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Width between rails - HO Scale

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  • Member since
    August 2015
  • 115 posts
Width between rails - HO Scale
Posted by cplmckenzie on Tuesday, October 13, 2015 2:04 PM

Me Again (Ho-Hum),

I just finished watching the video on how to use the NMRA scale gauge. I have got to get me one.

It seems that at certain point, my wheels seem to drop inside the rails (the flange of one wheel is on and against the inside of the rail but the other side has dropped inside the rail). That would indicate wide rails or narrow wheels right?

Until I get me a gauge, could someone tell me the width of the rails - inside to inside -- mm and inches.

I looked around on the web, but mostly found info about scale to real world and width of real track (two horses).

Thanks,

cplmckenzie

  • Member since
    March 2008
  • 409 posts
Posted by ba&prr on Tuesday, October 13, 2015 2:09 PM

16.5 MM

Joe

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 8,824 posts
Posted by maxman on Tuesday, October 13, 2015 2:13 PM

Here it is: http://www.nmra.org/sites/default/files/standards/sandrp/pdf/S-1.2%202009.07.pdf

According to NMRA 16.5 mm is the minimum value.

 

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Tuesday, October 13, 2015 2:35 PM

If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Tuesday, October 13, 2015 2:40 PM

A caliper would be useful but I have only had to use the Kadee track gauge.

No idea on how you searched but I did a Google search for ho track dimensions and 16.5 mm came right up.

Rich

If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.

  • Member since
    August 2015
  • 115 posts
Posted by cplmckenzie on Tuesday, October 13, 2015 3:28 PM

Wow, Great. Will definitely bookpark this page.

Thanks,

cplmckenzie

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Chamberlain, ME
  • 5,084 posts
Posted by G Paine on Tuesday, October 13, 2015 3:56 PM

In most cases, the track is OK and the wheels are out of alignment. UNless they are solid plastic, you can be pull and twist a bit to get the correct spacing, but wait to get the gauge so you have it right the first time.

George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch 

  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: Culpeper, Va
  • 8,204 posts
Posted by IRONROOSTER on Tuesday, October 13, 2015 4:38 PM

The NMRA page for all standards and recommended practices is

http://nmra.org/index-nmra-standards-and-recommended-practices

Lots of good information.

Enjoy

Paul

If you're having fun, you're doing it the right way.

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