Saxon narrow-gauge railways
IV K, VI K and VII K locomotives form typical passenger trains with load-carrying coaches, rebuilt coaches and luggage vans.
Saxon narrow-gauge railways on 6.5 millimetre track
TTe Gauge Model Railway: Narrow Gauge at 1:120 Scale
TTe combines the TT scale of 1:120 with track measuring 6.5 millimetres between the rails. It can represent 750, 760 and 800 mm narrow-gauge railways, small rural stations, transporter wagon operation and typical Deutsche Reichsbahn trains within a particularly compact area.
Scale 1:120
Track gauge 6.5 mm
Over 100 linked destinations
TT scale on narrow-gauge track
What does the designation TTe mean?
The capital letters TT describe the scale of 1:120. The suffix “e” denotes narrow-gauge railways with prototype track gauges between approximately 650 and less than 850 millimetres. TTe vehicles run on model track measuring 6.5 millimetres between the rails.
Saxon 750 mm railways can be represented particularly well. Suitable prototypes include Deutsche Reichsbahn routes, the modern Sächsische Dampfeisenbahngesellschaft, the Preßnitztalbahn, the Döllnitzbahn and the Zittau narrow-gauge railway.
The limited space requirement supports narrow valleys, small stations, industrial sidings and intensive shunting operation. The vehicles nevertheless remain larger and more visible than comparable models in smaller scales.
Do not confuse the designations
TTe, TTm and TTf require different model track gauges
TTe uses 6.5 mm track. TTm uses 9 mm track for metre-gauge railways, while TTf represents very narrow field and industrial railways on approximately 4.5 mm track.
Steam trains, transporter wagons and rural stations
Which prototypes suit a TTe layout?
Deutsche Reichsbahn
Green passenger coaches, brown freight wagons and Class 99 locomotives characterise Eras III and IV.
Heritage and tourist operation
Observation coaches, historic train formations and operational steam locomotives also suit modern eras.
Transporter wagon operation
Standard-gauge wagons can be carried on narrow-gauge transporter vehicles to industrial sidings and loading tracks.
760 mm railways
Austrian and Central European narrow-gauge railways provide additional themes for TTe models and custom-built vehicles.
Industry and agriculture
Sawmills, quarries, coal merchants and rural loading roads create varied shunting tasks.
Compact track requires carefully designed transitions
Plan a TTe-gauge model railway
Select the prototype
Define the route, era, vehicles and typical operating locations.
Determine the radius
Compare the locomotive and coach requirements before laying track.
Coordinate the couplings
Do not combine Karsei, Busch and Veit systems without checking them.
Ensure access
Keep turnouts, tunnels and hidden track sections easily accessible.
| Planning area | Recommendation | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|
| Locomotive radius | From approximately 195 mm, depending on the model | Articulated sections, coupled axles and vehicle overhang require sufficient space. |
| Coach radius | Frequently at least 220 mm | Long bogie coaches operate more smoothly and reliably. |
| Gradient | Keep it gentle and use rounded transitions | Small locomotives and lightweight coaches have limited tractive effort. |
| Track spacing | Test vehicle overhang practically on curves | Long coaches travelling in opposite directions must not touch. |
| Turnouts | Inspect the frogs and wheel guidance carefully | Short vehicles are sensitive to irregularities. |
Convert prototype dimensions to 1:120
Calculate dimensions for TTe
TTe uses the same scale as TT. A narrow-gauge coach measuring 12 metres in real life is ten centimetres long in the model. A platform edge measuring 60 metres requires 50 centimetres.
The calculator also compares the length with H0e, N and Z. The track gauge changes the width between the rails rather than the underlying scale of the TTe model.
TTe Scale Calculator
Enter the prototype length in metres.
TTe · 1:120
10.0 cm
H0e · 1:87
13.8 cm
N Gauge · 1:160
7.5 cm
Z Gauge · 1:220
5.5 cm
Direct-current operation and digital conversion
Should TTe be operated in analogue or digital mode?
Analogue operation
Many small-series locomotives are supplied for two-rail direct current and can be controlled using a suitable controller.
Digital conversion
Some locomotives have solderable connections. The decoder, voltage and motor current must match the model precisely.
Sound in TTe
Sound is technically possible but requires a very small decoder, loudspeaker and carefully planned sound enclosure.
Electrical advice
Do not automatically use the voltage of a Z-gauge controller
Track gauge and operating voltage are separate considerations. Always follow the specifications of the locomotive and decoder manufacturers.
Specialist track or a suitable 6.5 mm system
Which track is suitable for TTe?
| Track solution | Feature | Important consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Busch TT/TTe Flexible Track Base | Flexible sleeper bases and dual-gauge track | Add suitable rail profiles, track gauge and fixing materials. |
| Rokuhan 6.5 mm Track | Roadbed track with robust clip connections | Test wheel dimensions, turnout geometry and the power supply. |
| Z-Gauge Track as a Basis | Suitable nominal track gauge of 6.5 mm | Not every vehicle is compatible with every rail profile and turnout. |
| TT/TTe Dual-Gauge Track | Standard and narrow gauge share one track formation | Plan the frogs, check rails and electrical separation carefully. |
Vehicles, track and a complete layout world
Suitable product categories for TTe and TT narrow gauge
TTe Steam Locomotives
IV K, VI K, VII K and Class 99
Locomotive Kits
Metal kits for experienced modellers
Narrow-Gauge Passenger Coaches
Load-carrying, rebuilt and observation coaches
Narrow-Gauge Freight Wagons
Covered, open and specialist wagons
Coach and Wagon Spare Parts
Couplings, wheelsets and detail parts
Track and Flexible Track
6.5 mm track and TT/TTe sleeper bases
Turnouts
Narrow-gauge and suitable 6.5 mm turnouts
Track Accessories
Rail joiners, profiles and electrical connections
Track Sets
Test circuits and compact routes
Micro Locomotive Decoders
Small decoders for restricted locomotive bodies
Micro Sound Decoders
Sound projects and compact electronics
Buffer Storage
Compact energy storage for reliable running
Signals
Semaphore signals and narrow-gauge signs
Lights
Platform, street and building lamps
Railway Staff
Drivers, shunters and passengers in TT scale
Animals and Agriculture
Rural scenes alongside the narrow-gauge railway
Walls and Building Boards
Platforms, loading roads and retaining walls
Lighting
LEDs, interior lighting and accessories
Digital Modules
Switching, feedback and programming
Manufacturer Overview
Brands for vehicles, technology and scenery
Small-series models, coaches, track and digital technology
Important manufacturers for TTe gauge
Selected current models with product images
TTe locomotives, coaches, track and accessories
Classic Saxon steam locomotives
Locomotives and locomotive kits
VII K
Modellbau Veit 41074 VII K
Era IV version of the Saxon narrow-gauge locomotive.
View product
VII K
Modellbau Veit 41073 VII K
Era III version with solderable digital connections.
View product
VI K Rebuilt
Modellbau Veit 41062 VI K Rebuilt
Rebuilt DR locomotive with a bell-type armature motor.
View product
Kit
Modellbau Veit 41961 VI K
Metal kit for experienced narrow-gauge modellers.
View product
Passenger, luggage and observation coaches
Historic DR coaches for TTe
Luggage Van
Karsei 29024 Class 751
Timber-panelled Deutsche Reichsbahn luggage van.
View product
Luggage Van
Karsei 29026 Class 752
Green luggage and postal van for DR trains.
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Coach 720
Karsei 29220 Coach 720
Metal-panelled Deutsche Reichsbahn passenger coach.
View product
Timber Coach
Karsei 29225 Coach 720
Timber-panelled version for historic passenger trains.
View product
Rebuilt Coach
Karsei 29230 Rebuilt Coach
Modernised DR coach for typical Era IV trains.
View product
Observation Coach
Karsei 29018 Preßnitztalbahn
Open observation coach for heritage and excursion trains.
View product
6.5 mm track and coupling technology
Track construction and accessories
Dual Gauge
Busch 35098 Dual-Gauge Track
Ten flexible sleeper bases for TT and TTe.
View product
Flexible Track Base
Busch 35099 Flexible Track Base
Flexible sleeper bases for custom track alignments.
View product
Test Oval
Rokuhan 7297028 Track Oval
Compact test circuit with a radius of 195 millimetres.
View product
Coupling
Veit 49014 Funnel Couplings
Prototypical coupling pair for VII K locomotives.
View product
More direct shop destinations
More TTe locomotives, coaches and layout accessories
More TTe Steam Locomotives
Kits and Couplings
More Karsei Coaches
Track and Test Circuits
Scenery and Buildings
Related Railway Themes
Explore planning and technology in more detail
Related guides for TTe narrow-gauge railways
Frequently asked questions about TT narrow gauge
FAQ about TTe-gauge model railways
What scale and track gauge does TTe use?
TTe uses a scale of 1:120 and a model track gauge of 6.5 millimetres.
Which prototype track gauges does TTe represent?
TTe is particularly suitable for prototype track gauges of 750, 760 and 800 millimetres.
What is the difference between TT and TTe?
Both use a scale of 1:120. Standard-gauge TT runs on 12 mm track, while narrow-gauge TTe uses 6.5 mm track.
What is the difference between TTe and TTm?
TTm normally represents metre-gauge railways on 9 mm track. TTe uses 6.5 mm track for narrower prototypes.
Which curve radius is suitable for TTe?
Some locomotives operate from a radius of 195 millimetres. Many longer coaches require at least 220 millimetres. The product specification remains decisive.
Can Z-gauge track be used for TTe?
The nominal track gauge is the same. The wheel dimensions, rail profile, turnout geometry and operating voltage must nevertheless be checked.
Can TTe be operated digitally?
Yes. A suitable small decoder, a correctly isolated motor and a track voltage appropriate for the locomotive are required.
Are TTe locomotives available with an interface?
Some small-series models have solderable connections. This does not automatically mean that they have a standard NEM 651 interface.
Can Karsei and Veit vehicles be coupled directly?
The scale and track gauge are compatible, but the coupling systems may differ. Check the coupling height and available adapters first.
Is TTe suitable for beginners?
TTe is a specialist gauge. A simple test circuit and a small selection of mutually compatible vehicles make the introduction considerably easier.
TTe brings Saxon narrow-gauge operation to the smallest layout areas
Further gauges, prototype themes, manufacturer overviews and technical instructions are available in the central model railway guide.