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1:87 Scale Scratch Building Structures
Franklin asks:
“I going to have a go at scratch building my own houses and possibly other buildings for my 8 x 4 1:87 scale layout, but I don’t know how to calculate the sizes of walls, roofs, etc. Seems complicated. Can anyone help?”
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Franklin, the easiest way is to use some of the dimensions on the following website as a guide. Each webpage has charts with OO, HO, N scale, and prototype sizes for their models. Here is an example https://www.modelbuildings.org/house-series-1/
If you know the prototype size then the same website has a conversion calculator (no cost) which also does 1:87 https://www.modelbuildings.org/scale-conversion-calculator/
Good luck with your scratch building.
The easiest thing is to get a scale ruler. Then you can transfer full scale measurements. For HO 3.5 mm = 1 foot.
Yep that’s a good idea too!
There is an app. It’s called model scaler. It does all scales and is a life saver. In Google Play store.
The National Railroad Modeler Association Inc (NMRA Inc) supplies scale conversion charts to new members. Joining fees are moderate and the help is priceless
Divide 1 by 87. The result is 0.0114942. That equals one inch in 1:87. Multiply by 12 = 1 foot, etc.
You can download a free printable ruler here…
https://www.printablerulers.net/click2.php
Now if I can just get my printer to scale it right…. 😉