T gauge class 08 - utter madness

[GrahamB]

Impressive.

I remember a Z gauge exhibition layout many years ago. They had taken the existing rolling stock and modified them into convincing British outline stock.

The name tickled me - "Istrayne" - pronounced "Eye Strain" 

[Capri_sam]

I did flirt around with T gauge when it first came out, but in the end it was just didn't satisfy me in terms of reliability and smoothness of running so it's consigned to a shelf.  Maybe one day I'll investigate if/how the mechs have improved.

In all honesty the rolling stock is far better than upon release a decade or so ago, but still not perfect. The current generation (2.5) has improved motors, better gearing and is much smoother and more hard wearing, but you're still dealing with minuscule tolerances so your track and wheels better be spanking clean, dry, a reasonable temperature and laid perfectly. The second generation of controllers are far, far better, with full width PWM. DCC fitted models seem to run very well off any standard system as long as you remember to turn down the voltage!

Reliable slow running isn't impossible but can be difficult - The points especially are temperamental and avoided (or custom made) by many, although new ones have been promised for some time and will apparently be making an appearance this winter, hopefully with better geometries as well.

Having said that, the 08 is an entirely new chassis design and mechanism which looks to have very impressive slow running and haulage from the 1st EP videos. The model shown in the original picture has apparently clocked up over 100 hours of motion. I'm looking forward to the model almost as much as I am to kitbashing it into all manner of 0-6-0s!

[Ditape]

@Ditape any chance of a pic of the overall track plan?

What size is the layout?

Interesting stuff.

The layout fits on a piece of A1 foam board.

[emjaybee]

@Ditape any chance of a pic of the overall track plan?

What size is the layout?

Interesting stuff.

The layout fits on a piece of A1 foam board.

Wowsers! That's a good ratio of space to track.

Thanks for that.

[Capri_sam]

By way of an update on this little thing, they are now in production and due to be released in an couple of weeks. Tgauge.com have just released this video of the final pre-production version - without rods but they are obviously there for the final thing.

Etched ladders!?


https://youtu.be/dLtGQq6SJyM

[GrahamB]

Does everyone remember the very first tv sets that had magnifying glasses in front of them? Well, neither do I actually but I'm having visions of T gauge exhibition layouts with magnifying glasses in front of them so everyone can see the detail.

Saying it's impressive seems inadequate somehow.

[Capri_sam]

Well, it's been a bit of a wait but these little marvels are now being shipped! I think my two are some way down the waiting list, but a couple of people on FB have received theirs. Here's a video, quite remarkable slow running all things considered! https://www.facebook.com/728256945/videos/435312988093319/

And a picture from another user. Approximately fingernail sized!

[Mr Sprue]

As much as I admire the time and patience that modelers have to be involved with T Gauge, its just too small for my eyesight.  I imagine myself having to wear something like this to see it properly!

[RailGooner]

..
Here's a video, quite remarkable slow running all things considered! https://www.facebook.com/728256945/videos/435312988093319/
...

Log in to view. 

[Capri_sam]

Log in to view. 

Yeah, sorry it's a FB native video that was posted, I don't think I can make it public! I'll re-post if it appears elsewhere.

[Bealman]

Yes, I thought, gotta see this! But the video won't play.

[railsquid]

I found this video, if it's of any interest:

(edit: oh it's the same one as linked in an earlier post)

[Bealman]

I must say that is impressive - has it got outside frames?

[Capri_sam]

I must say that is impressive - has it got outside frames?

Sure does! And etched ladders.

[Tank]

Amazing for such a small model.  I'd dread to think how anyone would paint a more complicated livery on one!