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Scales used by rail transport models

Rail transport modelling uses a variety of scales (ratio between the real world and the model) to ensure scale models look correct when placed next to each other. Model railway scales are standardized worldwide by many organizations and hobbyist groups. Some of the scales are recognized globally, while others are less widespread and, in many cases, virtually unknown outside their circle of origin. Scales may be expressed as a numeric ratio (e. g. 1/87 or 1:87) or as letters defined in rail transport modelling standards (e. g. HO, OO, N, O, G, TT and Z.) The majority of commercial model railway equipment manufacturers base their offerings on Normen Europäischer Modellbahnen (NEM) or National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) standards in most popular scales.

Although scale and gauge are often confused, scale means the ratio between a unit of measurement on a model compared with a unit of measurement in corresponding full size prototype, while gauge is the distance between the two running rails of the track. About 60% of the world's railways have a track gauge of known as "standard gauge", but there are also narrow gauge railways where the track gauge is less than standard and broad gauge railways where the gauge is wider. In a similar manner, a scale model railway may have several track gauges in one scale. In addition to the scale and gauge issue, rail transport modelling standards are also applied to other attributes such as catenary, rolling stock wheel profile, loading gauge, curve radii and grades for slopes, to ensure interoperation of scale models produced by different manufacturers. Globally, the two dominating standard organizations are NMRA in North America and MOROP in Europe with their NEM standard.

The first model railways were not built to any particular scale and were more like toys than miniature representations. Eventually, models became more accurate, and benefits of standardization became more obvious. The most significant and the most basic area of standardization was the model track gauge. At first, certain gauges became de facto standards for hobbyists and manufacturers. While the first unofficial standard gauges made interchangeability possible, the models were still only a rough approximation of rolling stock. Eventually unofficial or manufacturer specific scale standards became more established, and model railway standardisation bodies such as the NMRA and MOROP formalised them. However, they were very often poorly implemented in design and manufacturing processes with commercial manufacturers before the World War II. The conformity to scale standards grew strongly in the 1950s and 1960s when many new model railway accessories manufacturers were born and to whom the standard conformity was vital.

For most standardized model railway scales, the nominal scale reduction ratio is not applied systematically to all the components of a scale model railway, and normally the standards give scale specific design guidelines for all the scales they cover. Reliability of operations requires that certain parts be made oversize. A typical example is the wheel flanges, which must be proportionally higher in smaller scales to ensure that lighter and smaller models do not derail easily as they would if universal flange proportions were used in all the scales. For instance, a Z scale wheel flange as defined in the NEM standard should be about 9% of the scale nominal standard gauge , whereas the same standard gives only 5% for standard gauge I scale.

Modellers who were dissatisfied with inaccuracies in the name of reliability have developed alternative finescale standards. Finescale standards are very much restricted to discerning hobbyists since, by definition, finescale model railways are generally less reliable and more expensive to manufacture, which makes them unsuitable for mass production products.

One limitation with smaller scales is that the small size of the metal contacts means it is easier for dust and dirty track to interfere with the electrical circuit needed to drive the train. Moreover, the tight tolerances also mean friction can more easily interfere with the train moving. One approach to enable further miniaturization beyond T Scale is the recent commercial introduction of linear drive motors. The magnetic propulsion eliminates moving parts, simplifying motion and models. Commercially available scales using linear propulsion drive range from 1:655 to 1:1000.

Name Scale Gauge Comments Picture Grand Scale1:4 and up254 mm and up Several large scales exist, but are not strictly model railroading gauges. Instead, they are used mostly in commercial settings, such as amusement park rides. Live steam1:8184 mm or190.5 mm Ridable, outdoor gauge, named according to the gauge in inches, and scale in inches per foot, for example gauge, 1.5 inch scale. The gauge is in the US and Canada, where the scale sometimes is 1.6 inch for diesel type models. Private and public (club) tracks exist in many areas. Among is them the world's largest model railroad: Train Mountain Railroad, with over 25 mile (40 km) of tracks. Powerful locomotives can pull 50 or more passengers. Narrow gauge models in this gauge can be as large as 1:3 scale. 5 inch Live steam1:12127 mm or 121 mm Ridable, outdoor gauge. The gauge is in Europe, but in US and Canada. For standard gauge prototypes at 5 inch, the correct scale is 11/16 inch per foot or approximately 1:11.3. Alternatively 1.1/8 inch per foot is adopted, only Australia for ease of conversion. allowing a scale of 3/32 inch per full size inch. This results in an oversize locomotive and often negates building inside valve gear locomotives (such as the GWR King Class 4 6 0) due to frame width restrictions caused by gauge track. Together with the 1:8 scale above, this is a popular scale for backyard railroads. Pulling power is enough for more than a dozen passengers on level tracks. SE scale 7/8 inch1:13.7145 mm Models of gauge prototypes using track. Used by enthusiasts modelling the Maine 2 footers, but increasingly also by anyone interested in very large scale models of industrial prototypes, including the many Welsh slate mines and other European operations. Although this is mostly a scratch builders scale, there is an increasing supply of kits, parts and figures. Some modelers using 7/8 scale operate on track, used to replicate gauge industrial lines found in Great Britain and other countries. Live steam1:1689 mm Ridable, outdoor gauge. The gauge is 3.5 inches the world over. Originally defined to be in Europe. Gauge 31:22.663.5 mm One of the original model railroad scales standardized in 1909, a minority interest, which is undergoing a revival in the UK and in Germany (where it is known as Spur II). gauge 3 track is commercially available, as are a growing number of locomotive and rolling stock kits. The European standard of 1:22.5 scale trains on track is called IIm scale, as per European narrow gauge naming conventions or G scale, its popular name. Live steam1:2463 mm At , this is the smallest of the "ridable" gauges. Only one or two passengers can be pulled. This was one of the first popular live steam gauges, developed in England in the early 1900s, though now less popular than the larger gauges it still has a following. A model can normally be lifted by one person. Wide gauge1:26.59 or 1:28.2553.975 mm Called Standard Gauge by Lionel, which trademarked the name. Other manufacturers used the same gauge and called it Wide Gauge. Not widely produced after 1940. Gauge No. 2 using track of gauge was one of the standard model gauges in 1909. 16 mm scale1:19.0532 mm This scale was first developed in the UK in the 1950s to depict narrow gauge prototypes using or "O gauge" track and wheels, but really took off in popularity during the 1960s and 1970s. Originally, it was mostly used as an indoor modelling scale, but has also developed as a popular scale for garden railways of narrow gauge prototypes. Some manufacturers that produce models depicting North American narrow gauge prototypes have also adopted this scale for use alongside the near compatible Fn3 (15 mm or 1:20.32) scale on track already popular in the US. Both electric, battery and live steam propulsion is used to power model locomotives in this scale, and is supported by a growing range of commercially available ready to run models, kits and parts. Fn3 scale1:20.345 mm Similar to G Scale below, this scale also uses gauge track, and is used for both indoor and garden railways of narrow gauge prototypes. The scale of 1:20.3 was developed to depict North American gauge trains in exact proportion to their correct track gauge whilst using gauge model track. It equates to 15 mm = 1 foot (1:20.32) scale. Increasingly popular for both electric and live steam propulsion of model locomotives, with an ever growing range of commercially available ready to run models, kits and parts. Fn3 scale, together with G scale and 1/2 inch (1:24) scale, are commonly and collectively referred to as "Large Scale" by many modelers. Fn2 scale1:20.330 mm or32 mm Used by mostly American modelers wishing to model smaller industrial prototypes, including two footers; this is a minority scale. While 30 mm track is more prototypically accurate for 2 ft gauge, many modelers use 32 mm track gauge for the convenience of access to O scale mechanisms, trucks, and track elements. G scalevarious45 mm Originally from the German groß (meaning "big"), now also G as in Garden, G scale is generally used for garden railways of narrow gauge prototypes, and uses the same track gauge as 1 gauge, below. The scale ranges approximately from 1/19 to 1/29, according to the size and gauge of the prototype. Gn15various16.5 mm Evolved around the Millennium (possibly earlier), much in the same manner than On30, HOn30, and Nn3 have, which is the desire to model in a larger scale, but using the track gauge, mechanisms and wheelsets of a smaller scale; in this case HO/OO. If Gn15 did not start in the UK, it certainly has the largest following there. Some model "estate railways", inspired by the Eaton Hall Railway built at the end of the 19th century by Sir Arthur Haywood, while others simply desired a means of modeling in something close to half inch scale in a small space. This scale is closely aligned with the "micro layout" movement. IIm scale1:22.545 mm Similar to G scale above, this scale also uses gauge track, and is used for both indoor and garden railways of narrow gauge prototypes. It depicts 1 metre gauge trains in exact proportion to their correct track gauge. 1/2 inch scale1:2445 mm Similar to G scale above, this scale also runs on gauge track, and is generally used for both indoor and garden railways of narrow gauge prototypes. The scale of 1:24 in combination with track is an attempt to model North American and UK narrow gauge or 3 feet 6 inches gauge trains in better proportion to the rails they run on. 2 gauge1:2950.4 mm or45 mm The dominant scale used in the United States for models of "standard gauge" trains running on track, even though 1:32 is more prototypically correct. 1:29 represents standard gauge using gauge track, the original gauge 2. This fell into disuse as gauge 1 at 1.75 inch was very close. Some manufacturers kept the scale for the models but running them on slightly narrow gauge track. 1 gauge3/8 inch scale1:3245 mm This large scale, once rarely seen indoors in modern use but frequently used for modelling standard gauge trains as garden railways, is making a comeback. The Japanese firm of Aster Hobby offers ready to run gas fired live steam models. Accucraft Trains also offer finely crafted live steam models in this scale. Gauge 1 has seen something of a remarkable revival in recent years after decades of near extinction commercially, with a growing number of smaller UK manufacturers offering electrically powered and live steam locomotives and rolling stock in ready to run, parts and kit form. Some manufacturers offer so called Gauge 1 items in 1:30.48 scale (10 mm = 1 foot) that also run on gauge track. Gauge 1 also has its own international association. Static Model1:35 (nominal)41 mm Only used Static Models. L gaugevarious37.5 mm Unofficial designation of toy trains built from Lego. Equipment can be built to differing widths in relation to the track gauge, and are becoming increasingly popular among persons who grew up with the building toy system. With Technic axles and custom train wheels, it is possible to build Lego trains wider than standard 6 stud wide to fit into any gauge like G or O gauge. Q scale1:4532 mm Developed in the United States so that 11/4 in (32 mm) gauge track correctly represents standard gauge. Generally used by traction modelers. O scale1:43.5(UK, France)1:45(Germany, Japan, Russia, Czech)1:48(US)32 mm Name originally was "0" (zero), "1" through "6" were already in use for larger scales. In the US, this is sometimes considered a "toy train" scale rather than for scale modelers. However, though toy trains use this gauge, they are often nowhere near scale. Scale modellers have begun to use this gauge for their scale models, resulting in a two separate groups of modelers within this "scale": "hi railers", those who run toy train equipment on oversized track and scale modelers, who run scale equipment on scale track. A limited few have been able to combine both. Nowadays, even high railers have the option of extremely precise scale models and track. Lionel, MTH Electric Trains, and Atlas O are major manufacturers of this scale. The best known brand in Great Britain was that of Bassett Lowke until the firm first closed in 1965. While in Russia and former Soviet countries is used gauge of , but for the models used the NEM. Therefore, the gauge is 32 mm, rather than about 34 mm. In this models of the rolling stock are made in scale 1:45. The smallest scale for O Scale is 1:58. In O scale terms, this is known as Mini O Scale and in S Scale terms it is known as Major S Scale. O 27 scale1:48 (US)31.7 mm A Lionel variant on O scale. Has a slightly shorter profile and sharper 27 inch diameter curves (but also comes in 42, 54 and 72 inch diameter curves) than typical oversized O scale track. Often, but not always, mechanically compatible with O gauge trains. ScaleSeven 1:43.5 33 mm Exact scale version of British O gauge supported by a dedicated UK based society. The ScaleSeven Group defined more scale measures more strictly (e. g., the model gauge of 33 mm is fixed). Apart from standard gauge, it also defined Irish and Brunel gauges to this scale. Proto:481:4829.90 mm These are to the same scale as US O gauge but are accurate scale models in all dimensions including track and wheels. OJ1:4524.0 mm O scale models of 3 ft 6 in narrow gauge prototypes running on 24 mm gauge track. Virtually unknown outside Japan and Taiwan On21:4812.7 mm O scale models of 2 ft narrow gauge prototypes running on 1/2 in (12.7 mm) gauge track. On30 gauge1:4816.5 mm Narrow gauge O scale models running on HO gauge track. This scale was initially created by American "kit bashing" modelers desiring large scale narrow gauge at low cost, at a time when the existing On3 market was dominated by expensive brass models. They put small O scale superstructures on HO scale mechanisms and trucks, but when the large company Bachmann issued train sets — originally intended to run around Christmas trees — On30 really took off. Also used in Australia to model 2'6" and other narrow gauge prototypes. On31:4819 mm O scale models of 3 ft narrow gauge prototypes running on 3/4 in (19 mm) gauge track. O16.51:43.516.5 mm British narrow gauge running on HO gauge track. Prototypes of many diverse gauges are depicted in this scale, as well as fictitious lines. Even two foot lines — particularly slate — are represented, although serious modelers with this interest generally prefer O 14. 0e1:4516.5 mm Continental European (mostly German and Austrian) narrow gauge running on HO gauge track. Fleischmann produced the Magic Train line, intended for the toy market, but also adopted by serious modelers, particularly when supplemented with protypical details — or "bashed" to be closer to the prototype. A number of smaller manufacturers produce a wide range of elements, including the high end Henke, offering exquisitely accurate models for a handsome price. 0e has many active participants in Germany, with frequent Fremo modular meets on weekends. O141:43.514 mm Accurate modelling of 2 ft narrow gauge in 7 mm:ft/1:43.5 scale supported by an informal web based society. O 121:43.512 mm British narrow gauge representing prototypes of narrower than 2 foot gauge, running on TT gauge track. Z0 scale1:6024 mm Got attention in Germany around 1950 as an attempt of a scale between O and HO. Z0 means "Zwischen Null" (between O). S scale1:6422.42 mm Originally called "H 1" because it was half the size of Gauge 1 (1:32), the "S" name is derived from "sixty fourth". In the US, American Flyer toy trains used this gauge, but it is also used for more precise modelling and supported by several manufacturers. In the UK, S scale modelling is largely the preserve of a dedicated few hand building models or using a small number of available kits and parts, mostly depicting standard gauge prototypes but also narrow and broad gauge subjects too. The UK based S Scale Model Railway Society is the oldest scale support society in the world, being first established in 1946. In the United States, S scale has a small but growing following in the modelling of standard gauge railroads, especially those of the 1940s and 1950s era, a focus that is supported by S Helper Service and American Models, among others. This scale is also popular in North America to depict narrow gauge prototypes (using dedicated gauge track and known as "Sn3"), and elsewhere to depict the narrow gauge railways (using H0 scale gauge track and known as "Sn31/2") of South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. OO gauge1:76.216.5 mm This scale is today the most popular modelling scale in the UK, although it once had some following in the US (on gauge track) before World War II. 00 or "Double Oh", together with EM gauge and P4 standards are all to 4 mm scale as the scale is the same, but the track standards are incompatible. 00 uses the same track as HO ( gauge), which is not correct for this slightly larger scale, but it is the most common British standard for ready to run trains. In Britain there exists The Double 0 Gauge Association to promote this scale. OO91:76.29 mm Narrow gauge modelling of approximately or prototypes on 9mm gauge (the same as N scale) track. It supported by a dedicated society and has a flourishing supply of kits and parts from many small UK based suppliers, along with ready to run products from manufacturers such as PECO and Bachmann. 00121:76.212 mm Narrow gauge modelling of prototypes on 12mm gauge (the same as TT scale) track. EM gauge1:76.218.2 mm EM gauge was an earlier attempt in the 1950s to improve the inaccuracies of OO gauge, with wider, more accurate track at between the rails, but still narrower than the correct gauge. The gauge was later widened to The UK based EM Gauge Society exists to supports modellers of these standards. P41:76.218.83 mm P4 was created in the 1960s as the most accurate possible standards for modelling in 4 mm scale. Supported by the UK based Scalefour Society. HOj scale1:8016.5 mm Used for modelling Japanese and Taiwanese prototypes on 16.5 mm track. (Note that this isn't accurate: 1,067 divided by 16.5 would lead to a 1:64.7 scale. 1/80 rolling stock that uses more accurate 13 mm gauge does exist, though it is rare at the time of writing.) As a general rule, 1/80 model trains in Japan are much more finely detailed and considerably more expensive than N and Z gauge examples. Motor bogies are not always included, suggesting the scale is commonly used for static displays. HO scale1:8716.5 mm This is the most popular model railway scale in the world, although not in the United Kingdom. The name is derived from "Half of 0". The European NEM define the scale as exactly 1:87, while the US NMRA defines it as exactly 3.5 mm : 1 ft (approximately 1:87.1). There is a vast selection of ready to run, kits and parts for locomotives, rolling stock and scenic items from many manufacturers depicting trains from all around the world. Proto:871:8716.5 mm An alternative finescale standard for HO, with wheels and track that correspond with the prototype's, taking its lead from the establishment of P4 standards in the UK in Europe1:8712.00 mm H0 scale using gauge track to represent used as "standard" gauge in many African countries, New Zealand, Queensland, Japan, etc. European H0m (metre gauge) models represent prototype gauges ranging between HOn31:8710.5 mm H0 scale using 3 scale foot narrow gauge track. HOe gauge 1:879 mm European HO scale narrow gauge models using (the same as N scale) track to represent prototypes with gauge between , particularly and gauge. HOn2 gauge 1:877 mm American HO scale narrow gauge models using track to represent American prototypes, especially those in Maine, with a 2 foot track gauge. No known commercial activity; instead, European H0f gauge material and rolling stock is rebranded as "HOn2" for the North American market. H0f gauge 1:876.5 mm European H0 Scale narrow gauge models using , the same as Z scale track, to represent Feldbahn style 2 ft and 600 mm gauge railways with prototype gauges between The "f" refers to "Feldbahn" ("field railway"), and these narrower track gauges were frequently used for industrial operations all across Europe. Some of these lines survived until 2000 and even later, particularly in Eastern Europe, where they remained economically viable later than in west Europe. In 2010 the German company Busch announced a mine railway (Grubenbahn) system, followed later in 2012 by a much more extensive array of narrow gauge locomotives, rolling stock and trackwork. The Busch Feldbahn track system features a steel strip between the rails, and magnets on the rolling stock to increase adhesion for tracking and increased engine performance. 3 mm scale1:101.612 mm or14.2 mm A UK version of TT introduced by the firm Tri ang in the late 1950s (then known as "TT 3") and supported by several other firms offering kits and parts. Commercial production by Tri ang petered out in the late 1960s, but "The 3 mm Society" was established in 1965 and a dedicated membership has kept this UK scale alive. TT 3 was originally designed to run on TT's gauge track, but latterly the more accurate gauge of (popularly known as "14.2") has been adopted by some seeking more accuracy. Like the intermediate EM gauge standard in 4 mm scale, some modellers in 3 mm scale developed track gauge, but this has largely been superseded by gauge. Both narrow gauge (using gauge track) and broad gauge (using gauge track) are also modeled in 3 mm scale in the UK. TT scale1:12012 mm Name stands for "Table Top". It is quite popular in Europe, particularly in Germany, especially in East Germany (former DDR), has some popularity in countries of former USSR and a small following in the United States. In 2022 PECO entered the market with a range of code 55 track, a wagon and a number of UK buildings and accessories. This scale is also used to depict narrow gauge railways (using N scale gauge track and known as NZ120) of New Zealand. N scale1:1489 mm As with 1:160 N scale below, the name is derived from its Nine millimeter track gauge, but the scale is a slightly larger at 2.0625 mm = 1 foot (1:147.78). Developed as a UK commercial version of N scale in the late 1960s, models are restricted to depicting UK prototypes. Although nominally to 1:148 scale, some manufacturers took significant liberties with exact scale to suit production limitations. Despite the collapse of Graham Farish and its subsequent sale to Bachmann Industries there is a growing choice of ready to run models available. A few commercial kits and parts to fit N scale loco mechanisms and wheels are offered by the UK firm PECO to enable narrow gauge prototypes to be modelled. N scale1:1509 mm N scale in Japan is normally built to this scale, even though most rail lines are 3 feet 6 inches gauge. Because the Shinkansen lines are (standard gauge), models of these are usually built to the scale of 1:160. 2 mm scale1:1529.42 mm British finescale standard, older than N scale, being first used as long ago as 1927 with photos and articles published in the model press. Became more popular in the 1950s, with The 2 mm Scale Association established by 1960 to promote and support modellers in this tiny scale, and it remains very active in the UK to this day. In recent years, the finer track and wheel standards of 2 mm scale (but not the gauge) have also been adapted for use in 1:160 N scale (on gauge) in Europe and called "fiNe", and is supported by the FREMO modelling organisation. Since the 1950s, 2 mm scale has been used to depict narrow gauge prototypes on various track gauges down to , but almost everything has to be hand made, unless some Z scale parts are used. N scale1:1609 mm Name derived from "Nine millimeter"; this is the second most popular scale worldwide. N scale developed by the German firm of Arnold Rapido in the early 1960s, and was rapidly adopted worldwide as the most popular small scale modelling choice. In recent years, finer profile wheels and track have been developed by some manufacturers (although the gauge and standards have remained the same). Large range of ready to run models available as well as supporting kits and parts. With the introduction of an even smaller Z scale in 1972, the modelling of narrower gauge prototypes has been possible using that scale's locomotive mechanisms, track and wheels. In North America, the depiction of gauge railroads in N scale using Z scale track is known as "Nn3"; in Europe, metre gauge modelling in N scale is known as "Nm". Nn3 gauge1:1606.5 mm American N Scale narrow gauge models using (the same as Z scale) track to represent American 3 ft prototypes, especially the in Colorado, with a 3 ft track gauge. This scale gauge combination has become popular, and has increased commercial support. Z scale1:2206.5 mm Until 2005 this was the smallest commercially available model railway scale, introduced by the German firm of Märklin in 1972 depicting German and other European prototypes. In North America, Micro Trains and others have introduced a range of US prototype models. On both continents, a growing range of kits and scenic accessories are still becoming available to help increase its popularity. In Europe a few enterprising manufacturers have developed even smaller metre gauge models (but still in 1:220 scale) known as "Zm" on gauge track. Japanese manufacturers are increasingly involved in Z scale, with Rokuhan producing what is considered by some the best Z track in the world. ZZ scale1:3004.8 mm Introduced by Bandai, ZZ scale was very briefly the smallest commercially available model railway available. As of 2005 only three Shinkansen trains are available and limited other items. The trains are battery powered and run on plastic rail. Bandai makes no accessories for this scale. T scale1:4501:4803 mm Announced by Eishindo in 2006 and released for sale in 2008, T gauge is the smallest commercially available model railroading scale in the world. Several trains are available, complete with track, as well as many accessories including buildings, people, trees and vehicles. The trains run on metal rails and controlled by a power supply. Because the Shinkansen lines are (standard gauge), models of these are usually built to the scale of 1:480.