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How to Make Railroad Ties?
Daniel asks readers:
“I want to make my own O scale ties. What are the correct dimensions for the ties? Please in fractions of an inch. Thanks.”
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
I would research the actual size of a railroad tie or go find one and measure it. Then take the measurements and do a scale conversion. I would think that would get you pretty close.
Good Luck…
As Russ suggested there is a free conversion calculator at http://www.modelbuildings.org/free-calculator-tools.html
Hi Daniel, in the U.S. the standard tie is 6 in x 7 in x 8 ft and longer for turnouts and other special uses. The switch stand ties are between 10 ft and 12 ft long. Good luck with your project. Tim
Standard ties are 7″ high x 9″ wide x 8 ft long from the Railway Tie Association.
http://www.rta.org/assets/docs/rtaspecificationsbooklet.pdf
Since O-gauge is 1:48 scale the ties would be
9/64″ high x 3/16″ wide x 2 inches long
I hope you don’t have a large layout. That’s a lot of work making ties not to mention securing the rails.