SIZES SCALES

[Old 66]

Now What is The correct scale for GARDEN RAILROADING I HEAR IT IS 1:29 TO  1:32 IS IT THAT OR SOME THING ELSE?

 

                                    CHERRS 

[Anonymous]

Well it goes like this, it is YOUR railroad so you can do as you wish with scale.

Myself I mix and match cars as cars on the real RR do not always have the same hight. But here are some links.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garden_railway

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G_scale

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_scale_model_sizes

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Model_railroad_scales

Enjoy

Toad

[vsmith]

Old 66

Now What is The correct scale for GARDEN RAILROADING I HEAR IT IS 1:29 TO  1:32 IS IT THAT OR SOME THING ELSE?

 

                                    CHERRS 

Old66

The most important way to start understanding all this, is "What kind of trains do you like"

Standard gauge: Santa Fe, Union Pacific, Conrail, that kinda stuff or

Narrow Gauge, Denver Rio Grande, East Broad Top, Swiss RhB, that kind of stuff..

Once you let us know that the better we can direct your inquiry.

There are several different "scales" currently using 45mm (or gauge 1) track. There is no single correct "scale" its a moving target dependant on what your interests are.

The best way to approach it is to familiarize yourself with

A: the various different approaches to large scales being used, IOWs' narrow gauge, standard gauge, European profile..etc and

B; the brand manufacturers and what they make to fill these various markets.

Heres  a quick rundown of the various scales all using 45mm track

1/32 or Gauge 1, the oldest going back to the 1900's, correct scale to gauge for standard gauge 4'-8.5" track. Current mfrs: MTH, some Accucraft, Defunked: Great Trains, Lionel

1/29 or A Scale, larger model scale to gauge, not correct gauge at 4'-3" but this IS the defacto "standard" for standard gauge modeling in large scale. Rapidly becoming the most popular scale in large rail. Current mfrs: Aristocraft, USA, some Accucraft, some overseas Bachmann. Some Piko

1/24 or 1/2" scale, back in the early days of large scale, this was what almost all US made narrow gauge models were being built to. Even though at 3'-6" gauge on 45mm track it was easier to build models to so it was very common. Now its only a few left. Current mfrs: HLW, USA Classic lines, Aristo Classic narrow gauge model line, Defunked: Delton, Kalamazoo.

1/22.5, LGB Meter gauge, THIS is G scale, modeled after European meter gauge trains, but LGB also made US profile trains to 1/22.5, probably still the most common narrow gauge selection on the aftermarket as several makers followed LGBs lead scale wise so products could be blended smoothly. LGB went belly up 2 years ago, Marklin bought them we await there supposed return. Current mfrs: LGB still very available, Bachmann Big Hauler line, Brawa, Kiss, some Piko

1/20.3 or F scale, the new kid on the block but rapidly gaining on 1/22.5 as the defact narrow gauge choice by most large scale narrow gaugers, Correct 3' gauge on 45mm trackm, called Fn3, current mfrs; Bachmann Spectrum, Accucraft

This is only a partial list.

 

[ttrigg]

I would add one comment to Vic's response. He normally includes it in any explanation of scale. LGB uses used a "Gumi" (rubber) ruler when designing their equipment. 1:22.5 is the scale advertised, and is correct when measuring the wheel sets, however, equipment width, height and (especially) length will vary from the absolute 1:22.5. I'm told that there are some of the manufactures Vic listed do adhere to their scale (or at least stay closer than LGB did.) I run a mix of "scales" and enjoy what I run. About the only thing that I have that looks strange is putting a string of New Bright behind an LGB steamer, so I tend to avoid doing that. Anyway the New Bright (new blight) was acquired for use as source materials for bashing and for the little ones to run.

[cabbage]

Well here in the UK we run anything and everything -on anything and everything. I run; 7mm scale and 16mm scale on 32mm track; 13.5mm scale, 16mm scale and 25mm scale on 63.5mm track. This is not considered abnormal!!! I have friends who run; 4mm scale on 16.5mm track; 12mm scale, 15mm scale and 16mm on 45mm track. There is also the one lone pioneer of 16mm on 115mm track -which is frankly MAGNIFICENT as it shuttles up and down the track. There are no rules when it comes to what you run in a garden - you run what you like!!! regards ralph

[SNOWSHOE]

Thanks vic for the info.  I never knew FN3 was 1:20 scale. I finally got the scales down but then when I see things like FN3 etc.... I get lost again 

[Old 66]

 

                 TY THANKS GUYS I LIKE STANDARD AND NARROW GAUGE  I'M MOST LIKELY GOING TO USE 1:29, 1:24, 1:32, AND THE LIKE . THANKS FOR THE INFO VSMITH AND CABBAGE THATS VERY INTERRESTING.  TAKE CARE

 

                                                CHERRS