeling Cape Gauge 1 or interested in modelling SAR.
In any case, I was happy to take up the custom job when approached and drew up the blueprints and built the item fairly quickly. I enjoy a break from the monotony of just cranking out #6s all the time.
First, a historical photo of South African Cape and Narrow Gauges together:
![Image]()
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On to the turnout. Code 215 nickel silver rail, cast #4 frog in white bronze, using 1:20.3 ties currently since that's what I have available:
![Image]()
![Image]()
And a comparison with the historical photo of the same turnout:
![Image]()
I really enjoyed building this little turnout (only about 18in in length)! One of the things I really enjoy about the hobby is how willing many are to create their own solution to a problem of unavailability whether that be track, rolling stock, locos, or in this case an entire standardized gauge! I do hope my customer is successful in introducing 25mm to the Cape Gauge 1 folks and to see some layouts in the future featuring both gauges, I tend to like the interest dual gauge can bring to a layout.
Best,
Mike
I have been working with a fellow in the UK to build a test dual gauge turnout for a new track gauge he wants to develop to accompany the already established "Cape Gauge 1." Cape Gauge 1 uses the 45mm gauge we are familiar with, but with a standardized scale of 1:24 to model the 3ft 6in "Cape Gauge" in South Africa. The idea is for this new smaller 25mm gauge to model the South African 2ft narrow gauge in 1:24 scale.
The expectation is not that the 25mm gauge will become a very popular gauge and scale to model, since SAR modelling is already quite niche, but as an accompaniment for those who are already modeling Cape Gauge 1 or interested in modelling SAR.
In any case, I was happy to take up the custom job when approached and drew up the blueprints and built the item fairly quickly. I enjoy a break from the monotony of just cranking out #6s all the time.
First, a historical photo of South African Cape and Narrow Gauges together:
On to the turnout. Code 215 nickel silver rail, cast #4 frog in white bronze, using 1:20.3 ties currently since that's what I have available:
And a comparison with the historical photo of the same turnout:
I really enjoyed building this little turnout (only about 18in in length)! One of the things I really enjoy about the hobby is how willing many are to create their own solution to a problem of unavailability whether that be track, rolling stock, locos, or in this case an entire standardized gauge! I do hope my customer is successful in introducing 25mm to the Cape Gauge 1 folks and to see some layouts in the future featuring both gauges, I tend to like the interest dual gauge can bring to a layout.
Best,
Mike
