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Anniversary August
50 Years of Gaugemaster

This year, Gaugemaster marks a significant milestone - our 50th anniversary! Since our inception, we have been dedicated to providing you with the finest model railway controllers. We also take pride in importing and distributing the top ranges from the world’s leading model railway, slot car, diecast, and plastic kit manufacturers. You can trust us for quality products at affordable prices, all through Gaugemaster HQ in Ford, which also houses our extensive retail outlet.

Here, we see two earlier versions of our Model D Controller next to the current offering. We always look to adapt and enhance our controllers with the latest components and technology.

It all started in 1974 when we began as The Engine Shed, a model shop in Bognor Regis founded by Rod and Dianne Taylor. This shop was dedicated to stocking all the latest model railway products for distinguished modellers and young enthusiasts alike. 1975 saw the formation of Gaugemaster, a sub-assembly company based in Worthing, which started manufacturing the controllers, the first becoming available in 1977. Both businesses grew hand-in-hand and then merged in the spring of 1982, moving onto the current site in 1989.

The aim was always to create a premium controller that anyone could afford. Our range then expanded, and over the years, we have developed and refined our offering to bring our customers one of the most comprehensive ranges of model railway control equipment on the market today. But we haven’t stopped there. We’re constantly looking to enhance and expand our range, and with more modern technology becoming available every day, our most recent endeavour, our Infinity range of controllers and accessories, we are once again pushing forward in bringing every modeller the best in model railway control [and beyond].

Our latest development in model railway control - Infinity. Offering modern control of both analogue and DCC layouts and accessories.

We have made many connections throughout the years, with the vast majority considered working partners and friends. We have partnered with many of our suppliers to bring you unique locomotives and rolling stock in the Gaugemaster Collection, with others helping us form a brilliant range of building kits in both the Gaugemaster Structures and Kestrel Designs range, as well as one of the most comprehensive ranges of scenic products on the market. These relationships have allowed us to build our strong catalogue, allowing our stockists and customers to not only rely on the quality of our products but also find everything they need to build their ideal model railway.

We have produced a number of exclusive models throughout the years, partnering with some of the other big manufacturers to bring these models to market.

To celebrate our achievements, we are hosting a range of in-house events throughout August that sum up Gaugemaster's first 50 years. You can find out all about these below, and we look forward to these celebrations being the start of another successful 50 years. We are also offering 10% off any sale over £50.00 in our store throughout August - how about that for a celebration?

Infinity [and beyond] Event Logo
Infinity [and beyond] Event Logo

Infinity [and beyond]

Model Railway Control Release Weekend

Sat 3rd August 2024. 10:00 - 16:00hrs

Gaugemaster House

With our Infinity Control system available to purchase, this event gives you the chance to try before you buy and find out all about our fantastic new analogue and digital control systems.

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Train Trade Event Logo
Train Trade Event Logo

Train Trade

The Preowned Model Railway Market

Sat 10th August 2024. 10:00 - 16:00hrs

Gaugemaster House

Come along and pick up some preowned bargains at this event. There will be lots to choose from and in-store offers on the day.

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The GM Motor Show Event Logo
The GM Motor Show Event Logo

The GM Motor Show

Slot Car Racers - Start Your Engines!

Sat 17th August 2024. 10:00 - 16:00hrs

Gaugemaster House

Come along and see all the fantastic automotive products we have to offer, including Scalextric Slot Cars, Diecast collectables and Model Vehicle Kits

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The Ford Festival of Railways Event Logo
The The Ford Festival of Railways Event Logo

The Ford Festival of Railways

A Celebration of Railway Modelling

Sat 24st August 2024. 10:00 - 16:00hrs

Gaugemaster House

Come and celebrate all things Model Railways in this definitive event. We will be showcasing some of the best local model railway layouts, dioramas, and modelling, as well as exhibition giveaways and competitions.

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Knowledge Base Live

As well as the events listed above, we will be hosting a number of workshops and demonstrations throughout the week for attendees to learn and practice new skills in the worlds of railway modelling. This series of Knowledge Base Live events is centred on introductions to the worlds of Scenic Modelling and Digital Command Control, also known as DCC. Space is limited on these events, so if you are interested in attending one of these events, simply let us know by contacting us either by email our calling us on +44 (0) 1903 884321. More details of the events can be found through the link below.

Introduction To:
Scenic Modelling - Part 1
An introduction to scenic modelling, covering topics such as landscape construction, static grass, and ground cover. Tuesday 6th August 2024
Tuesday 13th August 2024
Tuesday 20th August 2024
Each Session Runs: 10:00 - 12:00hrs
Gaugemaster House
Introduction To:
Scenic Modelling - Part 2
Continuing on from the previous session, here we will cover an introductory look at rockfaces, creating water effects, and getting the most out of snow effects. Tuesday 6th August 2024
Tuesday 13th August 2024
Tuesday 20th August 2024
Each Session Runs: 13:00 - 15:00hrs
Gaugemaster House
Introduction To:
Digital Railway Control - Part 1
This event introduces the world of DCC by explaining what it is, some of the controllers available on the market, and decoder instalation. Thursday 8th August 2024
Thursday 15th August 2024
Thursday 22nd August 2024
Each Session Runs: 10:00 - 12:00hrs
Gaugemaster House
Introduction To:
Digital Railway Control - Part 2
Following on from the previous session, here we look at more advanced wiring features such as reverse loops and triangles, wirring for points and accessory decoders as well as looking at what other accessories are available for digital layouts. Thursday 8th August 2024
Thursday 15th August 2024
Thursday 22nd August 2024
Each Session Runs: 13:00 - 15:00hrs
Gaugemaster House
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Showcase Day: Heljan

Showcase Day: Heljan
Infinity [and beyond] Event Logo

Showcase Day

Meet a Manufacturer: Heljan

Wed 14th August 2024. 10:00 - 16:00hrs

Gaugemaster House

Introducing our Showcase Day featuring Heljan. This event focuses the spotlight directly on this Danish manufacturer of British Outline model railways and features displays of models and preproduction samples.

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