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
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
The Home of Articulated Ugliness
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.
Tom Trigg
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
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?
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.
Have fun with your trains
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
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