train scales

[tardis]

I'm really new to trains, I've always had HO trains as a kid but really just the Walmart put it together watch it go round type of deal.
I've been looking at building an outside setup but I'm not real sure of what they are scaled at. I've seen some G and have come across someone talking about LG. What are the scales sizes and how big are the actual trains?? Also what would be a good scale to use for outside and what would be some things to prepare for?
I know that's a lot to put into one question but any help would be great.
Thanks
John

[LiveSteamer]

First Off Welcome To Model Train Railroads Forum.

Below John is a listing of all the different scales that there is to offer to the model railroaders. There is alot of reading to do but it goes into details about each scale.

This will be in two parts.

What Is G Gauge?

G scale is a scale for model railways, and because of its size and durability, G scale is often used outdoors. Such installations are known as garden railways.

G scale was introduced by Ernst Paul Lehman Patentwerk under their brand name of LGB, meant for indoor/outdoor use. Lehman is the major European manufacturer of G scale trains, and considered the one that really made garden railways popular. Their trains are sold as the Lehmann Grosse Bahn (or "Lehmann Big Train"). Lehman Patentwerk was founded in 1881 and started producing LGB in 1968. Today it produces models of European and US originals, of steam, diesel and electric prototypes as well as a large range of coaches, trucks and accessories.

The term "scale" is a misnomer, as the actual scale of the trains that run on it vary from system to system, country to country. G scale is more correctly called "G Gauge", as the gauge of the track is the one consistency.

The name comes from the German gross (meaning "big"). Traditionally, G scale is the use of 45 mm gauge track, as used for standard gauge (Gauge 1) models, for modelling metre gauge narrow gauge railways, using the correct scale of 1:22.5. Metre gauge is the most common narrow gauge in Europe.

In the United States, the commonly used narrow gauge is 3 feet; modelling this correctly with a 45 mm track gauge gives a scale of 1:20.3, which is commonly used by American manufacturers. In actuality, these are called G Scale, even though in reality they are not. Some modellers and train producers call 1:20.3 "F scale".

Other scales are used to model other narrow gauges.

Although some call models of standard gauge equipment to 45 mm track gauge 'G scale', these models are more correctly referred to as Gauge 1, I Scale (NEM Standard 010), or 3/8" scale (NMRA S-1).

LGB track is made of brass and so can remain outside in all weathers - a quick wipe and it is ready for use. Track can also be obtained in equally durable stainless steel, but it is significantly more expensive.

What Is Gn15 Gauge?

G Scale is a somewhere from 1:22.5 to 1:24, the lowercase "n" means narrow gauge, and the number 15 indicates that the distance between the rails you run works out to 15 inches. Some build in 1:22.5, some in 1:24, and some life to use the "If it looks right method". You won't believe what you can do in a little room. This also can be used outside or inside just like G Scale.



What Is HO Gauge?

HO scale (H0 scale in continental Europe) is the most popular scale of model railway in most of the world (outside the United Kingdom, where the slightly larger in scale OO scale is most common). The name is derived from the German Halb-null ("half-zero"), because its 1:87 scale is approximately half that of O scale.

In HO scale, 3.5 millimetres represents 1 real foot; this awkward ratio works out to about 1:87.086. In HO, rails are usually spaced 16.5 millimeters apart which models the standard railroad gauge of 4' 8.5".

Modern HO trains run on realistic-looking two-rail track, which is powered by direct current (varying the voltage applied to the rails to change the speed, and polarity to change direction), or by Digital Command Control (sending commands to a decoder in each locomotive). Some trains, most notably by Märklin of Germany, run on alternating current, supplied by a "third rail" consisting of small bumps on each tie down the centre of the track.



What Is HOn3 Gauge?

HOn3 is 3.5 mm/foot 10.5 mm 3 ft (914 mm) gauge mainly located in the United States.



What Is HOn30 Gauge?

HOn30 is a model railroading scale and gauge combination that uses HO scale models running on 9 mm gauge track. This represents 30 in. gauge narrow gauge railroads. This combination is sometimes known as HOn2 1/2.

HOn30 is generally used when modelling American prototypes. In Europe this scale/gauge combination is known as HOe.

Although HOn30 acurrately models 30 in. gauge, in practice it is used to model gauges between 24 in. and 30 in.

The following table lists other combinations that are close to HOn30 in either scale or gauge.



What Is L Gauge?

gauge is the unofficial term for toy trains built from LEGO®.

There are many different sizes within the nomenclature. These are typically defined by the width of the trains in "studs" (1 stud ~ 8 mm). Typical sizes using the standard track and minifigures range from 6 studs wide (the size of offical LEGO sets) to 10 studs wide. Since real-life trains vary in size by country, the variance in scale ratio is even larger. Again using the standard track and minifigures, scales from 1/38 (10-wide American-prototype or 8-wide British-prototype) to 1/70 (6-wide Russian-prototype) have been observed.

L gauge trains are becoming increasingly popular among middle-age hobbyists who grew up with the building toy as a child, and are frustrated with traditional model trains such as are found in HO scale.


What Is N Gauge?

In Britain, some N scale models are built to "2 mm scale" for "2 mm to the foot" which calculates to a 1:152 proportion. Early N scale was also known as "OOO" or "Treble-O" in reference to O and OO scales and was also 1:152, though for an entirely different reason.

In the United States and Europe, models of standard gauge (4ft 8.5in) trains are built to 1:160 scale and made so that they run on N gauge track. This combination is also called N scale. The minor difference doesn't bother anyone (except the 2 mm scale modellers) and allows the convenient use of track manufactured in the U.K. for all N gauge trains. One such manufacturer is Peco.

In the United States, a landmark N scale project layout, the Clinchfield, was built in 1978 by the late Gordon Odegard and featured in a series of articles for Model Railroader magazine. The article series was also reprinted in the book "Modeling the Clinchfield in N Scale" by Kalmbach Publishing. The Clinchfield layout measured 6 by 13 feet and was noteworthy for a number of reasons: 1) it was highly portable because of its modular construction, 2) showed the potential of high scenery to track ratios possible in 1:160, 3) used a unique aluminum frame and (at the time revolutionary) styrofoam construction to cut down on weight and 4) was highly prototypical for the era. The Clinchfield layout is one of the most famous American N scale layouts ever constructed and was awarded as the grand prize in a 1984 sweepstakes. The layout was also displayed at a number of train shows and has traded ownership several times by private collectors.

In the United Kingdom a scale of 1:148 is used for commercially produced models. In Japan, a scale of 1:150 is used for the models of 3 ft 6 in gauge trains, while a scale of 1:160 is used for models of standard gauge Shinkansen (Bullet Train) models. In the U.S. and Europe, a scale of 1:160 is used for models of trains, irrespective of the gauge of the real trains they are scaled from. One result of this is called Nn3, which uses 1:160 models on Z scale track.

Although trains and accessories of similar gauge and/or scale existed as early as 1927, modern N scale only appeared in 1962. Unlike other scales and gauges, which were de facto standards at best, within two years N scale manufacturers defined the gauge, voltage, as well as the height and type of couplers.

N scale trains are powered by DC motor which accepts a nominal maxiumum of 12 V DC.

In traditional DC control, the speed of the train is determined by the amount of voltage supplied to the rails. The direction of the train is determined by the polarity of the power to the rails.

Since the end of the 20th century, an increasing number of enthuisiasts have started using Digital Command Control (DCC) to determine the speed and direction of their trains. This has in part been made possible by surface mount technology and new motors that draw very little current (typically 0.2amps).

The agreed-to standard coupling is known as a 'Rapido' coupler for the manufacturer (Arnold) who kindly allowed it to be copied. While this coupling system can be found on all N scale rolling stock, it barely serves the purpose of keeping the train together. This has prompted U.S. modellers to make use of a more reliable proprietary coupler system, available initially from Micro-Trains Line Co.. The MT couplers (as they are known) are more delicate and closer to scale appearance than Rapido couplers. Other manufacturers are now making couplers that mate with Micro Trains couplers.

European modellers have the option to convert the couplings on their rolling stock to the Fleishmann Profi-Coupler system for more reliable operation should they wish to do so.

N scale has a large worldwide following. Models are made of very many standard gauge prototypes from every continent. N scale's popularity is second only to HO scale in popularity. In Japan, where space in homes is more limited, N scale is the most popular scale, and HO scale is considered large. In the U.S., modellers build large N scale layouts in spaces large enough for HO layouts.

N gauge track and components are also used with larger scales, in particular HOe and 009 scale for modelling narrow gauge railways.



What Is Nn3 Gauge?

While we use the term Nn3 to describe our gauge it is not stricly speaking only the 3 foot gauge we model. The three popular gauges modelled are 3 foot, 3 foot 6 inch and meter gauges. While N-scale in North America uses a scale of 1:160 there are also those using scales of 1:148, 1:150, 1:152, and 1:155 scales which relate to N-Scale in other countries.

Nn3 is narrow gauge in N scale, primarily, but not exclusively using Z scale standards to represent 3ft narrow gauge railroads.While it's obviously a minority interest, it's followed by an increasing number of modellers worldwide. Nn3 Is in between N & Z Gauges.



What Is O Gauge?

In the United States, O scale is defined as 1:48 (0.25 inches to the foot, "quarter inch scale" 1/4 inch equals one foot). This is also a common dollhouse scale, giving more options for buildings, figures, and accessories. Many O scale layouts are also accessorized with 1:43 scale model cars.

While 1:48 is a very convenient scale for modeling using the Imperial system (a quarter-inch equals one scale foot), the discrepancy between O scale in the United States and in Europe is attributed to Lionel misreading the original Marklin specifications.



What Is O27 Gauge?

O27 gauge is a variant whose origins are slightly unclear. Some historians attribute its creation to A. C. Gilbert Company's American Flyer, but Ives used O27 track in its entry-level sets at least a decade before Gilbert bought Flyer.

The modern standard for O27, however, was formalized after 1938 by Gilbert, who scaled the locomotives and rolling stock at 3/16 inches to the foot, or 1:64. After World War II, this practice was continued by Louis Marx and Company, who used it throughout its product line, and Lionel, who used it for its entry-level trains. O27 track is spaced at the same width as regular O gauge track, but is slightly shorter in height and has thinner rails than traditional O gauge track. For these reasons, regular O and O27 track cannot be used together without difficulty.

The name comes from the size of the track's curves. A circle made of eight pieces of standard curved O gauge track will have a 31 inch (787 mm) diameter. A circle made of 8 pieces of curved O27 track is smaller, with a 27 inch (686 mm) diameter. Full-sized O cars sometimes have difficulty negotiating the tighter curves of an O27 layout. Although the smaller, tin lithographed cars by American Flyer, Marx, and others predate the formal O27 standard, they are also often called O27 because they also operate flawlessly on O27 track.

The O27 standard is still used today by Lionel, K-Line, and others for its least expensive O gauge trains. It is most popular with children and with people who have limited space, as it is the least realistic of the O scale standards.



What Is On18 Gauge?

On18 Model Railroading is the creation and operation of O Scale Models 1/4"=1' built to run on 9mm gauge track to create locomotives and rolling stock typical of 18" in O for very small industrial stuff) is done using N scale trucks and locomotives to run on N gauge track. N gauge track is not very scale for this so you need to remove a lot of ties or hide them.



What Is On3 Gauge?

On3 scale is what some people model in these days. Everything in "real life" (or the "Prototype") is reduced by a factor of 48. Scaling everything down by a factor of 48 results in models that have incredible and very visible detail. Another way to express this scaling is to refer to it as "quarter inch scale" or O-scale.
In the UK, the scale used for this size of model is 1:43 or 7mm (to the foot). In Europe, they stick to ratios and use 1:45.

So in On3, O refers to the scale. But what does "n3" mean? This is easy to explain. Most railroads in Europe and North America etc. operate on what's known as standard gauge (4' 8 1/2" spacing between the rails). The "n3" refers to the narrower rail spacing of 3 feet - as used on less traveled short lines where lower construction costs were critical.

[LiveSteamer]

What Is On30 Gauge?

On30 is the most common term used to desribe the modelling of narrow gauge railways in O scale on HO (16.5mm) gauge track. Other terms used include O16.5, Oe, and On2½. It is part of the hobby of rail transport modelling.

On30 uses the American O scale of 1/4" to the foot, (ratio 1:48) to operate trains on HO gauge (16.5 mm gauge) track. The 30 indicates the scale/gauge combination is used to model 2'6" (30") narrow gauge prototypes, although it is often used to model 2' and 3' gauge prototypes as well. This scale/gauge combination is sometimes referred to as On2½.

O16.5 in the United Kingdom is a model railway scale/gauge combination of 7 mm to the foot O scale (1:43.5 ratio) with 16.5 mm gauge track. It thus represents the prototype gauge of just over 2 ft 4 in, although also widely used to model 2', 2'3" and 2'6" gauge UK prototypes.

Oe is the European notation for O scale using 16.5 mm gauge track. In Germany and many other European countries O scale uses a ratio of 1:45, and the prototypes represented are the European 750 mm and 760 mm narrow gauges

On30 is regarded as the fastest growing gauge/scale combination. Proponents of the scale suggest the appeal lies in the models representing "quaint" narrow gauge prototypes. The scale gives the models a certain bulk, and allows details to be easily seen. At the same time electrically and mechanically it is the same as the very popular HO scale, ensuring reliability of operation. Models can also round tight radius curves, allowing layouts to be built in confined spaces. Lastly models are cheaper to purchace than those produced for On3 or larger scales such as G gauge.

Critics, particually in the United States, point to the inaccurate track gauge, especially when modelling 2' or 3' gauge prototypes. They also dislike the tendency to modify HO models, claiming this produces freelance models that would not have been built in reality.

In the United States modelling in On30 dates back to the 1950's, using HO gauge wheels and locomotive chassis. The scale was popularised to some extent in the 1960's and 1970's by the writings of modellers such as Gordon North. However, as there are very few prototype 2'6" gauge railways in the United States, it remained very much a minority modelling area, especially when compared with modelling in On2 and On3. In 1998 Bachmann Industries introduced a model of a 2-6-0 steam locomotive in this scale for the Christmas village market. This model being very inexpensive was quickly adopted by modellers. Other manufacturers followed Bachmann into this market, and Bachmann also introduced a number of other models. On30 is now regarded as the fastest growing segment of the model railroading market in the United States.

Many US modellers can be broadly cast into one of two groups. The first are freelance modellers, not modelling any specific prototype. These modellers are adapt at taking HO scale models and modifying them with new cabs and other features into models without prototypes. A common saying in this group of modellers is that they model with "no standards", a reaction to the highly accurate modelling known as "rivet counting" found in some other sections of the hobby. The second group model prototype 3' and 2' narrow gauge railways. They choose On30 over On2 and On3 because of the lower cost of models and the ready availability of such items as model track. As a section of the hobby that has grown in the internet age, there are no national organisations supporting On30. Rather modellers have tended to congregate around internet mail groups, perhaps the best known being the On30conspiracy.

In Britain O16.5 modelling also commenced in the 1950's, using modified proprietry OO scale models. A number of small companies now supply kits for locomotives made of materials such as brass and white metal, as well as rolling stock kits. British modellers have also had the advantage of Peco flexable track and turnouts, which have become popular throughout the On30 modelling world. The 7mm Narrow Gauge Association supports the hobby, and publishes a magazine, "Narrow Lines". Most modellers attempt to accurately model one of the many 2', 2'3" and 2'6" gauge railways that were found throughout Britain, although European, American and even railways from Britain's colonial empire have become popular.

A similar pattern of small manufacturers producing kits is followed in continental Europe. However the German firm Fleischmann produces ready-to-run models of small German and Austrian locomotives and associated rolling stock in Oe scale. The most popular prototypes are the German 750 mm gauge and Austrian 760 mm gauge railways.

Surveys at modelling conventions in Australia have found that the majority of all narrow gauge modellers in that country model in On30, 1:48 scale. An early pioneer was Rick Richardson, with his "Vulcan Vale" railway. Many modellers choose to model the 2'6" gauge railways in Victoria, such as Puffing Billy, and a number of kits and ready to run models have been produced for that prototype. However the scale is also popular for modellers of timber logging tramways and the Queensland sugar cane tramways, as well as freelance modellers. A small number of models have also been produced in 7mm:ft scale, mostly of New South Wales prototypes.

On30 is also modelled in Japan, where it is used to represent the 2'6" narrow gauge railways, such as the Kiso Forest Railway, that were once quite common in that country. Several brass locomotive kits have been produced



What Is OO Gauge?

OO gauge model railways are the most popular standard in the United Kingdom, being one of several 4 mm scale standards (4 mm to the foot (305 mm), or 1:76.2) in use, but the only one served by mass market manufacturers. OO uses 16.5 mm gauge track, which is inaccurate for 4 mm scale (it is accurate for HO scale). Many experienced modellers therefore find the OO standard inadequate, and they tend to model using the older EM gauge or the modern, exact scale P4 scale.

Double-O scale model railways were first launched by Bing in 1921 as 'The Table Railway', running on 16.5 mm track and scaled at 4 mm to the foot (305 mm). In 1922, the first models of British prototypes appeared. Initially all locomotives were powered by clockwork, but the first electric power appeared in the Autumn of 1923.

OO gauge was based on HO scale (3.5 mm:1 ft (305 mm)), and kept the same gauge. However, the large propulsion mechanisms could not fit into the small British prototypes, so the scale was enlarged to (4 mm:1 ft (305 mm)) without altering the gauge. This means that the scale gauge represents 4'1½", seven inches narrower than the prototype 4'8½" gauge. It is also used to represent the 5 ft 3 in Irish broad gauge where it is a scale 13½ inches too narrow. This difference is noticeable, especially when looking down the track.

In 1932, the Bing company collapsed, but the Table Railway continued to be manufactured by the new Trix company. However, Trix decided to use a new standard of 3.5 mm to the foot or 1:87, and this scale came to be known as 'HO'. (It is thought that this may have originated as 'Half-O' gauge, but there is no proof of this.) In 1938, the Meccano Company launched a new range of OO models under the trade name of Hornby DublO, and the OO scale has remained as the UK's most popular ever since.

In the United States, Lionel Corporation introduced a range of OO models in 1938 as well. It did not prove popular and only remained on the market until 1942. OO gauge was quickly eclipsed by HO scale.

The two main manufacturers of ready-to-run model railways are Hornby Railways and Bachmann Branchline, a subsidiary of Bachmann Trains. A third major manufacturer of accessories (particularly track) is Peco.



What Is S Gauge?

S gauge is a scale in model railroading. Modeled at 1:64 scale, S gauge runs on two-rail track with the rails 7/8 inch (22.2 mm) apart. S gauge is sometimes confused with standard gauge, a large-scale standard for toy trains in the early part of the 20th century.

1:64 scale trains first appeared in England in the early 20th century. The first trains marketed as S gauge appeared in the 1930s when American Flyer marketed a 1:64 scale train that ran on 3-rail track similar to that of Lionel. Following World War II, American Flyer introduced an S-gauge train running on two-rail track for greater realism, and S gauge entered its heyday, which ended around 1959. However, during that period, Lionel outsold American Flyer nearly 2 to 1. American Flyer's parent company went out of business and the brand was sold to Lionel in 1967.

Lionel reintroduced S gauge trains and accessories under the American Flyer name in 1979. Another manufacturer, American Models, entered the marketplace in 1981. S-Helper Service, another major S gauge locomotive and rolling stock manufacturer, began operations in 1990.

The National Association of S Gaugers serves as an organization to promote all forms of S Gauge model railroading.



What Is Tin Plate Gauge?

The earliest trains were called tinplate. They were originally made of stamped steel painted in solid colors, but soon evolved into lithographed toys. The most prolific user of lithography for trains was the Louis Marx Company. Tin Plate runs on 0-027, 3-rail track systems powered by AC or most DC power packs. They were the trains of the 1930s.


What Is TT Gauge?

TT scale is a niche model railroading scale, whose name stands for Table Top. Its 1:120 scale (from a common engineering scale where one inch equals ten feet) and 12 mm gauge sizes it almost halfway between HO scale (1:87) and N scale (1:160). Its original purpose, like the name suggests, was to make a train small enough to be able to assemble and operate it on a tabletop.

TT scale was invented in the United States by Hal Joyce, a former automotive designer. He founded a company in 1945, and his first advertisement appeared in 1946. By the early 1950s it had a following, offering less detail than HO — considered by some to be an advantage at the time — and a lower price than most other scales. Numerous other companies began offering TT scale trains, track, and accessories as well, and TT scale became popular in Europe in addition to the United States.

By the early 1960s, TT had been eclipsed in popularity by N scale, which was smaller and yet more detailed. TT scale manufacturers were Rokal and Zeuke, which later became Berliner TT Bahn.

TT retains a comparatively small but growing popularity in the former DDR, Eastern Europe and in the United Kingdom. British TT is 3 mm scale; that is, 1:101. Adherents to TT maintain it is the smallest practical scale, especially for those who like to build models from scratch. 3 mm Society [1]

Currently Tillig is the only larger company to make TT rolling stock and tracks. Roco attempted to get in the business, but has largely given up. All it's TT scale models are now sold through Tillig. Fleischmann and Arnold both created single TT products, but have not continued to develop new products. The newest larger company to enter the TT market is Piko. There is a larger variety in the accessories market, where some companies have a long-time involvement with the scale and others recently started to support it as well. Prototypes are almost only German (with a focus on the former DDR) and some eastern european models.

Variations include TTn3, where TT scale is run on N gauge (9 mm) track for narrow gauge operation.



What Is Z Gauge?

Z scale (1:220) is the smallest commercially available model railway scale with its track gauge of only 6.5 mm. Z scale was introduced by the German model train manufacturer Märklin in 1972 Nuremberg Toy Fair and it was a brainchild of Helmut Killian, Märklin's head design engineer at the time. Z scale trains operate on 8-10 volt DC and offer the same operating characteristics as all other two-track direct-current model railways.

In 1978 a Märklin Z scale locomotive pulling six coaches made its entry to Guinness Book of Records by running nonstop 1219 hours and travelling a distance of 720 km before the train stopped.

The extremely diminutive size of Z scale makes it possible to build very compact train layouts that can easily fit a normal size briefcase for instance. Z scale can also be beneficial when there is a need to fit more scale space into the same physical layout that would be used by a larger-scale model. Several transportation museums, for instance, have used Z scale to present some real world railway sceneries in smaller scale. Theoretically Z scale allows longer trains and smoother curves, and a more realistic operation than is possible in larger scales.

However, due to the diminutive size of Z scale, and the reduced weight of the locomotives (a small Z scale engine can weigh as little as 25 grams, well under one ounce), it can be challenging to assure reliable operation of a layout. In particular, the track must be kept clean - spots of dirt can stop the locomotive instantly. Poorly installed trackwork can be a source of constant derailings of rolling stock. The low weight of Z scale locomotives contributes also to their difficulty to pull trains uphill and in practice the grade should be kept rather moderate. For trains of reasonable length (six four-axle cars) 2% grade is about the maximum for reliable operation. For shorter trains it is possible to go up to 4%.

Pulling power of locomotives can be increased by adding weight inside, but due to the limited space available, it is vital that the substance chosen has a relatively high density. Tungsten powder and lead are popular choices among Z scale enthusiasts for this purpose. Some recent Z scale locomotives are also built in a somewhat heavier style, which shows as an improved pulling capacity.

While Märklin remains still the most important Z scale rolling stock manufacturer, there are smaller manufacturers of Z scale rolling stock both in Europe and in North America targeting some niche areas of Z scale demand. Z scale is predominantly European scale, but it has an increasing number of loyal followers in other parts of the world too. Z scale enthusiasts throughout Europe and North America participate regularly at most national and regional model railroad exhibitions and shows, where they have demonstrated the outstanding operational and layout design characteristics of the scale.

As early as 1988, Märklin announced their intention to offer digital train control systems in Z scale. Unfortunately, the technology was not developed enough and the manufacturer had to cancel these plans mainly due to heat dissipation problems of locomotive decoders. These problems have very much been solved today, and Z scale has embraced advanced electronics. An increasing number of modellers have converted their locomotives to use third party digital train control systems. Popular systems are the European standard Selectrix, which offers some of the smallest decoders with thicknesses of less than 2 mm, and also the universally popular Digital Command Control (DCC).

Today Z scale, while still considered to be a curiosity by some, is a legitimate, mature, modelling scale. However, Z scale rolling stock, buildings and figures remain still somewhat less widespread and higher priced than their counterparts in more popular HO scale, OO scale, and N scale.