GAUGE "1" MODEL RAILWAY ASSOCIATION ----------------------------------- This notice is to bring your attention the Gauge "1" Model Railway Association. The objects of the association as set out in the rules are: a) To encourage Gauge "1" modelling in all aspects. b) To stimulate the interest of the model trade in Gauge "1" and to advise them on the requirments of the modellers in the gauge. c) To promote the co-operation between workers in Gauge "1". d) To keep the advantages of the Gauge before the modelling public. e) To provide expert and technical advice for the modeller in the Gauge, particularly for the newcomer. The Association does not seek to compete with existing clubs or Societies, but to bring together all workers in Gauge "1" where ever they may be. If you are working in or are interested in Gauge "1", it is hoped that you will wish to become a member of the Association, whose objects are for the benefit of all who are interested in the Gauge. A "Newsletter" is sent to members at frequent intervals giving news of matters connected with the Gauge and of supplies available for it. During the summer months, Get-togethers are held at members homes, where running facilities are available and the member is good enough to offer an open invitation. This is predominatly in the UK but members are all around the globe, and informal get-togethers are arranged elsewhere. The Association is affiliated to the Model Railway Club of the UK and has the privilege of exhibiting at its Annual Exhibition during Easter in London. A full working Gauge "1" layout is setup to show the public what is possible, and includes Live Steam, Electric and Battery powered models. If you are not a member and wish for further information about the Association or its activities, it will be furnished gladly by the Secretary. Membership Secretary The Secretary Mrs L. F. Foster Andrew Pullen 32 Roberts Road, Poole 147 Abbots Road Dorset. BH17 7HF Abbots Langley England Herts. WD5 0BJ Tele: 0394-282233 England --------***-------- SOME FACTS ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION Gauge "1", with a track gauge of 1 3/4", and a scale of 3/8" or 10mm to the foot, is the largest of the model railway scales. Before 1914, it was the premier gauge, but after the First World War the smaller scales were gradually introduced and Gauge "1" declined untill it became a minority interest. Up to 1939 however, reasonable supplies of models and components were available form the model railway trade. After the Second World War, and its attendant difficulties of supplies in the hobby, it looked as if Gauge "1" would vanish completly. However, as a result of correspondance in the model press, a number of Gauge "1" enthusiasts met together in 1947, and founded the Gauge One Model Railway Association, to stimulate interest in the scale both with thepublic and the model railway trade. Gauge "1" is still a minority interest, but the objects of the Association have been achieved, and for years the membership has been steadily increasing. Gauge "1" stands at the cross roads between the model railway hobby and model engineering, and attracts devotees of both hobbies by its different facets. To the model railway man interested in 'scenic' model railways, 10mm to the foot is a very satisfying scale in which to work, and the size of model locomotives and carriages means that a great deal of detail can be added easily. The track can be built from scale components exactly as the prototype, and with the large scale it is easy for the amateur to build satisfactory pointwork and obtain trouble free running. To the model engineer, whose main interest in the railway field is in building live-steam models, Gauge "1" is the smallest scale in which live steam operation is really satisfactory. The ever increasing cost of parts and raw materials or larger scale models is a distinct advantage of Gauge "1", and there is currently a great deal of interest in the building of live steam models in this scale. The Association is NOT a localised club, but has members throughout Britain and indeed the world. At the last count, there were members in seventeen countries. Contact is maintained with members by means of a Newsletter, published four times a year. A number of members who have graden layouts have 'Get-together' meetings during the summer months, and the Annual General Meeting and running session, held in November and Spring meeting, held in February, always attract a large attendance. The Association frequently assists at club exhibitions, by means of running displays or static exhibits, and has been a regular at the Model Railway Club's Easter Exhibition in London, where a large variety of layouts have been shown over the past thirty odd years. The publication of a booklet describing in detail the contruction of a simple Gauge "1" steam locomotive, written by two members, entitled "The Project", has proved very popular, and is an excelent engine for the beginner to start on. The booklet is issued free to new members, together with at least three back issues of the Newsletter, a list of members, and a list of "Services and Suppliers". Details of these publications, and further particulars of the Association, are available from the Honorary Secretary. The Association has a small shop of items for scratch builders such as Rail, Chairs, Axelboxes, Wheel Sets and also Pullovers, Tee shirts and Tie embossed with the Association Logo. For Live Steam the Association strongly encourages the testing of Boilers and Gas Tanks for Safety, and at most meets provides a testing service to members. For running a model at public exhibitions the Association requires a valid test certificate to be produced.