bearman If you are looking at HO scale: Scale Inches = (Actual Feet / 87) X 12 Inches/Foot So, for a 40 foot box car: Scale Inches = (40/87) X 12 = 5.52 Inches For N scale replace the 87 with 150: So, for a 40 foot box car: Scale Inches = (40/150) X 12 = 3.2 Inches
If you are looking at HO scale:
Scale Inches = (Actual Feet / 87) X 12 Inches/Foot
So, for a 40 foot box car: Scale Inches = (40/87) X 12 = 5.52 Inches
For N scale replace the 87 with 150:
So, for a 40 foot box car: Scale Inches = (40/150) X 12 = 3.2 Inches
That's incorrect for US N scale, which is 1:160. And strictly speaking, HO is 1: 87.1, but that's such a small difference that it doesn't matter.
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
Bear "It's all about having fun."
Here is an on-line calculator:
http://jbwid.com/scalcalc.htm
I usually use a program called 'Scalecalc". It is available here:
http://www.railsimstuff.com/tools.php
I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.
I don't have a leg to stand on.
I keep this on my bookmarks bar.
http://www.scalemotorcars.com/forum/scale_calculator.php
Edit; After posting I realized this calculator page is not there. Part way down the page there is a small scale calculator but it is nothing like the one that use to be on the link.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
A scale ruler works just as good. It is marked off in feet and inches for the scale you are modeling in. If the plan says 5 foot, you measure 5 foot on the scale ruler. They make one for every scale.
It's the 'hardware' equivalent to the computer program you are looking for. AND . . . . you don't have to use the computer to convert all the measurements. Much easier and faster.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
my computer went down and i lost a free program that allowed me to convert the train scale to actual inches so i can build to scale. it had a train image on it and was simple to use. anyone else have this or know of another simple program that would do the same?
thanks