Narrow Gauge North

2024

A 16mm Scale layout by Chris McKenzie
Scale 16mm (16mm/1ft)
Gauge 32mm
Size n’ x n’

Some narrow gauge enthusiasts may be wondering where Ffuglen Station is actually located on the Ffestiniog Railway.  A Welsh - English dictionary should clarify.  Ffuglen means “fictional; invented” as in “an imaginative creation or a pretence that does not represent actuality, but has been invented”.

All the rolling stock is modelled from the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway. Very short trains have to be run as, it should be remembered, an average Ffestiniog train is over 16’ long in this scale.

16mm scale on 32mm gauge track (2 foot narrow gauge) is normally considered more suitable running outside in the garden. This layout tries to show that 16mm modelling can also be taken indoors. All the working locomotives are battery powered, with no electricity through the rails.

There is also an “Inglenook” shunting puzzle and the public can operate many special scenic effects.

16mm scale narrow gauge is for everyone - not just the rich. Of course it's possible to buy a ready-to-run steam loco for over a few thousand pounds, but it's also possible to make yourself a small battery operated loco for under five pounds - and that includes the batteries.

The operators of the layout all have their own garden line and so will only be too glad to answer questions and offer advice. You can also ask for a leaflet on the 16mm Narrow Gauge Modellers' Association. Membership not only puts you in touch with fellow minded railway buffs at various national events, it also provides valuable information to get you started.