Posted by admin | Posted in Model Railway | Posted on 17-06-2008
Tags: model, railroad, scale, train, train scale chart, train scale comparison, train scale sizes, train scales, train scales explained, trains
Looking For Train Scale ? Then This is Where You Want to Be
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 10pcs Green Model Trees for H scale Scene 9cm Tree War Game Train Layout G9035 $8.69 Time Remaining: 31m Buy It Now for only: $8.69 |
 D3517 100pcs Scale Train Layout Set Model Trees TT 35mm $9.99 Time Remaining: 31m |
 Tyco 365g Old Dutch Cleanser 50 Box car 3752 Ho scale RTR $9.99 Time Remaining: 32m |
 TDT9 40pcs Layout Model Train Palm Trees Scale N 90mm $9.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 32m |
 Hornby HO Scale Switch Machine R 80142 NOS $8.99 Time Remaining: 32m |
 Tyco 521m Penn Central 6500 Passenger Lighted silhouette Ho scale RTR $20.50 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 32m |
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 FINE SCALE MODELER MAR 00 WW2 RUSSIAN ARMORED TRAIN $12.95 Time Remaining: 33m Buy It Now for only: $12.95 |
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 2 BACHMANN G SCALE NEW FREIGHT TRUCKS W METAL WHEELS KNUCKLES SAME AS LGB USA $16.99 (12 Bids) Time Remaining: 37m |
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 HO SCALE MODEL RAILROAD TRAINS LAYOUT POLICE STATION SCENIC BUILDING KIT L1382 $6.50 (13 Bids) Time Remaining: 38m |
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Making the Best Model Train Scale Selection
One of the most important decision model train enthusiasts have to make is the scale they will use. The scale represents the ratio of the model train to its real life counterpart, and there are six popular train scales from which to choose. Here are the scales from smallest to largest:
- Z scale - 1:220 ratio
- N scale - 1:160 ratio
- HO scale - 1:87 ratio
- S scale - 1:64 ratio
- O Scale - 1:48 ratio
- G Scale - 1:22 ratio
When selecting a scale, you should keep in mind the following three factors:
1) How much space do you have? For small spaces (like apartments), the N scale may be best. You need to consider the size of your bench-work when making this decision, as it is the primary limiting factor for the scale size you select.
2) How much selection do you want? The "HO" scale is probably the most popular train scale used today, and because of this there is a wide variety of scenery and trains to choose from and the competition keeps the prices fairly affordable. You may find the selection for the very large and small sizes a bit more limited. You also are more likely to find used model railroad and scenery elements for HO and N sizes for sale on eBay and in classified ads, if that is an important consideration for you.
3) Will the model train be used indoors or outdoors? If you are considering building a outdoor exhibit, you may want to consider the largest size ("G") as the trains and scenery elements will generally be made for outdoor use and be suitable for use in nearly all weather conditions.
Once you have selected the model train scale you are going to use for Your Layout, you will find there variety of clubs, shows and publications dedicated to the model you have chosen.
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Checkout Model Trains for Beginners for an excellent guide to building the best model railroad layouts.
CSX freight train in HO scale