Gauge/Scale Information Chart

[ginzokid]

With all the confusion created in another thread, I thought I would make up a chart for comparison, if this format will let me do it. The figures given are based on Standard Gauge which is as we know 4'-8 1/2" between the rails. Gauge is the model distance between the rails in mm. Scale is the ratio of the model to the prototype. Size is the measurement of mm to 1 foot. Gauge: Scale: Size: Z- 6.5, 1:220, 1.4mm N- 9.0, 1:160, 2.0mm OO- 16.5, 1:76, 4.0mm HO- 16.5, 1:87.1, 3.5mm (1/8") On30- 16.5, 1:48, 6.4mm (1/4") O- 32.0, 1:48 or 1:43.5, 6.4mm or 7mm G- 45.0, 1:22.5, 13.5mm Did anyone happen to remember that N scale takes its name from the 9mm gauge of the track? Hope this helps everyone. B-) & :x PS: As I suspected, this format will not let me create an actual chart, but read between the commas and I think you will get it.

[g-pa1]

Pete, that is great information all in one place! Thanks. What about narrow gauge variations - where do they fall into the mix on your 'chart'. Besides On3 I am thinking of narrow gauge Z and N. Also, When 3 rail track is measured does the measurement skip over the middle rail or is that considered some how as this isn't a prototypical track is it? Gene

[beastranger]

Thanks for clearing that up Pete. Now just to confuse things a little, G-scale has I believe three differant scales that run on the same track. I can't remember what the other scales are at the moment as I'm still on my first cup of coffee. Punk

[ginzokid]

I tried to stay away from the Narrow Gauge stuff as there are many of them. Also, the O gauge is two-rail only. I have no figures for the "hi-rail" statistics. As for the G scale, I know of three "Scales" that run on the same "Gauge" track of 45mm; 1:22.5, 1:29 and 1:30. The 1:30 is sometimes called No.1 Gauge and runs on the 45mm track, but is 10mm to the foot instead of 13.5mm to the foot like G gauge. I also missed S scale, so here goes again. Following the same format. Gauge: Scale: Size: S- 12, 1:64, 4.8mm Nn3- 6.5, 1:160, 2mm (see note #3) OOn?- 9, 1:76, 4mm (see note #1) HOn2.5- 9, 1:87, 3.5mm (see note #2) HOn3- 10.5, 1:87, 3.5mm On?- 16.5, 1:48 or 1:43.5, 6.4mm or 7mm (see note #1) Note 1. I'm not sure what the gauge is here. Could be 2-1/2 or 3. OOn uses N gauge track and On uses HO gauge track. Note 2. Uses N gauge track, but the actual gauge shouold be 8.7mm. Note 3. Nn3 uses Z gauge track. Now I'm positive I haven't hit on all the scales and gauges out there, but most of you are in N standard gauge anyway. You just like to see me work, don't you. B-) & :x

[untabubba]

Thanks Pete! Now I get it!!! Nice chart. Marc

[ginzokid]

Are most of our members still in N scale or does this thread have any meaning? B-) & :x

[beastranger]

Well, it sure beats pawing through a bunch of magazines. Especialy with the ol search button. Punk

[alcotrains]

"O" Scale 2Rail, "O" Gauge HI RAIL are the same distance accross the rails. In "O" Gauge, you will find what is called 0-27, 0-31,0-33 and so on up to 0-72.This tell the radius of the curve: RE. 0-27... "O" Gauge 27 in. radius and so on. But let us not forget Gauge 1 (2 in. Ga.) Standard Gauge (2 1/8 in. Ga.), and the original Standard Ga. ( 2 7/8 in. Ga.) Also, many years ago, there was Scale Standard Gauge trains made by a few people. Thjese were 1 3/8 Scale. Is this not FUN??? Postal Pete

[ginzokid]

Thanks Pete, How does one keep all this straight! Since Z scale and gauge is the smallest commercially made track that I know of, what would one use if one wanted to run in Zn3 or some other narrow gauge in Z scale? Sounds like hand laid rail and a lot of engineering to make the engine wheel gauge fit. I'm just off in space here.... B-) & :x

[spottzz]

I'm still running "N" gauge on my "small radii" layout and I have investigated "G" gauge. In "G" you have one track gauge as far as width but there are so many scales that I lost count and interest. MTH says 1/32 is the correct "SCALE" to the "G" track. Aristo says 1/29 is best and they also make a second scale. LGB has I don't know how many scales and Bachmann has very big stuff. USA Trains has 1/29 and a larger scale. None of these companies have couplers that work together unless you use the hook and loop coupler(which is ugly. Most people use Kadee(heard that name befoe)and like "N" gauge you have to convert everything. And they can body mount or truck mount. But weight and long trains will pull the trucks off the track if you truck mount them. More info than you cared to get but if you think about going "G", do your homework. Thanks for your patience and have a good day, Bill in Phoenix

[spottzz]

p.s. but, some of the sound systems will knock your socks off

[ginzokid]

Bill, You should hear my On30 sound systems too! There is a Zm scale which is supposed to be a narrow gauge Z scale, but I haven't found out yet just what the track measurements are. I'm still looking. Apparently it is used in Germany and an American company, Aspen Models imports the engines and cars. Still no track gauge... B-)

[spottzz]

Pete, I've heard one of your sound systems and it is very nice. Again, the "G" ones are very expensive. Bill

[janesew]

It seems to me that when people generally do O, On30, or G scale they don't buy as many locos or rolling stock. This is due to the price, I imagine, but probably also due to space and the type of layout built. With N scale it seems that, generally, people buy more locos and rolling stock than HO. And HO buys more than O, etc etc. It all ends up costing about the same. Fred <--- did that make sense? Talk about gross generalities, eh?

[beastranger]

One good thing about G-scale is scratch building your own cars. They are big enough so that you can use every day stuff to build them. Except for the trucks and couplers, most of the materials you can get at the lumber yard. Punk