Oct 23 2008
What is “Scale”?
WHAT IS SCALE?
Scale is the size of your model and how it compares with the size of other things. It is a ratio. It is usually stated as two numbers: 1 to something (model:full size).
It is possible to create a miniature world around your model railroad and make the illusion that it is real last longer if all the items that you see at one time are of the same relative scale. Many manufacturers have worked to make their products accurate to a scale. They know this makes it more fun. They will prominently label any products that are compatible with a particular scale. Look for the numbers or two letter designation! If the scale is not shown on the packaging then it’s probably not any particular scale. It may still fit in, but you’ll have to make that decision.
A good example of something out of scale is when your pet hops over a model train. Most trains in the real world could not be easily hopped by your pet. This immediately breaks the illusion of a miniature, realistic scene, and spoils the fun. An example of something that is in scale is when your scene has a cat or dog that is much smaller than the train, perhaps less than half the height of one of the smaller train wheels.
Another example of being out of scale is when you reach down with your hand and move the train (rather than using a switch). This is jokingly referred to as “Giant Hand Operations”, because only a giant would have a hand that large and be in proper scale. (Of course you can move a model train by hand, it just breaks the illusion, and using a switch helps to keep the illusion.)
There are many different scales. Most have a letter or two that indicate what relative size they represent. A few of the most popular scales are - HO scale, N scale, G scale, O scale. Other scales include - F scale, S scale, and Z. There are more scales (like TT), but they are not used by many people and equipment is only available from a very limited number of sources. Each one has a different size and ratio to real world things. Stayed tuned, I’ll discuss each of the most popular scales briefly tomorrow.
If you are buying equipment and model accessories for your railroad scene try to keep them all in the same scale. The are many scales in many sizes. This may be a little confusing. Each one has its strengths and purposes, you decide what’s best for you. When you select the scale that you are going to model in, consider your available space, your interest in detail/realism, your eyesight, and general durability (for handling). HO scale is 1 to 87. This means that a 1 foot long model engine is equal to an 87 foot long real engine. The other way to say the same thing is that an 87 foot item would take 1 foot of space to model.
HO has been the most popular scale in US and continental Europe for over 20 years. Newer scales such as G and N are gaining popularity quickly and each have a significant share of the market. If a store or internet source specializes in one scale, it may not offer another scale for sale. Just keep looking.
Scale applies to all items in your scene. A 5 foot 6 inch tall person is 66 inches tall. To find the correct HO scale size simply divide 66 inches by 87. The result is 0.7586206 inches. A model 5 foot 6 inch tall person in HO scale would be about three-fourths (3/4) of an inch tall.
Have fun!
Trainguy
