Gauge O Guild Manual

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The O Gauge Manual

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(The use of Signals)

The Gauge O Guild Manual is designed to provide a comprehensive reference work, which is updated at regular intervals to reflect the changes happening in model making and how this influences O Gauge in particular. The contents listed on the right give a flavour of what is in the manual.

The manual is available in both printed format and on CD Rom. When the CD Rom is inserted into a personal computer, the manual contents page is displayed automatically from where all the parts and sections can be accessed, or each section can be individually read using a web browser.

By becoming a member of the Gauge O Guild, new sections of the manual will be posted to you when updates are available as part of your membership fee. The whole manual can be purchased from the Guild. Please see the Sales section of the web site to order it.

The manual is comprehensively illustrated with accurate drawings and useful photos of the prototype. Binders are available to keep all the pages in order in a tidy fashion.

For details of prices and how to obtain the manual in printed or CD form, please see the sales page

Part 1 : Basic Information
The basic information part contains a description of all the major standards which are common in O Gauge, including coarse, fine and Scale Seven. Accurate dimensions of track standards, wheelset standards, wheel profiles, and track clearances are provided. These details, when followed by both individuals and traders, will result in compatibility between different models and smooth running. The Guild's code of practice is included as well as a list of traders specialising in various aspects of the hobby.

Part 2 : Track
This part deals with all aspects of track design and construction. Many photos of the prototype are used to illustrate the different types of track formation and drawings with dimensions provide useful reference when building one's own track. Detailed notes on how to make model track are included.

Part 3 : Locomotive Construction
This part tackles the task of choosing the right motor and gearbox for your locomotive. The different types of motor and gears are described, and formulae provided to allow the best combination to be selected for a particular loco. Finally, a section covers the building of loco chassis for both steam and diesel outline.

Part 4 : Rolling Stock Construction
This short part contains details of different ways to make rigid model wagon chassis run well on model track. These include springing, simple compensation, and pivoting of 6 wheel chassis to cope with tighter curves on models than on the prototype. Draw gear is also described, with different ways of springing the buffers and couplings.

Part 5 : Tramways and Light Rail
Being developed.

Part 6 : Signalling and Telecommunications
The different types of signal are described, along with some details of how they would have been used. Typical layouts of signals are given and drawn to illustrate the correct use of signals on the layout.

Part 7 : Layout Design and Realisation
Covering some suggested ways of building the layout, including how to make open frame boards from ply, this part considers may aspects of layout design. Reading this will help prevent false starts.

Part 8 : Electrical
An invaluable aid to good electrical design, this part is a comprehensive study of how to wire up the layout. Simple drawings help explain how to switch polarity at points and where to position breaks in the track to provide sections. Multiple controllers are covered, as well as cab control and zone control.

Part 9 : Live Steam
This part starts with a short history of live steam in O Gauge and compares different ways of firing the loco. Safety is considered as well as tools and the various machines that would make live steam a reality. Detailed drawing of useful components such as pumps are provided.

Magazine Digest
Finally, the magazine digest lists everything which has appeared in the model railway press of the years, divided up into groups such as Workshop Practice, Wagons, Coaches, Signals, Buildings etc. Details of the magazine with the date or number are provided. This is now available to search on line on this website's digest page.

Examples of pages from the manual