The track gauges recognised as being miniature railways vary by country, but in the UK the maximum gauge is 350 mm ( 13 + 25⁄ 32 in). In the USA, miniature railways are also known as 'riding railroads' or 'grand scale railroads'. 'Miniature railways' are railways that can be ridden by people and are used for pleasure/as a pastime for their constructors and passengers. Due to the use of mixed gauge tracks, passengers may ride on a miniature railway which shares the same gauge as, and is pulled by, a large model locomotive on a smaller model gauge, although this is rare. There are many national organisations representing and providing guidance on miniature railway operations including the Australian Association of Live Steamers and Southern Federation of Model Engineering Societies.ĭistinctions between model, miniature, and minimum-gauge railway Ī ' model railway' is one where the gauge is too small for people to ride on the trains. Typically miniature lines are operated by not for profit organisations - often model engineering societies - though some are entirely in private grounds and others operate commercially.
IRON WANDERING WILLOWS PORTABLE
Typically portable track is used to carry passengers at temporary events such as fêtes and summer fairs. The smaller gauges of miniature railway track can also be portable and is generally 3 + 1⁄ 2 in ( 89 mm)/ 5 in ( 127 mm) gauge on raised track or as 7 + 1⁄ 4 in ( 184 mm)/ 10 + 1⁄ 4 in ( 260 mm) on ground level.
The track is often multi-gauged, to accommodate 5 in ( 127 mm), 3 + 1⁄ 2 in ( 89 mm), and sometimes 2 + 1⁄ 2 in ( 64 mm) gauge locomotives.
IRON WANDERING WILLOWS DRIVER
Flat cars are arranged with foot boards so that driver and passengers sit astride the track. Typically miniature railways have a rail track gauge between 5 in ( 127 mm) and under 15 in ( 381 mm), though both larger and smaller gauges are used.Īt gauges of 5 in ( 127 mm) and less, the track is commonly raised above ground level. 2 Distinctions between model, miniature, and minimum-gauge railway.