00-SF on the web
This web site is still under construction. Please join the 00-SF Yahoo Group for the latest information.
See Supply of Gauge Tools below for details of how to obtain track gauges for building 00-SF track.
00-SF v Peco
This diagram shows the huge improvement in the appearance of the crossing (frog) when the narrower 00-SF flangeways are used. You can see from the orange areas how much the gap area in front of the vee is visually reduced. Although visually the reduction in the length of this gap is the most noticeable difference, it is the reduction in the width which brings about the big improvement in running quality. The width of this gap at its widest point must be less than the width of a wheel. It is then physically impossible for a wheel to "drop in" -- it remains fully supported on the rails as it runs through the crossing. All 00 wheels are wider than the gap for 00-SF. But many are narrower than the much wider gap in the Peco turnout, and bumpy running is inevitable as they run across the unsupported area.
The diagram above shows an A7 turnout in 00-SF, radius 53". This is typically the size of turnout which a modeller in 00-SF might use in place of a Peco Large Radius turnout, radius 45". Both turnouts are shown truncated to the mid-point of a crossover. In 00-SF double tracks are closer together at 45mm centres (as prototype) than for Peco at 51mm centres, so that although the 00-SF turnout is an easier radius than Peco, it is actually slightly shorter to the crossover mid-point. The 00-SF turnout has had the lead length to intersection adjusted slightly in order to match the Peco turnout exactly (purple line). This is a screenshot from Templot .
The diagram above shows the nearest exact match to a Peco Large Radius turnout. It has a GWR 10ft curved switch and a 1:6 curviform V-crossing. That's not a common size, it was generated simply to get as close as possible in 00-SF to the Peco dimensions.
The diagram above shows the same turnouts printed out as a track construction template. The difference in appearance of the 4mm/ft scale UK-style timbering for 00-SF is very noticeable.
diagrams © Martin Wynne 2008
Supply of track gauge tools for 00-SF
**Please Note: Track Gauge design dimensions were derived from C&L Code 75 Bullhead Rail. However, rail (including Flat Bottom Rail) from other manufacturers (SMP, Marcway, Peco, Exactoscale etc.) may also suit. For further information please email me via stores@00-sf.org.uk
16.2mm 00-SF Roller Track Gauges
I am now able to supply 16.2mm 00-SF Roller Track Gauges to aid track construction; the Gauges now include the provision of a milled "flat" at one end which aids their use during the construction of Turnouts etc. (The photo shows the earlier design by the late Russ Simpson without the flat.) The Gauges are sold in pairs and are held as a stock item. Please send me an email message if you are interested in purchasing these Gauges (see below for price information and contact details).
15.2mm 00-SF Check Rail Gauges
These Gauges are used during construction of Turnouts to correctly position the Check Rails with respect to the Crossing Vee. This is the most critical dimension in building pointwork and these Gauges should always be used to set the Check Rails. The Gauges are sold in pairs and are held as a stock item. Please send me an email if you are interested in purchasing these Gauges (see below for price information and contact details).
16.2mm 00-SF Three Point Track Gauges
These Gauges are used during construction of curved trackwork in order to introduce some degree of "Gauge Widening". The Gauges are usually sold in pairs (though I’m happy to accommodate the purchase of a single Gauge wherever possible) and are held as a stock item. Please send me an email if you are interested in purchasing these Gauges (see below for price information and contact details).
1.0mm 00-SF Crossing Flangeway Gauges
These Gauges are used during construction of Turnouts to correctly position the Wing Rails with respect to the Crossing Vee; each Gauge is a piece of ground steel gauge-plate 1mm thick (approx. 10mm wide; approx. 50mm long). The Gauges are sold in pairs and are held as a stock item. Please send me an email if you are interested in purchasing these Gauges (see below for price information and contact details).
Note: These Gauges must not be used to set the position of the Check Rails, the 15.2mm Check Rail Gauges should always be used for the Check Rails.
Prices & Contact Details
Prices are as shown below, with payment via Paypal (Cheques are also acceptable – sufficient time to allow clearance is needed though). All prices are per pair of Gauges.
Please note that the sale of these Gauges is based on a "not for profit" arrangement (in truth there is now a very small profit to ensure I don't actually end up out of pocket and also to help ensure continued supplies). I have also now changed the pricing structure such that the prices shown below do not include postage or Paypal fees (please see the note regarding fees below); this is because different people want different combinations of Gauges etc. so it makes life easier for me if you contact me with your requirements and location and I'll advise you of the final price including postage and Paypal fees where applicable.
To enquire about/purchase any of the Gauges please use the following email address:
[Note: The term "00-sf" should be typed using the number zero key, and NOT the letter O key - otherwise it won‘t work!]
| 1.0mm 00-SF Crossing Flangeway Gauges: | £2-20 per pair (plus P&P etc.) |
| 15.2mm 00-SF Check Rail Gauges: | £8-90 per pair (plus P&P etc.) |
| 16.2mm 00-SF Roller Track Gauges: | £8-90 per pair (plus P&P etc.) |
| 16.2mm 00-SF Three Point Track Gauges: | £21-50 per pair (or £10-75 each, subject to availability) (plus P&P etc.) |
| A Full Set of 00-SF Gauges (i.e. One pair of each of the above Gauges): | £41-50 (plus P&P etc.) |
As a guide, a full set of Gauges posted to a UK address costs £0-58 (2nd Class.). Please note that the above prices do not include (where applicable) any Paypal Fees.
A Note Regarding Payment Options, Paypal Fees and Postage:
Using Paypal as a method of payment results in an increase in price to cover Paypal charges (typically 3.4% of purchase price plus 20p, assuming UK transactions). The purchaser may avoid these fees (approximately £1-69 on a set of Gauges) by selecting the "Gift" option
However, please note that you will not then be covered by Paypal's Buyer Protection since the payment is no longer considered as payment for goods - see here:
https://www.paypal-marketing.co.uk/safetyadvice/BuyerProtectionOffEbay.htm
Therefore, if for any reason I failed to send the goods (highly unlikely!) or they don't turn up (please see below regarding postage) then you won't be able to reclaim the money via Paypal. I'll leave the choice to you – I will assume there are Paypal Fees payable (and quote accordingly) unless you advise me you intend to use the "Gift" option.
In the event that the purchaser wishes to pay via cheque then that's fine also, however please note that this will delay postage until such time as the cheque clears (up to 5 days).
I use second class post unless requested otherwise, and always obtain a certificate of posting to aid claims in the event of loss; please note that compensation is limited to £46 using this method, so if you require more cover then please ask for recorded delivery. Postage is charged at cost only, and overseas postage is no problem (I've sent Gauges to Thailand, the USA, Canada, Holland....).
Photos
There are more photos of all four types of Gauge in the "Photos" Section of the 00-SF Email Group (note that the photo of the 16.2mm 00-SF Roller Track Gauge shows the version previously supplied by the late Russ Simpson in the USA; my version is very similar in appearance but has a "flat" at one end):
http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/00-SF/photos/browse/97d0
Brian Tulley. ** File Updated: 13th February 2012 **