subject: Model Railroading - Scales [print this page] Model Railroading - Scales Model Railroading - Scales
The National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) is an organization that sets and regulates the standards for model railroad scales. This standardization helps to make the model train hobby universal so that parts can be relatively interchangeable across brands.
Basics of Scales
Simply stated, model railroad scale indicates the proportion of the model to the real thing, or prototype. It is usually shown as a ratio, such as 1:48. Sometimes it is mistaken for gauge, which is the distance between the rails on the train track. The scale, or size, of model trains you decide to run in your display depends on how much space you have as well as how nimble you are when handling and repairing parts.
The most common types, from largest to smallest, include the following:
G Scale- This is perfectly-sized for children and adults who may have trouble maneuvering smaller scales. This railway scale is also called "Garden Scale" because it easily fits into outdoor gardens where onlookers can admire. The Garden Scales are typically found in warmer climates, where weather is gentler on the equipment than in harsher climates. The scale is 1:22.5.
O Scale - Smaller than the G Scale, the O Scale model trains have a scale of 1:48. They are still relatively large and require adequate space for the best operation, especially rounding corners.
HO Scale- This scale is the most popular at a scale of 1:87. These trains can easily fit into smaller displays, and hobby stores abound with accessories, cars and supplies for this scale.
N Scale- At a scale of 1:160, the N is popular and is smaller than G, O and HO scales and can run in very small areas.
Z Scale- The Z scale comes in at 1:220 and is very small, making it extremely versatile and manageable for anyone lacking a large area for his or her display.
Scenery, Buildings and Accessories
With every model train scale comes the accompanying scenery, buildings and accessories. Make sure that everything around your train fits in proportion to it. Otherwise, you may have a giant train running through miniature forests or a small train being dwarfed by enormous houses. Whatever scale you choose, browse through your local hobby store's shelves to locate the appropriately-sized scenery, buildings and accessories.
Integrating Multiple Scales
It is possible, however, to blend scales within a single display. You may accomplish this type of display whenever you are forcing perspective and placing a smaller scale further back into the display to show a train moving out in the distance. Therefore, you may want a Z Scale train to run behind an HO one if you wish to add depth to your display.
