HomeMy WebLinkAboutRR-BackAbove: The same locomotive in six different
scales, measuring 2 3/4 ” long in Z scale up to
20 3/4 ” long in large scale.
LARGE SCALE: 20 3/4 ”
O: 12 1/2 ”
S: 9 3/8 ”
HO: 7”
N: 3 3/4 ”Z: 2 3/4 ”
Understanding scale and gauge
Model and toy trains are differentiated according to their
scale and gauge. “Scale” relates to the comparative ratio of
measurements between a model and its full-size prototype.
“Gauge,” the second aspect of a model’s size, refers to the space
between the rails of the track. Precision and consistency are
essential when dealing with gauge. Manufacturers must be able
to guarantee that the wheels of the models they advertise at a
certain gauge will fit on the same track as other similar trains.
The largest of them all
The largest train models in use today are offered in a range of
scales and operate on a Gauge-1 track, which measures 45 mm
between the rails. The actual length of the locomotive shown
above is 50 feet. Modeled as a large-scale train at a ratio of
1:29, it measures about 203⁄4 inches in length. The most popular
gauge for toy trains is O, with 11⁄4 inches between the rails and
built to a ratio of 1:48. The 50-foot locomotive is 121⁄2 inches
long in O. Slightly smaller than O gauge trains are S gauge trains.
They run on track whose rails are spaced 7⁄8 inches apart, and
have a ratio of 1:64.
Why model railroad?
• Building model railroads is a fun, family-oriented hobby. Everyone can get involved and participate together.
• Model railroading is very educational. Since railroads reflect the times they operated in, building a model railroad leads to learning about
places and environments that really did (or do) exist. In the United States, railroads were influences to the labor movement, the rise and
fall of the Gilded Age and other significant moments in history. You’ll also learn about geography, engineering, planning and visualization.
You can derive as much, or as little, education from the hobby as you want.
• You will likely learn how to saw wood and strip electrical wire. Building a model railroad requires these skills.
• Building scenery and weathering cars to complete your scenery also require a bit of artistic touch. You will learn that instead of creating a
perfect rendition of something, sometimes all you need is to give the impression to accomplish a look you want.
• Model railroading can also be a very social hobby. It’s a great way to meet new people. There are clubs and associations that you can join
that allow you to share stories and skills with others.
About this display
This HO scale model railroad depicts the two stations and nearby track arrangement just west of the Texas A&M College campus ca. 1938. The
buildings, train cars and landscape are approximations based on extensive analysis of maps, photos and aerial views stored in the City of College
Station historic online library database.
Builders and contributors: Charlie Gilbert, Chuck Lind, Paul Patti, David Martin, Jason Hancock, B.B. Holland
Small and popular
Scale models built to be approximately half the size of O gauge
models are called HO. These trains have a relationship of 1:87
to their full-size compatriots, and the track gauge measures
16.5 mm. The same 50-foot locomotive now measures only 7
inches in length. HO trains are small enough to allow you to
plan a satisfying layout in a compact space, and still are large
enough to show off lots of detail and be easy to work with. HO
railroading is the most popular of the scales, with more than
two-thirds of modelers making it their top choice.
Smaller still is N scale. Rolling stock and locomotives of this
size are designed to be in a ratio of 1:160 to their prototypes.
The track gauge is 9 mm between the rails. N scale works well
for modelers who don’t have a lot of space at their disposal
or who prefer to run their trains through truly expansive
scenery. Even smaller are Z scale trains. Their proportion to
the prototype is 1:220, and they run on track whose rails are
6.5 mm apart.
Photo and text courtesy of:
World’s Greatest Hobby TM (http://www.greatesthobby.com)