The Basics in Scale Models
When it comes to Trains, Planes, and Automobiles; or Tanks, Construction Equipment, Helicopters, Drones, Ships and etc, keep in mind, the larger the ratio, the smaller the model’s size!
However,
Take note, depicted in the image below, both cars are 1:18 scale. Yet because the VW Beetle is shorter in real life than is the Ford T-bird, the 1:18 scale Beetle is shorter.
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Models: typically; cars, trucks, trains, planes, helicopters, boats, dollhouses, action figures, and etc are manufactured in various scaled sizes, which constitutes the reduced measurement of the models. Such scaled measurements are based upon the actual item in question. That means models are “scaled down” in size, in proportions as near exact as is achievable, from the real thing. This in-turn permits a realistic visual appearance of the models . . .
In other words, knowing the “size” of the scaled model allows the user to determine the scale best suited or needed for a specific use.
While there are several sizes in today's marketplace the scaled chart, displayed below will hopefully clear things up a bit when compared to the adjoining On-line Actual Sized Ruler image:
The 1:12 scale model is Very large and highly detailed and can range from 9 to 15 inches in length. This scale is chiefly targeted toward adult collectors. These models are generally much more expensive than saaay, the much smaller 1:24 models . . . And, oh yes, motorcycles are most often produced in this scale.
The 1:18 scale is a Large, detailed model, usually about 8 to 11 inches in length and is by and large targeted at adults. America is the main marketplace for this scale, but a few European and Australian companies also produce model cars and even trucks in this scale.
The 1:24 scale has long been a favorite scale in the U.S., due to many construction kits and dealer promotional models offered in this size (about 7½ inches in length). Mebetoys of Italy had a large range of cheap 1:24 toy cars. Franklin Mint of New York City, NY and Trax of Silverwater, New South Wales, Australia also market this scale.
The 1:32 scale (approximately 6 inches long) is an Intermediate size; most common for model tractors, vintage model cars, and agricultural equipment.
The 1:43 scale (about 4 inches long) is the most popular scale for model cars on earth. This scale was made popular back in the 1930s by Liverpool, England’s Dinky Toys as it was compatible with “O” gauge model train sets. This scale is most commonly used throughout Europe, Japan and Australia, but less so in the USA. In continental Europe 1:43 is often favoured for model trucks too.
The 1:55 scale (about 3 inches in length) models that are in use, world wide, are more often than not made by Sieper Lüdenscheid GmbH & Co. KG (Siku) located in Lüdenscheid, Germany. Siku is often considered the “Matchbox” of Germany for its toy range of cars and trucks. Notably though, the Disney-Pixar Cars Die-Cast Line made by Mattel of Segundo, California are normally in 1:55 scale.
The 1:64 scale (about 2¾ inches long) is popular for farm models and American scale model trucks. Matchbox, Hot Wheels, Jonny Lightning, and scale model NASCAR racers are typically produced in this size too.
The 1:76 scale (about 2¼ inches long) is popular primarily in Britain, Australia, and Hong-Kong for highly detailed buses and lorries (trucks) such as those by EFE, Corgi OOC, or Trax Models in Australia. These models were originally intended to be used as OO scale model railway accessories, but became collectibles in their own right.
Now then, having covered all that, lets make the scale issue even more complicated as the various “Scale Sizes” for Model Rail Road Trains may even be considered a bit tortuous. You see, when discussing model trains, you are more apt to see letters of the alphabet used when describing scale sizes in the stead of numbers.
One need only look closely at the display above to determine in what context the terms “Scale” and “Gauge” are applied to Model Railroading but a third term is widely used. The term is “Rolling Stock” which refers to any vehicle that moves upon a railway; this typically includes both powered and unpowered vehicles, including Locomotives, Handcars, Railroad Cars, Coaches, Tank Cars, Wagons, and etc.
The “bad news” about Model Railroading is that it requires money, time, space and lots more money; still, according to the vast majority of Model Railroaders, the return or benefit received is well worth the investment! The first “real” railroad you build will need a “construction platform” with a minimum area of 8 feet by 4 feet － preferably situated upon an elevated platform; and too, adequate space around the sides is a must. This is necessary so that you can get to all parts & materials of the “construction site” to build it. The amount of perimeter space varies with the size and agility of the individual who has to do the actual work; but the average person needs an additional 3 feet or more on at least one of the long sides of the construction platform and no less than 2 feet on the other three sides. Keep in mind that this model railroad should be set up permanently in your basement, recreation room, garage, or other available space; so this won't be a simple “loop of track around the the ole Christmas Tree”.
G scale (1:22) is commonly used for garden or out-door layouts. If you like working outdoors, doing real landscaping and gardening; this is the most likely model train scale you'll want to use. The G Scale Locomotive Display (below) should give you a “visual” of the G Scale size.
O Scale: (1:43.5) The locomotives are big and impressive and are a favorite of young and old “kids” alike. The 2-rail version runs on DC current. O scale trains tend to “dwarf” the scenery unless you have a very large room for the layout, but they sure are fun to run!
The “odd duck”in the Scaled Trains displayed in the image above is the 0n30 (1:48), which is a narrow gauge set-up. The On30 & 027, the 00, and H0 models can all operate on HO gauge (0.64 inch) track. The 0n30 scale is sometimes referred to as On-2½ and or 0n-3½.In the real world, narrow gauge railways are usually built for “logging railroads”; there, sharp turns around rocky, mountainous terrain are often necessary.
O27 Scale (also 1:48) is equipped with track (image displayed above left) that has “tighter” curve capability (the O27 track sections will make a 27" circle while the standard O scale track sections will form larger a 31" circle). Also, O27 rail is a little shorter, thinner, and has a 3rd rail. Lionel, LLC (1995 to present) is the most famous, manufacturer of O27 these days and most, if not all, 027 scale units are produced in “3-rail” versions and operate on AC current. And yes, there are lots of accessories and working parts available
OO Scale - (1:74) is primarily used by British railroad modelers. Most manufacturers of OO scale will fudge a little on the gauge so that the locomotives and rolling stock will run on HO track. You might want to check out the British Railway Modellers of North America for more information.
HO Scale- (1:87) is the most popular Model Railroading scale which is 1/87th the size of the real thing . . . You could say the HO Scale neatly meets the “Goldilocks” standard: it’s not too big and not too small. HO fits on a 4 x 8 foot piece of plywood reasonably well for a respectable small layout. Plus, you'll find more supplies, equipment and accessories made for this model train scale than for any other.
N Scale - (1:160) is a bit smaller than HO at 1/160th the size of the prototype. It is somewhat popular because you can create a greater model railroad empire in a smaller space than with the larger HO scale. If you like a lot of scenery with long trains curving around and through an interesting landscape, this is the model railroad scale for you.
Z Scale: even smaller than N Scale (1:220). This scale is great for coffee tables; a nice addition to your executive desk ─ it’s good for any “large” layout in a very “small” space. Z Scale is even easy to transport if you like. Stories are often told of an individual who created an entire Z scale model railroad empire inside a suitcase and displayed it at various train shows! This model train scale can also be used effectively in the background of an N scale or HO scale layout for a ”forced visual aspect” so that it looks like you have trains or structures far off into the distance when viewed from eye level. This can make an HO or N scale setup look even bigger than it really is!
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