Comments on: Scale Comparisons N and HO and 00and ON30 – UK and USA https://blog.model-train-help.com/2016/03/scale-comparisons-n-and-ho-and-00and-on30-uk-and-usa.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=scale-comparisons-n-and-ho-and-00and-on30-uk-and-usa Model railroads and model trains Tue, 19 Apr 2016 00:28:15 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 By: Frank B https://blog.model-train-help.com/2016/03/scale-comparisons-n-and-ho-and-00and-on30-uk-and-usa.html#comment-13080 Tue, 19 Apr 2016 00:28:15 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=4009#comment-13080 The standard railway loading gauge (alowable width and height of rolling stock) is smaller in Britain than in the USA and Europe. So Britsh trains are smaller.

Therefore, when HO (1/87) model trains were invented, using the smallest available motors at the time, British models (running on the same track) had to be a slightly larger scale 00 (1/76) to get the same motors in.

British N = 1/148, US N = 1/160;
British O = 1/43, US O = 1/48.

(Presumably for the same reason.)

]]> By: Frank B https://blog.model-train-help.com/2016/03/scale-comparisons-n-and-ho-and-00and-on30-uk-and-usa.html#comment-13079 Tue, 19 Apr 2016 00:12:54 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=4009#comment-13079 Main Commercial Scales
Gauge Scale

N (UK) 9mm 1:148
N (US) 9mm 1:160
H0 (UK) 16.5mm 1:87
00 (US) 16.5mm 1:76
0 (US) 32mm 1:48
0 (UK) 32mm 1:43.5
_________

Less Common Scales
Gauge Scale

T 3mm 1:450
Z 6.5mm 1:220
S 22.42mm 1:64
1 45mm 1:32
G 45mm Various
_________

Full details:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_transport_modelling_scales

]]> By: Denis Bagwell-Johnston https://blog.model-train-help.com/2016/03/scale-comparisons-n-and-ho-and-00and-on30-uk-and-usa.html#comment-12861 Fri, 01 Apr 2016 16:31:53 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=4009#comment-12861 sorry Jamie,

I’m afraid you’re wrong. British ‘N’ is not 1/160 but 1/148 and Japanese ‘N’ is 1/150. In the UK we tend not to use HO and use OO which is 1/76. Hope that helps.

Denis

]]> By: Jamie https://blog.model-train-help.com/2016/03/scale-comparisons-n-and-ho-and-00and-on30-uk-and-usa.html#comment-12845 Fri, 01 Apr 2016 04:12:12 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=4009#comment-12845 Hi Jordy,

As I understand it, the scale is the same in the U.K. as it is here in North America. The only difference is which scales are more popular in a given region. Many modellers take into consideration how much space they have for their layout, how much they want to depict within that space, and what the common sizes are of model clubs/groups in their area, as well as availability of engines, rolling stock scenery and so on at their local hobby shop. If you do a Google Image search on “Model Railroad Scale comparison” you will find a LOT of info. In short: G=1:22.5, O=1:48, S=1:64 On30=1:48, HO=1:87, HOn3=1:87, N=1:160 and Z=1:220 regardless of which side of the pond you are on. I hope that helps.

Jamie

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