Prototype Standard gauge (4’81/2”) converts to 70.64mm in 1:20.3 scale which is the precise gauge to which Cumberland have set their own to accord with NMRA standards.

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The lightweight track uses conventional UV-stabilised narrow moulded hollow plastic tie (sleeper) strips (but to a wider specification to accommodate the wider gauge) with miniature representations of spikes to grip the nickel silver or aluminium rail supplied by Llagas Creek which comes in a choice of Code 250 or Code 215 rail heights.

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In addition to the standard gauge offering the firm also manufacture a flexible dual gauge version which incorporates a third rail inset at 45mm gauge (Gauge #1) to permit the running of narrow gauge models (Fn3). This practice was often observed on prototype railways.

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Both types of track are sold in either as individual 6’ sections or boxes of 10 and you can purchase the tie strips separately and assemble your own.

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Flex track comes in either standard gauge (below left) or dual gauge (below right). The images use Code 250 rail. Flex track is not actually offered ballasted or weathered as shown in the pictures but you can do it yourself..

Rusty rail evidenton the left is aluminum painted with Krylon rust primer. Nickel Silver does not require painting when used out-of-doors and weathers to a prototypical grey-brown. Ballast is sand and gravel with Portland cement mixed in to help ‘fix’ the mix.

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See typical product list below but always check up on the company’s website for latest local availability and other F and Fn3 Scale products in their range.

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You can visit their website by clicking this button link :

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GMTS Brinkmieir GmbH    (Germany)  

Quite by accident I recently came across a retailer based in Saerbeck, Germany who appears to have their own range of Spur IIm garden railway track. As far as I can tell they are not officially listed in any Trade Directory but may be worth a look. I must stress that I have no knowledge of this company or the quality of their products or services.

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Whilst the main interest appears to be scale model vehicles their selection of gauge 45mm track is fairly modest but wide enough to satisfy many enthusiasts with an interest in garden railways in general and continental 2 meter lines in particular.

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Details of their current product range are summarised below:

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The rail joiners are also made of stainless steel and incorporate a hole to allow any water to evaporate thus avoiding icing forming in wintertime. They also have a spring to guarantee excellent electrical contact so, in theory, you do not need any conductive paste for good contact. 

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As an aside Revalda suggest that if you consider building curves like the “BRUSIO VIADUCT”  in Switzerland, you progressively install fixed radius curved track sections Radius 4 to Radius 10 in   sequence avoiding the need to bend any curves at all.

This video should help you visualise the process. It is a most spectacular spiral loop over a viaduct and a tribute to the engineers that built it. Incidentally, the accompanying squealing sound you hear is not, apparently the brakes, but the flanges of the train wheels pressing tight against the high side of the rail. 

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For feeding power to the track they also recommend at least 0.75mm2 diameter cable at home and for up to 2.5mm2 for outdoor connections.

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Revalda also used to produce a version with concrete ties (sleepers) but this has been discontinued.

The edges of the all wood track are laser cut from beech wood panels. To avoid all sleeper shapes having identical grain and cracks every so often along your track each tie is surface engraved with one of over 100 different patterns giving a more realistic matt appearance.

Simulated Wood:  

The sleeper ties are moulded form UV-stabilised polyamide and is ideally suited for indoor or outdoor use in a range of temperatures. The rail profile height is said to be 4.98mm which converts to around Code 195 (0.195 inches) by my mental arithmetic (no - only joking - I used an online calculator naturally).

This seems less robust than Code 250 or 332 but if you are accustomed to Code 200 I suppose you will know how well it stands up to harsh treatment in an outdoor environment.

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According to my Google Translation they recommend this version for beginners, gardeners and ‘carpet workers’ but we know what they mean.

Simulated Steel: