While I dabble in other facets of large scale, my primary interest is in 16mm narrow gauge modeling. This is the primary modeling scale in the UK, normaly done on 32mm track commonly available in the UK from Peco. Here in the states, not so much. So I fudge it a bit and run mine on 45mm LGB track. Most all locomotives are either regaugeable between 32 and 45mm gauge or available in one or the other when purchased. I have two locomotives in this scale right now. I had a third but sold it to my friend as he wanted it so as to join in on new project. As in the UK, my engines are live steam and battery powered. Thier climate is quite damp, so it is a challenge to run track power. Most run either live steam or battery powered diesels/critters. I have an old Merlin Locomotive Works Major named Hendey and an Accucraft Baguley Drewery diesel that has been converted to onboard battery power, she is named Lady of Oxford from her first owners, a more proper Hobbit name will replace that in time. For rolling stock I use a mix of LGB wagons from thier field railway series. Mostly from the earlier runs that have the larger diameter wheels. But I am slowly buying more of the green side dump wagons that have the small wheels in them. My railway has two main industries to serve, the peat bog, a brewery. The railway is set in Tolkien's Middle Earth in the Shire, the land of the Hobbits. Named the Rushock & Hobbiton light railway. Hauling peat from the Rushock bog mill to Hobbiton for the Hobbits to use in thier farming. A large brewery is set along The Water, a small stream flowing thru the area and is also served by the railway. Coal for the steamer and fuel supplies are brought in from the connection in the village of Bywater. Trains run as needed and many times are tied down behind the local pub if its been a really hot day in the Shire and the crew desires a pint. Here are a couple pics of the motive power, pics on the railway once spring weather settles in and the railway awakes from its winter slumber. Mike
