Product Announcement: HO-BG Precision Model Works introduces models replicating India’s broad gauge

India’s Precision Model Works (PMW) introduces what the manufacturer dubs a brand new concept in model railroading with the arrival of HO-BG scale. This variant retains HO’s 1:87 proportions, but accurately represents India’s broad gauge (5 foot, 6 inch between rails) versus 4 foot, 8 inch spacing in most of North America). This translates to 19mm spacing for HO-BG rails (standard HO is 16.5mm between rails). PMW’s HO-BG offerings include non-powered locomotives with plastic wheels (these locomotives are available in standard HO as non-powered units with metal wheels and metal knuckle couplers).

The dual-ended electric locomotive model (shown above) reproduces Indian contemporary broad-gauge power first in use during the second half of the 1990s. The diesel locomotive (shown below) is an Alco-designed road power dating to 1962 and built by through 1998.

PMW produces standard HO releases, and recently announced several Indian-prototype rolling stock selections, which are due by the end of 2023. These ready-to-run freight car models are 3D-printed and include accurate details, as well as hand painted and lettered finish. The models are offered in display version with plastic wheels and couplers or in operational version with metal wheels and metal knuckle couplers. A conversion from India’s Rupee to U.S. dollars shows Precision Model Works’ HO-scale freight car models cost around $45 for versions with metal wheels and couplers. The HO-BG display locomotives convert to around $75 (U.S.)