Prospectus.
The letters EM stand for eighteen millimetres which is a track gauge used to achieve better realism with the popular 4mm building scale employed for 00 construction.
The normal 00 layout has rails set 16.5mm apart. This is really the gauge for H0 (3.5mm scale) and as a consequence the wheels have to be set back much further than they should be. The appearance of the stock and locomotives is consequently one of "narrow gauge".
If you are interested in improving the look of your models or if you are contemplating construction for the first time please read on. The E.M. Gauge Society is here to help you. If you already model to EM or P4 standards we would like your support.
Why 4mm scale?
In the years which immediately followed the First World War, railway modelling began to appeal to many more than the few who had tasted its pleasures in the earlier times. The popular size was gauge 0 with a scale of 7mm to the foot which in the mass of small houses, which were being built at that time, provided little chance of constructing any thing which could pretend to be a representative layout.
The solution was to change the scale, and a size half that of gauge 0 was an obvious choice. The electric motor technology of the age prevented anything smaller. These motors where large by modern standards and the drive was transmitted through in-line spur gears. The new scale was known as H0 (half 0) at 3.5mm to 1 foot, and whilst Continental and American locomotive boilers could accommodate the motor armatures and magnets, the restrictions of the British loading gauge and typically small boilered locomotives caused considerable trouble. The British answer was to increase the scale to 4mm to 1 foot (76.2 to 1). The Europeans and Americans stuck to their H0 and whilst modern techniques can easily provide small enough motors, the British have remained faithful to their own 4mm scale.
Why 00 gauge?
Having decided to use 4mm as the scale the problem was that no manufacturers produced a proprietary 4mm scale track. Continental imports were for 3.5mm scale requiring the British wheels to be moved "in" to run on the smaller scale (gauge) track. There was also a belief that the wheel treads had to be of "steam roller" proportions if the stock was to remain on the rails, and by setting the wheels further back than they should be, this function was obtained. The 3.5mm scale track gauge is 16.5mm and for want of a designation the mixture of 4mm scale locomotives running on 3.5mm scale track work was called 00.
The birth of EM
To rectify this anomaly, a wider track gauge was adopted by a number of individual modellers, each building their own track by a variety of methods. The British Model Railways Standards Bureau (BRMSB) finally established the gauge during the Second World War. They set a standard of 18mm gauge with a specific wheel profile. Regrettably once supplies returned to something like peacetime normality the trade continued with the 00 syndrome and the E.M. Gauge Society was formed in 1955 with the object of persuading them to adopt the EM concept. For a variety of reasons history shows us that the more influential suppliers remained unconvinced and in 1972 the Society embarked on a policy of supplying the missing goods as well as the know-how to enable those who wanted to improve the look of their models to do so. Again, due to improvements in technology and the ability to draw up a closer standard for all the smaller specialist manufacturers the track gauge of 18.2mm was officially adopted. Many of these small manufacturers are now members of the E.M. Gauge Society.
The expansion continued and to provide the necessary financial and legal protection to its members a Limited Company was formed in 1984.
Conversion to EM
Many of the components used to build to 4mm fine scale standards can be obtained through local model shops and specialist suppliers. Workers in EM can use wheels such as those from Alan Gibson, Kean Maygib, Ultrascale, Sharman and Romford. The conversion of many locomotives, both ready to run and kit constructed, is easily achieved by using longer axles and spacing washers between the wheels and the frames. Proprietary rolling stock can be changed for little more than the cost of new wheels. The wheels and axles provided by the Society are a direct substitution for the proprietary wagon and coach ranges.
In addition, the E.M. Gauge Society caters for those of its members who work to P4 standards where the track gauge is 18.83mm and a specific wheel profile must be used with tighter crossing flangeway and check-rail clearances.
Obviously your track will have to be re-laid and the Society specialises in the provision of track building components. A set of full size track and turnout plans (either to EM or 18.83mm gauge) is given free to all members to form the basis of constructing trackwork and building jigs. Similarly a full set of Wiring Diagrams is given free at time of joining. There are several plastic based plain track proprietary systems, which are also compatible with the hand built turnouts. Some systems can also provide the basic requirements for turnout construction. There are also various makes of copper clad trackwork etc.
What the EM Gauge Society has to offer
Typically all members receive a mailing shot five times a year containing a Newsletter as well as technical data, hints and tips needed for construction and conversion. These are provided in the form of loose-leaf sheets, which are added to as circumstances permit to form the Society Manual. The sheets published in the year a member joins and all those sent out while he remains a member are issued free, whilst new members obtain all current sheets on payment of the joining fee.
Area Groups and groups within existing model railway clubs can be found in many parts of the country. A selection of layouts from these and of private individuals are invited each year to form the basis of expoEM, an event that takes places usually three times a year. The Society's national gathering in May has for many years taken place in Bletchley. Two regional shows are also held and in recent years have been focused in Yorkshire and in Hampshire. Each event comprises lectures; demonstrations and specialist trade stands.
On joining the Society a member receives:
The current newsletter and whilst stocks last all the back issues for the year.
All current issues of the Society Manual sheets published to date including a set of colour coded wiring diagrams.
The current price list and order form for goods available through the Trade Officer.
A set of track and turnout drawings which form the basis of construction.
Entrance to the expoEM events at reduced cost.
Trading
The Society is not a mail order organisation. It functions to promote the ever-growing interest in fine scale 4mm railway modelling. The goods which will enable you to begin and go on building are available at expoEM and the Annual General Meeting, but for those who cannot take advantage of these meetings the Trade Officer will supply by post. The EMGS is the largest of the Societies catering for the needs of modellers in 4mm fine scale railway modelling and it therefore has the funds to purchase in bulk which ensures a maximum benefit to the members and a better chance of the goods you require being in stock for quick delivery. New items are being sought all the time and efforts made to persuade manufacturers to allow for easy conversion of their 00 products.
A typical list of trade items:
Sleepers and crossing timbers.
Rivets, rail fishplates and chairs for track construction.
Turnout construction parts.
Track and turnout gauges.
W irons for wagons and pin-point bearings.
Axlebox castings.
Coach compensation units.
Wagon and coach wheels.
Locomotive and tender mainframes (over 250 types in stock)
Locomotive driving, bogie and tender wheels.
Pick-up plungers and hornblock systems.
Axles of various types.
Washers and bushes.
Drills, fibreglass brushes and cleaning blocks.
Society Organisation
The EMGS is run by a Board of Directors who are all dedicated model railway enthusiasts independent of any outside influence, elected at an Annual General Meeting.
The Society's financial year runs from the 1st of September to 31st August but members joining late in the year receive all publications currently available.
If you are interested in becoming a member please complete a membership application form and send it direct to the Secretary for New Members and Area Groups.