Description

This article is from the Model Trains FAQ, by Christopher D Coleman with numerous contributions by others.

28 Collectable Model Trains: Tracks: What is the difference between gauge and scale?

Scale is the relation or ratio of sizes between a model and a
prototype. For X:Y a dimension of X units on thesmodel
corresponds to Y units on the prototype. For example, if a real
boxcar is 500" long and you want yoursmodel in 1:100 scale, then
the model should be 100 times smaller, 500"/100, or 5"
long. Conversely if yoursmodel boy is 1" tall and in 1:50 scale,
then if he were real he would be 1"X50 or 50" tall. Over the
years manysscales have been defined, but the primary ones
collected are:

          II (two)       1:22.5
          Standard/Wide: none defined but would be about 1:27
          G [see below]  1:24
          I (one)        1:32 (1:29 for Aristo-Craft)
          O (oh or zero) 1:48 in North America
                         1:45 or 1:43.5 Europe
          S              1:64

Gauge is the Distance between the inside faces of the outermost
railheads. The prototype standard gauge insmost of the world is
4'8.5". Early scale ratios were derived by comparing the real
gauge to the model gauge butsGAUGE DOES NOT DEFINE SCALE NOR VICE
VERSA. Popular scale definitions and gauge definitionssare often
slightly different from what would be derived. This is a result
of history and is just the way it is in theshobby. Also one may
wish to model a narrower prototype gauge which would require a
smaller model gauge insthe same scale. Defined gauges used in
tinplate trains are shown below.

          Standard: 2-1/8"
          Wide:     2"
          G         45mm (1.77")
          O std     1-1/4"
          S std     7/8"

 

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recreation, model trains, tinplate, trains, collectible, car, transformer, locomotive, switches, tracks, railroad, railway, manufacturer, collecting, maintenance