Having learned the frustrations of fabricating one-of-a-kind parts without adequate tools, I began accumulating several varieties of machine tool in my workshop, went to technical college part-time, and became literate in 2D CAD and CAM (still working on 3D). The result is Cumberland Model Engineering: My effort (1) to develop some of the basic components necessary for modeling in 1:20.3 standard gauge, (2)help other scratch builders and kitbashers realize the projects of their dreams by providing custom machined patterns and parts, and (3) provide a forum where other model railroaders can view what is happening in 1:20.3 standard gauge and, hopefully, be inspired to join us in developing this new--and accurate--scale and gauge combination.

About the Site:

Although many of the pages are still under construction, I have arranged the CME website into these different sections:

What Is F Scale?:  Has the wacky world of goofy gauge got you down? If you have ever been perplexed about the odd world of large scale railroading with its plethora of prototypes all rumbling down the same 45mm, Gauge 1 track, then read this article. It will explain the problem and the F scale solution.

F Scale Wheel & Track Standards: Over the last several years the NMRA has done the large scale community a valuable service in developing wheel & track standards for both F & Fn3. These standards are re-published here so that those of us pioneers can be on the same page, so to speak. Since the NMRA standards for F scale are designated Proto:20.32--meaning that they are exact scale--I have added a few additional comments about reliable operation out-of-doors.

Products:  Over the past several years I have commissioned several short production runs of F gauge track products, wheelsets and axles. The former of these are now being offered by my good friend Don Niday at Iron Creek Shops (www.crofutandironceek.com). Don has also bit the bullet for the rest of us and added an injection molded plastic tie strip in both dual (F & Fn3) and standard gauge (F) configurations for use with code 215 or 250 rail. Both his tie strip and my off-the-shelf products may be viewed here. Ordering may be done through the Contact Page. Along the way I have also been able to assist other large scale modelers working on unique projects which moved beyond the hand tools of the average hobbyist. A gallery of these past projects may be found here.

My Stuff:  From about 1999 until just recently I offered, on a very limited basis, custom built freight cars, at first in 1:22.5 scale, Gauge 3 and more recently in 1:20.3 standard gauge. My day job will no longer allow me to pursue custom building; however, I do have my own standard gauge projects underway, some of which will most likely morph into future products. Here you will find the Gauge 3 models I initially constructed, the F scale freight cars that I have built thus far, several F scale locomotives which I have underway at present, and a view of my workshop where all this magic occurs.

Your Stuff:  So what is being built in 1:20.3 standard gauge? Quite a lot actually. Here you will find a gallery of both scratch built and kitbashed models by some of the finest craftsman in large scale: Steam locomotives, freight cars, indoor finescale logging empires as well as outdoor garden railways are all being built--and it's being done today with very little commercial support. The first gallery begins here.

Recent Updates:

The CME site only gets updated as I have spare time, and as I am sent useful photos by my fellow modelers. And for me, it is one comes down to a choice between working on the website or building trains (I vote for building trains, and I hope you do to). Nevertheless, here are some of the more recent updates:

Last update: 5 September 2007