Narrow-gauge railroads - The charming world of branch lines in model and original form

What are narrow-gauge railroads?

Narrow-gauge railroads are railroads with a smaller track gauge than the standard gauge of 1435 mm common in Central Europe. They were built particularly in places where inexpensive railroad construction was required - for example in mountainous regions, in rural areas or for industrial and field railway purposes. In Germany, narrow-gauge railroads were an important part of the regional transport network. Today, many of these lines are closed or are used for tourist transportation, e.g. as museum railroads. In the world of model railways, these trains continue to be popular thanks to their nostalgic appeal and landscape-like operation.

Gauges of narrow-gauge railroads at a glance

Numerous gauges were used in Germany. Here is an overview of the most important prototype gauges with corresponding model realizations:

• 600 mm - light railroads, industrial railroads (model: H0f gauge on 6.5 mm)
• 750 mm - widely used in Saxony (model: H0e on 9 mm)
• 785 mm - Harz narrow gauge railways
• 1000 mm - so-called meter gauge railroads (model: H0m on 12 mm)

Well-known narrow-gauge railroads in Germany

Epochs of narrow-gauge railroads in the model

Classic railroad eras can also be recreated on narrow-gauge railroads:

• Era I - Pioneer era of the railroads (up to 1920)
• Era II - State railroads and the Reichsbahn era
• Era III - heyday of the DR/DB branch lines
• Era IV - Structural change and first closures
• Era V-VI - Museum and tourist railroads, special trips

Many model builders combine historical buildings, typical accessories such as water cranes, narrow-gauge railway stations or rolling stock to depict authentic operating scenes from the respective era. Narrow-gauge railroads are the charming world of branch lines in model and original form in all eras.

Model conversions - gauges and systems

Which model gauges are common?

• H0e gauge (9 mm) - corresponds to 750 mm in the original, ideal for Saxon narrow-gauge railways
• H0m gauge (12 mm) - corresponds to meter gauge, ideal for Harz and Swiss railroads
• H0f gauge (6.5 mm) - corresponds to 600 mm field railroads, e.g. for industrial operations
• TTm, Nm, Zf - also for niche enthusiasts in other scales

Manufacturers for narrow gauge railroad models

Brand overview for the H0e, H0m and H0f gauges

Conclusion: Narrow-gauge railroads - small railroads with great charm and attention to detail

Narrow-gauge railroads are a fascinating chapter in German railroad history. Whether the "Rasender Roland" on Rügen, the nostalgic Zittau Railway or light railroads in the forest - their realization in the model inspires with scenic scenarios, authentic forms of operation and lovingly reproduced vehicles. For model builders with limited space but high standards, narrow gauge models in H0e, H0m and H0f offer the perfect platform for creative development. Discover the world of narrow gauge railroads now - in the original and as a precise model in your model railway store! These were the most important narrow gauge railroads and their history, prototypes & models at a glance