IBLS Wheel Standard

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1981 Version

From the "IBLS Wheel Standards" published in the October 1981 issue of Live Steam Magazine.

IBLS Wheel Standard 1981.jpg
IBLS Wheel Standard Measurements Chart.png


IBLS Wheel Standard Flange Detail.jpg
IBLS Wheel Standard Flange Measurements.jpg

Background

by Ken Shattock

In 1978-1979 there was a "Blue-Ribbon" committee formed of SIX (6) individuals who were asked to meet and put together a defined list of "BLS WHEEL STANDARDS". These individuals, known to many in our Fraternity, were as follows:

The efforts of this group resulted in the BLS Standards, They were presented with the "10th Annual Live Steam Magazine Award" on December 1, 1979 by the late William C. Fitt, then-Editor of Live Steam Magazine.

These "Interim IBLS Standards" have been widely adopted and have become the accepted wheel standards for the hobby.

by Rick Henderson

What about I.B.L.S.? As worldwide communications improved and it became evident that having two standards for 1:8 scale modeling in the U.S. was counterproductive, an attempt was put forth to adopt a true standard for track gauge, wheel profiles and couplers. The organization known as the International Brotherhood of Live Steamers was formed, with representatives from areas around the world working with riding scale railroads. Via mailings, all known private and club railroads were contacted and asking for input on what the standards should be so a single set could be established. From the replies, it became abundantly apparent there was no easy solution within the U.S. and the I.B.L.S. settled on adopting and recommending standards following those being used in California and sent these out as “proposed standards” to everyone. Since these first included 7-1/2” as the correct gauge for 1:8 scale, they were never officially adopted by everyone and have remained as proposed ever since. However, in the U.S., these proposed standards have been used by most everyone for wheels and couplers and each area has used their local gauge standard. This has allowed for the trains to easily travel to other railroads and interchange equipment fairly easy, except for crossing The 1/4” Demarcation Line in the northeast. Today if you look at most IBLS wheel and coupler charts, you will find gauging standards for both 7-1/4” and 7-1/2” that have become the accepted standards by most.

Endorsements

The following organizations use, recommend or require the IBLS Wheel Standard.

Bibliography

  • "BLS Wheel Standards: Detailed Proposal", Live Steam Magazine, Oct 1974
  • "Open Letter to the 'Committe of Five'", William C. Fitt, Concerns addressed to the BLS, Live Steam Magazine, Aug 1975
  • "IBLS Wheel Standard: Back by Popular Request", Chart, Live Steam Magazine, Oct 1981

References

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