Modelling
INTRODUCTION
Members model in a variety of scales. In the early decades of the Society, most modelling was in the large scale of 3/4in to the foot, and this is still very popular. This scale demands much skill but there is considerable help available for those who choose it. The Society has published a book on Large Scale Tramway Modelling which describes in great detail all the steps needed to produce a decent model. The Society also has a Model Engineering Secretary who can supply many of the parts needed to build a model in this scale. The book and the parts are available from our Shop.
From the mid 1960s onwards, there has been a growing number of kits available for the modeller who prefers the smaller scales (mainly O, OO, HO and N). These scales are more convenient for producing layouts to show the tram in its setting, with landscaping, townscapes, depots etc. Kits are currently available in White Metal, Plastic, Brass, and the latest innovation – 3D printing. There has never been such a variety of kits available, and all can be built with a moderate degree of skill.
For more details on the more popular scales. Please CLICK HERE
TRAMCAR MODELLING IN THE LARGER SCALES
3/4in to the foot (1:16)
The Tramway and Light Railway society was founded in 1938, but prior to that some tramway modelling pioneers such as Frank E. Wilson and Richard Elliot had begun making detailed models of trams in the scale of ¾ inch to the foot in the 1920s. This also was a popular scale used by tramcar draughtsman to draw the general arrangement drawings of their employer’s designs and worked out at a scale ratio of 1:16.
The full-sized tramcars which ran on standard track gauges of 4 foot 8½, scaled down by 1:16, would then be able to run on 3½ inch gauge trackwork which was already an established size in the model railway hobby. There also was a ready supply of electric motor sizes at that period that could be fitted between the model wheels and hung prototypically from the axle. Typically, these motors were intended for 24-volt operation and this became a common standard for the early tram model-makers.
The large sizes of these models allowed for models to be made using constructional techniques similar to that of the full-size vehicles and would allow features such as truck springing, operating brakes and interior and exterior lighting to be added if desired, and the chance to accurately paint, line out and sign-write the completed model. Tramway modelling went on to have its own judging class allocated to it in the popular “Model Engineer” magazine annual exhibitions once held in London.
Once complete there is often an urge to build a working tramway layout either indoors or outside in the garden to operate the models. The Tramway and Light Railway society has been very active in attending model exhibitions with its own working tramway layout at national levels or through the use of members own tramway displays, often supported by the active local area groups, thus tramway modelling can if wished become a very social hobby.
In 1972 Mr. E. Jackson-Stevens wrote a book entitled “Scale Model Electric Tramways and how to model them”. This gave an account of the principles of large-scale tramcar modelling in the 1:16 and 1:32 scales. The book also explained the construction and operation of the authors garden tramway. Now out of print this book can be sourced from second-hand book dealers.
Later in 1972 Peter Hammond produced his book “An Introduction to TRAMWAY MODELLING” which contained a 1:16 scale drawing of a typical Preston type 3 window open-topped tram. The book gave good instructions on how to build this type of tram and the choice was made because many early tramway companies used this type of vehicle. The book was updated and re-published in 1994.
In 2015 the 2nd edition of Peter Hammond’s book was out of print and Peter Howard (the then Society Model Engineering Secretary) collaborated with Peter Hammond to completely re-write the book which was re-titled “LARGE SCALE TRAMWAY MODELLING An Introduction and Guide”. This book is currently available from the Tramway and Light Railway society and it is strongly urged that anybody desiring to build models in this scale should obtain a copy. The reader will find suggestions for material choices, constructional techniques, suggested material and component suppliers and also brief sections devoted to 1:24, 1:19 and “G” scale model-making.
Today the society still has a flourishing interest in the 1:16 scale and can offer the prospective modeller help with supplies of truck and bogie raw castings in bronze. A range of ready-turned steel wheels and now axles can remove the need for owning or having access to a metal-turning lathe. The ex-government 24 volt motors are still stocked and, also a range of specific truck parts and suitable gears to simplify the model-making process. There is a keen interest now in 3D printing parts to allow modellers that are users of this technique to aid model construction.
Lists of parts for 1:16 scale items can be obtained from the model engineering secretary by email to mesec@tlrs.info or by ordering directly from our SHOP page.
The Society holds an archive of over 1200 tram drawings. Please email the model engineering secretary on largescale@tlrs.info for advice on availability of specific items.
Depending on copyright, copies of some drawings can be supplied, whilst others are for “viewing only”.
A range of British and Foreign tramcar drawings are available from Terry Russell Trams, mainly drawn in 4mm or 7mm scales it is possible by arrangement to obtain copies enlarged to 1:16 scale.
KW Trams market a range of parts for ¾” modelling, including transfers, seat castings, lifeguard castings, handbrakes and controller castings.
5/8in to the foot (1:19.2)
his is commonly known as the Manchester Scale, having derived from the models of George Oakley. His models were displayed at the annual Christmas exhibitions of the Manchester Model Railway Society from the 1950s and 1960s, and gradually attracted other modellers to this scale, notably Bob Hill, David Getgode, Terry Daniels. The techniques of building in this scale are similar to those in 1:16 scale.
G Scale
G Scale evolved from the LGB company which specialised in narrow gauge model railways and many other manufacturers now offer compatible products, and it has been adopted by many tramway modellers, mainly because of the availability of ready to run mechanisms and trackwork. It is not strictly speaking a scale, rather a track gauge of 45mm, so the scale of the model would depend on the track gauge of the prototype vehicle. A metre gauge vehicle would be 1:22.5, whereas a standard gauge vehicle would be 1:32 (which is also the British model railway “Gauge 1”). There are ready to run tram models e.g. from Bachmann and this means that a model tram system can be made relatively easily, if not cheaply. More details about modelling in G Scale can be found in the Society’s book on Large Scale Modelling mentioned above.
TRAMCAR MODELLING IN THE SMALLER SCALES
In the Society these are known as the “Sub 7” scales, because they range from O gauge (7mm to the foot, 1:43) downwards through OO gauge (4mm, 1:76), HO gauge (3.5mm, 1:87) and N gauge (2mm, 1:144). Other scales are available!
This photo of Sheffield Roberts cars built by Andy Burrows shows a comparison of the main “sub 7” scales, and the versatility of 3D printing to produce the same model in 3 scales – from the left O, OO and N.
0 gauge or 7mm to the foot scale.
Whilst the early tramway modelling pioneers of the society chose the scale of ¾ inch to the foot to model trams, “0” gauge was already proving to be a popular scale for model railways. With the model railway trade offering commercial items such as carriage wheels and motors (usually the trusted Tri-ang X04) the scale was ideal for model tramways too. At the time, the society did not offer a supply of component parts, so a group not affiliated to the society took on promoting the “0” gauge scale. In the UK this was generally perceived as a ratio of 1:43.5 or 7mm equalling 1 foot. Other scales such as 1:48 (1/4″ to the foot) or 1:45 were also associated to the scale. The “0 Gauge Group” was formed of several accomplished modellers and this group became regular exhibitors at model railway events.
In particular Terry Russell went on to offer his design of ready to run motorised tramcar trucks to model makers and along with his range of 7mm and 4mm scale drawings and white-metal cast parts has been a major supplier to those modelling in this scale.
Commercial items from other suppliers became available, BRUMTRAMS offered a wide range of coloured printed card kits and with the inclusion of motorised trucks and interior fittings have become the starting point for many entering this scale.
White-metal kits also were supplied in “0” gauge, BEC kits had long been a supplier in 4mm and in 1989 moved into 7mm producing a range based around three window, four wheeled designs. These castings were eventually taken over and became part of the ABS MODELS range (now supplied by KW Trams). MTS also produced a range of works cars as O gauge white metal kits. These also became part of ABS.
Complete plastic built finished trams were produced by ST. PETERSBURG TRAM COLLECTION based in Russia. These were models of trams of the world and in 2002 the first British outline model was produced. Although supplied as static models they proved easy to motorise.
Etched brass is also a successful material to build models. A kit is “developed” onto a flat sheet and from that sheet the parts are detached, folded up and soldered together. A variety of suppliers have supplied kits in this scale, including WISTOW models and CHRIS CORNELL models.
The advances in 3D CAD modelling and 3D printing have provided another source of kits with which to build tramcar models and a browse through the shop pages of SHAPEWAYS and IMATERILISE 3D can show available items to purchase.
Sources of tramcar drawings, kits and accessorising parts for 0 gauge modelling
A range of British and Foreign tramcar drawings are available from Terry Russell Trams, mainly drawn in 4mm or 7mm scales. Terry also sells a range of models, spare parts and motor units.
Refer to their website for details www.terryrusselltrams.co.uk
The range of foreign and British trams of the Saint Petersburg Collection is listed on the web-site https://www.sptc.spb.ru
KW Trams market a range of kits and spares including the old BEC and MTS / ABS ranges for 7mm modelling. Refer to their website for details www.kwtrams.co.uk
Tramads are suppliers of 3D printed bodyshells plus additional detailing parts and transfers in 7mm. See their web-site on www.tramads.co.uk
East Lancs Model Tramway Supplies can supply resin cast and 3D printed bodyshells in 7mm scales. This supplier also trades as Corporation Model Trams, full details are on their web-site www.themodeltramshop.com
Alphagraphix produce a range of O gauge card kits. https://www.alphagraphixkits.co.uk/
OO (4mm to the foot) AND HO (3.5mm to the foot) SCALES
Modelling in scales smaller than O gauge really took off from the late 1960s with the introduction in the UK of the BEC range of White Metal kits. These were joined by similar products from Anbrico, ABS, Varney and Tramalan, and many of the early kits are still available in the extensive range offered by KW Trams and Majestic.
Kits have also been supplied in etched brass (eg Chris Cornell), and plastic (eg Keil Kraft, Hadfields and Tower Models).
A cheap way of producing a model is the PDF card kit. Examples by Pete Watson are obtainable through the www.tramwayinfo.com site.
During the 1990s excellent die cast models were produced by EFE (the Leeds Horsfield) and Corgi (the London Feltham and various Blackpool models including the Balloon and Brush cars). These can be motored and produce a relatively easy introduction to tramway modelling for the inexperienced kit builder.
Here are the EFE Horsfield and Corgi Feltham:
The latest development is the production of complete bodyshells and interior fittings through 3D printing. There are several suppliers of these (e.g. Andy Burrows Tramads, and Corporation Model Tramways.
It should be noted that the OO gauge stemmed from the Hornby model railways, and has a track gauge of 16.5mm, which roughly equates to 4ft gauge. Most tramways in the UK were either 3ft6in, 4ft or standard gauge (4ft 81/2in). This track gauge is therefore a compromise and models from systems of all 3 gauges can sit happily side by side without appearing to be out of scale.
HO gauge gets round this problem by assuming the 16.5mm track gauge represents standard gauge in real life, and then the vehicles are built to a scale of 3.5mm to the foot, making the track gauge look more realistic. HO has become the standard for continental models in this scale and there are many suppliers offering kits right up to ready to run models.
There are many suppliers making ready to run mechanisms for OO and HO – for details follow the links below
Suppliers of parts for O and OO models can be obtained from Terry Russell Trams, KW Trams and the East Lancashire Model Tramway Shop, among others. For details, follow the links below.
The Society also sells the book “How to go Tram and Tramway Modelling” by David Voice, which is full of information on modelling in the smaller scales. This edition was published in 2005 and therefore does not cover some of the more recent developments such as 3D printing, but is still a mine of information on how to build the vehicles and also the layouts on which to run them (track, overhead and buildings etc). The photographs alone are a source of inspiration. If you are interested in purchasing this book, CLICK HERE for the SHOP Page
N Gauge (2mm to the foot)
This scale has the advantage of being able to cram a lot into a little space, but until recently was not very popular because of the scarcity of kits or power mechanisms. One of the earliest commercial models in this scale came from Lesney’s “Models of Yesteryear” – a model of a London E1 tram.
Recently, the scale has become more popular with the availability of models, mechanisms and track systems from such suppliers as Kato, which offers, for example, the Unitram track system and Shorty power bogie. Other suppliers are Tomix, Linie 8, Tomytec and Modemo.
A new development which is revolutionising the availability of tram models in this scale is 3D printing. Once the design work has been completed on the computer, it is often possible to print a model in scales from 7mm down to 2mm. Here is an example from Tramads, straight from the printer, showing the fine detailing possible in such a small scale. The model is of the Sheffield Roberts car.
Another recent entry into this scale is “Corporation Model Trams” from John Whitehouse and Matt Summers. They offer a range of models and accessories, starting out mainly based on Blackpool prototypes, but expanding now into other systems.
For a full list of UK tram model kits by supplier, past and present
For a current list of UK tram model kit suppliers
For a current list of non UK tram model kit suppliers
For more information about the techniques that can be used to build models in the Sub 7 scales, please visit the Techniques page.
Many members also exhibit their tramway models: for a list of dates and venues of some of these, take a look at the exhibitions page.