NARROW GAUGE - WHICH CHOICE OF SCALE?

foxtango · Post by **foxtango** » Sat Jun 22, 2002 6:13 am

Hi
I am aware that there is narrow gauge available on this site both in 'true scale' and 'big scale'. Great looking engines and coaches. My question is, should I go for everything true scale to fit in with all the addon scenery etc - or do I get better looking rolling stock in the 'big' scale. Also do I get better framerates with one or the other? My ambition is to build a fictitious NG layout - I dont have the skills to model an accurate representation of a real route. I do not plan to mix narrow and standard gauge on my route.
Thanks very much to anyone who takes the time to respond.
Jont

kevmt · Post by **kevmt** » Sat Jun 22, 2002 9:14 am

As the author of the Narrow gauge stock that you mention, then I would definitely recommend that you go for the larger scale.
The detail and realism obtained from the larger scale far outweighs any disadvantage that I can see. (see the various pictures of Steve Pontin's Talyllyn route on this site to see what can be achieved with this scale)
It also allows the use of dynamic track if needed.
Any building object can very easily be enlarged using Decapods Shape File Manager (from this site). I think it took me less than 20 minutes to enlarge all the S&C building objects, using the SFM, for use in my route. You then use them as normal in the route editor.

I think the only time I would possibly go for the "true" scale is if you were modelling a small narrow gauge feeder line to an extensive standard gauge route.

Cheers
Kevin

spontin · Post by **spontin** » Sat Jun 22, 2002 9:34 am

I have to echo Kevin's reply. As the author of the Talyllyn route that Kevin mentioned, all I can say is that when I started there was no "true scale" NG track or locos to use so I used Kevin' s Talyllyn locos as the inspiration to start the build. I found that a Welsh NG route is almost 100% "curves" and I found dynamic track the ONLY way to fulfil this.
When Kevin released his NG Patches so that the 2x scale locos could run true scale, I did a test with these and my impression was that I was looking at "toy scale" locos. The camera angles in MSTS contributed to this by always having a look-down feel to the smaller scale.
My choice would now always be a 2x scale for NG unless as Kevin points out you want to mix NG & Std locos on the same route.
(The Flying Scot running out of Talyllyn Wharf does look a bit odd

)
My next plan is to 2x scale the terrain on my Talyllyn so that it all is in correct proporations- something not possible when I started.
Don't know whether this helps or not???

Steve

nwallace · Post by **nwallace** » Sat Jun 22, 2002 10:00 am

Adding to what kevin and spontin have said

when i d/l talylln i had no coaches to put on the back of tallyn, so i put on standard gauge coaches, they were tiny

when i saw this i got some propper size caoches all i have to say really is that it looks a lot better i think using true scale would make the scaling far too small, in fact wit the scale up i think it looks more real size than it does with standard stock.

Think that sort odf says what i am trying to say

It looks better.....thats said it wquicker

pitleyfalley · Post by **pitleyfalley** » Sat Jun 22, 2002 12:25 pm

I must admit that i also have to agree with the above... it has been simple enough to use 2x scale buildings even if there is a smaller selection (now eliminated by SFM)

Chris

foxtango · Post by **foxtango** » Sat Jun 22, 2002 1:37 pm

As always, many thanks for your replies. Will go for 2X.
Cheers
Jont
NG Crazy!!

nwallace · Post by **nwallace** » Sat Jun 22, 2002 5:52 pm

Just a thought likes but if you need a bit of standard gauge track in the route for say a joint station (liek at blenu ffestiniog or ravensglass (well not quite but) )

Scale up the standard track since you only need a mile of it at the most

obviously it does mean scaling up a standard gauge loco but thats not exactly a problem

kevmt · Post by **kevmt** » Sat Jun 22, 2002 6:50 pm

Scaling up the track does work but make sure you don,t scale up the track sections in the global folder. Make copies of the track pieces you need and place them in the shape folder of your route. There you can scale them up and use them as scenery. As nwallace says you can also take loco,s and stock and do the same.

Cheers
Kevin

MartinH · Post by **MartinH** » Sat Jun 22, 2002 8:07 pm

Just one thing for you to think about. If you use 2x scale, you should scale up everything including terrain and route length. Spontin didn't do this, which leaves you in a interesting situation from an operating point of view: Do you run at 15mph (the correct speed for the Talyllyn) or 30mph. If 15mph, you arrive at all of the stations on time, but the wheels turn too slowly. If 30mph, you chuff along like the real thing, but arrive early at all of the stations.

I tend to compromise and drive at 20mph. Any thoughts?

Martin