Where did O gauge come from, and what was the first iteration?

The original toy train gauges that ran on track (as opposed to being floor toys) were 1, 2, & 3, becoming progressively larger. Smaller gauges followed. The "0" is actually zero, and H0 is "half 0". Marklin made 0, but I don't know if they were the first to do so.

In toy and model trains the gauge is the distance between the 2 rails forming the track, however in early days of toy trains the track gauge was measured from between the middle of the 2 rails. Since at that time the (tinplate) rail profile was 3 mm wide the track gauge was 3 mm more than now; so for instance a track gauge of 45 mm now was called 48 mm then. Many of the track gauges for toy and model trains are an industry standard and are indicated by a letter or number, the most common currently are: Z (6.5 mm), N (9 mm), 00 / H0 (16.5 mm), S (22.5 mm), 0 (32 mm) and 1 (45 mm). Märklin started this standardization in 1891 introducing a complete gauge I railway system with track, rolling stock and accessories. Gauge I, which had a width of 48 mm, i.e. 45 mm between the rails, is still used and now in general called gauge 1. Larger gauges where standardised indicated by Roman numerals II (54 mm), III (75 mm) in 1892. In 1898 Märklin introduced a smaller gauge of 35 mm (32 mm between the rails) which was called gauge 0. Other toy train makers like Bing and Carette followed and later almost all manufacturers around the world followed this industry standard.

Regards

Fred

Ah, thank you! So 1898 is the answer for how long it's been around, but what did the first locomotive/set look like?

The year 1898 is to late, here a picture from Marklin catalog 1895 with a 0 gauge train.

Arne

Early Märklin 0 gauge (picture from The Golden Years of Tin Toy Trains).

By the way, there are databases like this one: https://www.historytoy.com/404_1 and this one: http://www.binnsroad.co.uk/index.html and not to forget this one: http://www.tcawestern.org/manufacturers.htm

And further there are many, many books and very interesting websites like this: http://sncf231e.nl/.

Regards

Fred

sncf231e posted:

Early Märklin 0 gauge (picture from The Golden Years of Tin Toy Trains).

By the way, there are databases like this one: https://www.historytoy.com/404_1 and this one: http://www.binnsroad.co.uk/index.html and not to forget this one: http://www.tcawestern.org/manufacturers.htm

And further there are many, many books and very interesting websites like this: http://sncf231e.nl/.

Regards

Fred

I've used all of these, and they are vary helpful in my research! But for this particular scenario, I meant more specified databases, meant for storing as much information on one particular company is possible, such as the Ives Railway society which catalgues as data as such as different locos made by the company, the times they were made, and variations in them . If there isn't such a database, I can work on making one myself. It will be difficult and time-consuming, but it'll be a fun way to pass the time.

(Edit): I've known about sncf231e's Youtube channel, but was never new he had a website. Interesting find!

(Edit 2): Wait, you are sncf231e! Thank you greatly, and I want to say I greatly envy your collection! If you ever want some more locos from america, I'd gladly send you some. 

Arne posted:

The year 1898 is to late, here a picture from Marklin catalog 1895 with a 0 gauge train.

Arne

I've done a bit of digging, and found an O gauge set that dates back as late as 1893

They were first displayed at the Leipzig Easter Fair, but whether of not they were available to the public, I do not know for certain. Still interesting to see such an old locomotive, and I would love to see the patent drawings of it, if they still exist.

In a word, as stated above, Marklin. I believe they also were the first with individual sectional track, but perhaps Daniel will elaborate?

 In his book Issmayer Trains, Bowes states Issmayer offered train sets with sectional tin track in the 1880's. The track was rolled tinplate fastened to ties.

Yes but, that was 30mm, if memory serves me correctly. "true" O gauge is about 32mm

Agreed - I was answering the question about sectional track raised by Tinplate Art.

Ah, okay.

RSB: THANKS for the clarification!  ☺