| Crossing and integrating the hobby scale genre can | | | | scale trains with 2 or 3 rail tracks. This scale is |
| be confusing. What are the standards? Which are | | | | dominated by Lionel. This size is also the second |
| most prevalent and will they fit together? | | | | most popular scale for planes. And, compatible cars |
| Much of the confusion of such wide spread standards | | | | and trucks are found in 1:43, 1:48, and 1:50 scale. |
| is due to several factors. First, different | | | | - 1:64 is S scale model trains with the most popular |
| manufacturers have standardized on different scales. | | | | being the American Flyer. |
| Each hobby category has a popular scale and many | | | | - 1:72 is most popular for aircraft, figures and vehicles |
| scales have evolved since prewar years scaling both | | | | where 1" equals 6'. This crosses more genres than |
| up and down with precision from 1:1000 up to large | | | | other scales. |
| scale of 1:12. And, the larger riding models go well | | | | - 1:87 is the most popular railroad modeling scale called |
| beyond that scale. | | | | HO, half O. Each of the railroad scales also offer |
| To add to the confusion, Europe and Britain have | | | | complementary structures, vehicles, boats, signs, |
| standardized differently from the US. For example, in | | | | figures, etc. |
| the US, the O gauge trains are 1:48, in the UK they | | | | - 1:75, 1:96, 1:108, 1:150 are all popular ship building |
| are 1:43 and in Europe per MOROP, the NEM | | | | sizes. |
| standards for model railroading O gauge is 1:45. | | | | - 1:160 is for N scale model trains which is gaining |
| Let's explore the more common standards across | | | | popularity. The footprint typically hosts a 2" engine |
| several hobby genres. | | | | almost half the size of the HO train. The name |
| - 1:12 is considered large scale and is most popular for | | | | comes from the N in the Nine mm distance between |
| doll houses with ceilings 8-11" high. Consider this as 12 | | | | the tracks. |
| times smaller than a human house or 1 inch equal to 1 | | | | - 1:220 is the Z scale model train, the smallest train |
| foot. | | | | scale, introduced by Marklin. It's just plain cute. |
| - 1:20 to1:22.5 is called G scale and is most associated | | | | The scales vary widely between hobby categories, |
| with garden trains. G gauge refers to the distance | | | | but you can integrate several for a realistic look and |
| between the inside of the rails (1.75" or 45mm). Note: | | | | feel. Although many categories provide a wide |
| The USA G scale is 1:120.3 and is sometimes referred | | | | variety of offerings, you can cross and mix more |
| to as F scale but runs on the same rail size. | | | | disciplines together for fun. For example, hang a 1:35 |
| - 1:24 is also called half scale. It is the second most | | | | scale helicopter in range of your 1:24 doll house and O |
| popular scale for doll houses. Some detailed plane | | | | scale train. And, perhaps this could help to expand |
| models also come 1:24 and 1:30. So, 1" equals 2 feet | | | | your hobby business. |
| or is 24 times smaller. | | | | Now paint clouds, make mountain ranges and city |
| - 1:35 is used for helicopters. | | | | skylines for a room full of fun and wonder, all scaled |
| - 1:43 and 1:48 or ¼ scale is associated with O | | | | for a magical tour. |