Spur1HK is an informal group of hobbyists in Hong Kong who would like to promote the appreciation of model railroads in the 1:32 scale, also known as Spur 1 or 1 Gauge.
We mostly run models of German railways - mostly because of the novelty - the subject material looks nothing like the subways and trains that are around us here! Modelling railways in 1:32 scale means relatively big trains - with typical locomotives about 50-80cm long and weighing up to 10kg, requiring tracks with minimum radii of up to 2.3m. These larger trains allow for features such as smoke and sounds that are synchronised with the locomotives, but more importantly these models are far more detailed and have features such as sounds and smoke that is synchronised with movement.
A variety of manufacturers provide model locomotives and rolling stock of high quality - Maerklin, KM-1, Dingler, MBW, just to name a few.
Most of our layouts are built on modules which are designed to maximise flexibility and storage efficiency. Our modules take inspiration from the common standards used in Germany (namely the "Mannheim Norm" and "Fremo:32 Norm"), but we build them locally here in Hong Kong using what we believe to be a superior construction design:
- Reinforced Fiberglass Headpieces that provide strength and accuracy to the module
- Wooden structures are completely laser cut from basswood
- Box structure derived from aircraft wings to maximise strength/weight ratio
- Pre-assembled by craftsmen in the balsa-RC-aircraft industry, no carpentry required by users!
- Superior cost/weight/precision ratio. (Current cost of assembled Damm module as pictured below is only around HK$1,500, with further room for cost improvement).
The shapes of the headpieces are identical to the Fremo:32 standard, which we find attractive because they offer multiple headpiece shapes that are more three-dimensional and far more naturalistic:
(photo from Fremo:32)
Unlike the Fremo:32 standard which uses fine scale wheels and DIY track work, we use Maerklin/Hubner track and NEM wheels, which we believe are practical compromises where we sacrifice some scale accuracy for ease-of-use.
Consistent to the Fremo spirit, all our designs will remain open-sourced and adequately documented (work-in-progress!). Having said that, anyone can also order through our local module provider 立哥who offers highly customised services and completely assembled quality modules at what we believe to be very reasonable prices. (as of December 2017, roughly HK$1000-HK$2000 for a 1.2m x 0.6m module, depending on complexity and numbers.)
All of our modules are also designed to be stackable and the headpieces have pins and bushes to allow for automatic alignment. Minimum width is 600mm, and the track height is intended to be exactly 111cm above the floor, although typically the design of the module legs will give a few cm of adjustability. There is no fixed length for modules, although most of our modules are 120cm and can be stacked in a tall pile. Operations are DCC/Mfx/MM based, with ESU ECOS50210s and Maerklin Central Station 3+ controller units. We use SCARM track planning software for layout design.
The prototype modules (of the "Damm" type) have been completed - tolerances are below 0.2mm and are so strong that there is absolutely no give even if one were to sit on them.
The intention is for each member of the Spur1HK Cooperative to take ownership of a few modules for home use, and that there will be periodic "module meetings" where we pool our modules to form larger layouts to allow more running room and "operational variety" for our beautiful models. Currently we are also seeking group storage space for "club modules" which can be adopted or sponsored by individuals. Module meetings will typically take place at hobby shops, community centres, club houses, restaurants or other appropriate public and private venues.
There are only three of us today. The total pool of vehicles is only about 15 locomotives and 40 goods wagons and passenger cars.
Get in touch with us - we would love to get hear about your take on this hobby and your advice on construction specifics - better yet, join us and have fun together!
Leo Cheung
I can be reached via email at:
mail @ leocheung . net (remove spaces)
Keywords: Spur1, 1 Gauge, "Spur 1", Hong Kong, 1:32 Marklin, Hubner, KM-1, Pein, Fine Models, Dingler, Schonlau, Kiss, Wunder, Modelleisenbahn, model trains, model railroad, model railways
