- Some Gauge '3' History -

Gauge '3' (or No.3, as two and a half inch gauge was originally known) was one of the five standard gauges recommended by a subcommittee of the Society of Model Engineers on February 1st, 1899.

Gauge '3' (G3) is therefore now over 100 years old.

At the time, 2.5 inch gauge allowed the construction of fairly successful (and reasonably to scale) live-steam locomotives. Bing and Carette, both Nurnburg-based toy-manufacturers provided locomotives and rolling stock for these standardised gauges. However, it was Bassett-Lowke, together with other British producers like Jubb, Bonds and the Model Dockyards that marketed the largest range of models for G3.

Of perhaps more importance in shaping the 2.5 inch gauge scene was the influence of former engineman, 'Curly' Lawrence. Writing under the pseudonym of LBSC, his articles appeared regularly in the Model Engineer and other journals between the mid-1920's and the 1950's. He produced more design's and construction articles for 2.5 inch coal-fired locomotives than for any other gauge. Most LBSC designs were based on actual prototypes, but were not necessarily finished to scale. With this generous exposure, it is perhaps not surprising that many of his engines (and their derivatives) are still around today, together with older engines by Bassett-Lowke, Carson and their contemporaries.

Most of these early engines were built to a nominal scale of 1/2" to the foot, but shortly after WW2, the norm became to build to 17/32" (13.5mm) to the foot. This is the scale that G3 models are built to these days.

The post-war period saw interest in 'scenic' model railways move down-scale and indoors. Many railway modellers took up '00' and 'H0' (4mm/3.5mm) scales. The model engineering fraternity moved up-scale, as more affluence enabled larger live-steam models in 3.5" and 5" gauges to be built. G3 suffered as a result and became the lonely domain of a few enthusiasts, who stubbornly refused to give it up.

In 1990 a few 'die-hards' got together and decided to form the Gauge '3' Society. Their timing was good, because not only was interest in model manufacturers such as Bassett-Lowke re-emerging, but many railway modellers had also discovered their gardens (which is often to be found outside the back door!).Today, a growing number of garden-railway suppliers and retailers are beginning to support G3 in terms of ready-to-run locomotives (both live steam and electric) and rolling stock. The huge growth in 'G' scale narrow (45mm) gauge has also made a great deal of compatible scale items available, such as figures, line-side buildings and many other accessories.