I am looking to buy a NMRA Track Gauge to assist me in building track that is in good gauge and all but want to make sure I'm buying one of quality. I have Googled NMRA HO Gauge and have found a number of different ones for sale. I have seen some marked just HO Scale, some Mark IV and a few marked Mark IVb. I was wondering if anyone could please tell me where I could buy a Gauge that is current and of quality manufacture?
I hand lay all of my turnouts as well as some of my code 40 trackage in N-scale. I use the NMRA clearance "gage" to check all of my track clearances. I believe the later versions are slightly larger in their outer dimensions to check for double stack clearances, but are identical in all other aspects as the earlier gauges. There should be an explanation on the NMRA website as well as instructions how to use them. If you are looking for 3-point gauges to assist in hand-laying track, then Micro Engineering sells cast ones for various scales and rail codes. I have three sets in N-scale for Code 70, Code 55 and Code 40, and use three of each in whatever Code rail I'm using when building my turnouts. Another purpose of using the 3-point gauges when hand laying trackage is that they automatically increase the gauge between railheads on curves, which is a good practice and will make your rolling stock run better through the curves. I know several modelers who use roller gauges and swear by them, but I have never used them, nor do I know where to purchase them. Cheers! Bob Gilmore
