Author Topic: What scale for 28mm east german Africa railway ? (Read 19874 times)

David · « **on:** 16 November 2010, 09:54:02 PM »

Hi

What scale for 28mm east german Africa railway ?
Here a picture of part of the train, plus there is some pictures i had never seen before
http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?156983-Imperial-German-army-in-East-Africa-(early-20th-century)
I have seen a picture somewhere but will have to find it again

Thanks
David

Westfalia Chris · « **Reply #1 on:** 16 November 2010, 10:16:16 PM »

The major rail lines in German East Africa were the Usambara and Tanganjika lines, both of which ran on metre gauge (i.e. 100cm narrow gauge). I assume the first picture is one of those lines, judging from the size of the wagons.

The closest option might be using S gauge (22.4mm wide) tracks, which would be about right for a vehicle scale of 1/50, and scratch-build the vehicles. Alternatively, you could use the S gauge locos and rolling stock, but given that it is pretty much an American thing, it will a) be had to get outside the US and b) probably won't include German designs.

Alternatively, you could go for one of the various narrow gauge small railways. In that case, regular 00 gauge tracks would correspond to about 750mm (a common German narrow gauge), although you would probably have to scratchbuild "authentic" locos and rolling stock if you cannot find them in the 0n30 market.

David · « **Reply #2 on:** 17 November 2010, 07:34:20 AM »

Hi
Does anybody have good pictures of East German railway stock an engine 1914
i can only find two so far.
Thanks
David

Westfalia Chris · « **Reply #3 on:** 17 November 2010, 10:06:24 AM »

Here's one of a narrow-gauge railway train pulled by what looks like a 0-8-0t locomotive:

http://einestages.spiegel.de/hund-images/2008/01/31/24/05537feb55d8956f28a6d46de772f1c5_image_document_large_featured_borderless.jpg

I'm not quite sure if it is on metre gauge or 750mm - it is attributed to the Usambara Railway, but it doesn't really look like metre gauge stock.

If the attribution is correct, this image shows Tanganjika Railway rolling stock combined with an Indian-built locomotive in 1922:

http://trains-worldexpresses.com/700/704-01m.JPG

There's an excellent book on the subject, the 1916 publication "Die Kolonialbahnen (mit besonderer Berücksichtigung Afrikas)", which is available on Google Books. Unfortunately, most of the picture plates and plans included are not featured in the Google Books listing (copyright reasons, I assume). My father owns a reprint of that, however, and if you remind me of it around Christmas (when I'm over there), I could try to get some pics from that.

The Dozing Dragon · « **Reply #4 on:** 18 November 2010, 09:40:49 AM »

Excuse the interruption however isn't this the actor that played Frodo?

Michi · « **Reply #5 on:** 18 November 2010, 08:56:08 PM »

You could probably take some inspiration by my own approach to the subject: http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=16724.0

David · « **Reply #6 on:** 18 November 2010, 09:47:07 PM »

Thanks, nice information and models, what scale are they? ho gauge or 1/43
I see the link is for west german africa train
here are the two pictures i have

i did come across a picture of the engine, but can not find it now

David

Galloping Major · « **Reply #7 on:** 19 November 2010, 05:19:22 PM »

Michi, thanks for the link, that's some really classy work

www.gallopingmajorwargames.com

Bungle · « **Reply #8 on:** 19 November 2010, 06:08:45 PM »

Metre gauge 3'3/8" after WW1. I don't know what it was before.

Gauge 16.5mm should be close enough, thats normal HO/OO track for 28mm figures

if you want something smaller try HOm or TT track that is 12mm, just over 2' or 700mm gauge? for 28 figures.

the Fleischman "Magic Train" stuff is no longer made so becoming expensive on ebay, but it is 1/48 on HO/OO width track, so definatley the easiest way to go if your pockets are deep.

if you want to use 12mm TT track look for stuff for 5.5mm association, that is 1/55

Patrice · « **Reply #9 on:** 19 November 2010, 09:50:37 PM »

Such amazing pictures ! I had never seen many pics of German colonial Africa before !

And this one in your first link :

Anyone has any record of such action ? Charge with bayonets on horseback ?

Never heard of this.
Aaaargh I would have to update my skirmish rules again

6milPhil · « **Reply #10 on:** 19 November 2010, 11:59:59 PM »

Apols for mild tangent, but some great 28mm railway bits here; http://homepage.mac.com/brentdietrich/companyB_models_Trains.html

David · « **Reply #11 on:** 20 November 2010, 12:42:28 AM »

They are very nice, but can not find a UK supplier.
Would have to get it direct from US?
David

6milPhil · « **Reply #12 on:** 20 November 2010, 01:24:39 AM »

Naaaahh! Bob over at WCP stocks them @ http://www.thewcp.co.uk/ tell him I sent you...

Anyone seeking a local stockist, the list of distributors in on the News page...

David · « **Reply #13 on:** 11 December 2010, 07:50:48 PM »

Hi

Just picked up the Book "Steam in East Africa" by Kevin Patience, well worth it for (German East Africa WW1)
The German East African Railways 1893-1917
The Uganda Railway 1896-1926
The Zanzibar Railway 1904-1928
Also has some nice pictures of some of the ship and steam boats for 1914.
Here some pictures of the German trains, so now i know what they look like i can start to build one

I see the driver wears a sun hat
David

Patrice · « **Reply #14 on:** 21 December 2010, 07:02:41 PM »

In the late 19th century the French west African colonies had "Decauville" railway - starting from Senegal I believe - , with a very narrow gauge
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decauville

News:

Recent Topics