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7/8n2 A Quick Overview by Steve King How large is a Large Scale Train? 7/8n2 is the newest and largest of the "garden" railway sizes. It has been developed in the past few years by modelers who use "G" gauge (45mm) track, running correctly scaled models of two-foot narrow gauge trains. The proportion of 13.7:1 is 50% larger than 1:20.3. In 7/8 scale the track gauge of 1-3/4" equals two feet, thus 7/8 of an inch to the foot. 7/8n2 34ft. boxcar - LGB box car, HO and N scale. Railways in 7/8n2 are divided into two categories: First are the industrial, plantation, logging and "critter" railways which are patterned after smaller prototypes, which typically have 4-wheel, short wheelbase locomotives and cars, or geared types of steam locos. These include Welsh slate quarry lines, peat bog, brick yard, sand pit and sugar cane railways. The advantage to the smaller 4-wheel 7/8n2 trains is that they may be operated on existing tight radius tracks with few modifications. Second, are the Maine prototype two-foot models which "main line" in appearance, and can reach lengths of 24-30 inches for a 8-wheel freight car, with locomotives such as the Forney types or small 2-6-0 and 2-6-2's. These lend themselves to live steam operation and can weigh over twenty pounds. The Maine two foot models in 7/8 scale require 12 to 16 foot radius curves whereas the industrial railways can run on 5 foot radius. 7/8n2 is an evolving segment of the large scale hobby. There is great appeal in trains which are robust sized versions of tiny prototypes. This allows for maximum detailing and for models which really stand out in the crowd. At present no true 7/8n2 locomotives are available commercially, although several are in the planning stages. Small industrial switchers can be upsized from a variety of commercially available 4 wheel locos, with larger cabs and 7/8 scale details added. Trucks and parts for Maine type freight cars, and 4 wheel cars are available as are kits for basic 4-wheel rolling stock. A wheel standard has been developed which follows prototype practice, with a wider tread than any G scale wheel, yet designed to run on track compatible with 1:20.3, 1:22.5 and 1:24 models. Rail codes 332, 250, 215 and 195 and track components are also compatible with 7/8n2. A small but growing number of 7/8n2 railroaders are happy to help, explain and share their unique perspective on large scale model railways.

Steve King Originally from New Jersey I spent a good deal of my youth hanging around various locations on the Erie Lackawanna. I have had model trains for as long as I can remember beginning with a Lionel set in the late 50's. Later I gravitated to HO, then O-scale and G. My only regret is that I didn't discover garden railroading twenty years ago. Moving to Southwestern Virginia in the late 70's, I established and continue to operate a small firm specializing in industrial air, liquid and hydraulic filtration. My wife Tammy and I are proud parents to daughter Kaitlin born in 1998. I'm also dad to grown daughters Laurel and Barbara. The transition from ordinary G scale to narrow gauge 7/8n2 has been exciting, especially as others have enthusiastically come into the upstart "two-footer" fraternity. Designing and working out the construction of Maine prototype two foot locomotives for live steam operation is my favorite pastime, along with watching the plumes of steam rise from the stack as the little "dragons" chug along the tracks in my yard. FREE LARGE SCALE NEWS ALERT Your E-mail Address Subscribe to our FREE email news aleart today! Get the latest Large Scale Train news and offers on special discounts.

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