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What is a back to back gauge?
A back to back gauge is an instrument for measuring and setting up the distance between wheels on an axle of a model train.
It is often very disappointing when one of our engines or coaches constantly derails on a particular set of points or sometimes inexplicably on a perfectly straight and level piece of track, especially when all of your other rolling stock can traverse the section of track with no problems whatsoever.
The problem may be simpler than you expect, over time the distance between the wheels on an axle can be knocked out of tolerance by bumps, humps or even the hand of God (don't worry we're not here to judge).
Look very carefully at the offending item of rolling stock on the track and give it a wiggle side to side to check if there is a lot of play or even not enough if the wheel's span has spread. Another check you can do is to visually compare the distance between the wheels against another engine or coach that you are confident runs perfectly.
A back to back gauge is a more scientific way of checking your wheels are set to the correct tolerances. Often the tool consists of little more than a solid piece of metal or plastic shaped specifically to fit neatly between your wheels, but it's a really useful tool nonetheless.
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