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Model Size

The meaning of the scale model train

When you say you are modeling in HO scale, what scale mean and what is the difference between the scales and measure? In model trains began with what was called Carpet Railways. These were generally built of brass, and were basically a boiler on wheels. The boiler is filled with water and the burner ignites. The engine ran until it ran out of fuel or hit a piece of furniture sometimes turning and burning fuel spilled by the ground. These trains did not have the scale were regardless of their size made them the modeler. Electric trains appeared around the turn of the 20th century, but these trains was not yet certain size or scale. Even after manufacturers began to make commercially produced model was a difference between the sizes model according to the factory. It can be very frustrating to purchase the song and maybe the rolling stock of a company saying it was the scale of O, and the purchase of the locomotive other development, such as a scale of O. You get the house of locomotives and that does not conform to your tracks.

The NMRA (National Association of Railroad Models) was formed in 1935 in the U.S.. They started trying to get a standard set of rules issued to regulate the manufacture of model trains. MOROP was also Founded in Genoa Italy in 1954 which initiated the establishment of standards for European manufacturers. The scale of a model is generally defined by the ratio of the model with actual prototype. For example, scale U.S. Z has a ratio of 1:220, with 1:160 being N scale and HO scale ratio of 1:87. Even with these rules will not affect still some differences in the scale. Or scale the relationship may vary from 1:43.5 for models in Britain and France to 1:45 in Germany and the U.S. the proportion is 1:48. Although you have these different scales on the board, all running on the same gauge of track 1.25 inch between the rails. The following table gives a idea of gauge and scale.

Size Designation

The space between the rails

Scale
(Equivalent fractions)

Standard **

2.125 "(54 mm)

1:24 **

G

1.75 "(45mm)

1:20.3 or 1:22.5

No. 1

1.75 "(45mm)

1:29 and 1:32

O **

1.25 "(32mm) *

1:48 **

Proto-48

1.169 "(43mm)

1:48

S

0.875 "(22.5mm)

1:64

OO

3 / 4 "(19mm)

1:76

HO

0.650 "(16.5mm)

1:87

TT

0.471 "(12mm)

1:120

N

354 (9 mm)

1:160

Z

0.256 "(6mm)

1:220

* Measures O gauge from the center of the two outer lanes.

** These meters of the track are used for toy trains with much attention to scale. closest approximations would indicated, although they may vary slightly.

So you see that there is a big difference between the scale and gauge. When you begin to shape the design of trains Always make sure the relationship is the same if you want everything in proportion. Especially when it comes to cars and other equipment that you need to watch is a variety of sizes that claim to be the same scale. Just remember that the fundamental scale model trains is to always have fun modeling. For more information you can go to http://www.trainmodelingbook.com/model-train-scale-what-it-means/ .

Thank you,

Steve Barnett

About the Author

Steve Barnett is a model train expert. For more great tips on model train scale, visit

http://www.trainmodelingbook.com/model-train-scale-what-it-means/