Train Trader ~ An Explnation Of Scale

The scale of a model is expressed as a fraction of the real thing. For instance an HO scale locomotive is exactly 1/87th of the size of the real thing. If you laid 87 HO scale locos end to end, they would be as long as the actual loco in real life.

Scale

Size In Relation To The Real Thing

Track Width Inside To Inside

Approximate Length Of 50' Car

Minimum Curve Radius

Z

1:220

6.5mm

2 3/4"

5 3/4"

N

1:160

9.0mm

3 3/4"

7 1/2"

HO

1:87

16.5mm

7"

15"

S

1:64

7/8"

9 1/4"

22 1/2"

O

1:48

1 1/4"

12 1/2"

24"

G

1:22.5

1 3/4"

19"

24"

Track gauge refers to the distance between the inside running edge of the rails.

The minimum curve radius refers to the tightest curve that most model equipment in that scale can handle. In HO scale, for example, most railroaders use 18" as the minimum radius, and a lot of them use a larger range for their mainlines.

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