Nov 13 2008
How To - Convert from one scale to another
How To - Convert from One Scale to Another
In the “How To - Model Buildings” post I mentioned converting a paper building in HO scale to other scales. The conversion process is to take the HO dimension and find the actual size and then convert the actual size to your preferred scale. A quicker method is to do a little math and then photo copy the paper building using the photo copier as your conversion device.
Only make copies for personal, non-commercial use after purchasing the book. You may need to make one or more copies to get from one size to another or to get the full item. Do NOT make additional copies for others. Do NOT post your copies on the internet. These books are copyrighted. Just as importantly, the books will go out of print and be unavailable if the publisher can’t sell them to legitimate customers.
To convert HO (1 to 87 scale) divide one foot by 87. 1 / 87 = 0.0114942529 feet for model. Convert N scale (1 to 160) divide one foot 160. 1 / 160 = 0.00625. To convert HO to N with a photocopier copy it at .544 or 54.4%.
For some manufacturers G scale is actually 3 foot narrow gauge in F scale. 3 foot gauge is the distance between the rails the scale remains the same regardless of the gauge. (Please note that some manufacturers use the 45 mm gauge track and other scales such as 22.5 and call it G. Check what scale you’re working in.) F scale divide 1 foot by 20.3 = 0.0492125984 feet for the model. To convert HO to F with a photocopier copy it at .42812 or 42.812%.
Have fun!
Trainguy
