| When beginning, expanding, or integrating your hobby | | | | Model Trains |
| collection, selecting compatible sizes can be confusing. | | | | 1:20 to 1:22.5 is called G scale and is most associated |
| With such a wide range of hobbies and scales, how | | | | with garden trains. G gauge refers to the distance |
| can you fit together several different genres to create | | | | between the inside of the rails (1.75" or 45mm). Note: |
| interest? | | | | The USA G scale is 1:20.3 and is sometimes referred |
| Each hobby category has popular scales and many | | | | to as F scale. |
| scales have evolved since prewar years scaling both | | | | 1:43 and 1:48 or ¼ scale is associated with O |
| up and down with precision from 1:1000 up to a large | | | | scale trains with 2 or 3 rail tracks. This scale is |
| scale of 1:12. My grandfather for example artfully | | | | dominated by Lionel and is also the second most |
| welded together a model train that we could ride in | | | | popular scale for planes. You'll find compatible cars and |
| probably in a scale of about 1:7. By exploring the | | | | trucks in 1:43, 1:48, and 1:50 scale. |
| ranges from 1:12 to 1:220 we will cover most of the | | | | 1:64 is found in S scale model trains with the most |
| popular hobby genres. | | | | popular brand being the American Flyer. |
| Much like electrical standards, there is not a universal | | | | 1:87, the most popular railroad modeling scale, is called |
| worldwide hobby standard. For example, if you | | | | HO or Half O. |
| compare model trains in the US, the O gauge trains | | | | 1:160 is for N scale model trains which is gaining |
| are 1:48, while in Europe, the NEM standard for model | | | | popularity. The footprint typically hosts a 2" engine |
| railroading O gauge is 1:45, and in the UK O gauge is | | | | almost half the size of the HO train. The name comes |
| 1:43. | | | | from the N in the Nine mm distance between the |
| Let's compare the more common standards for | | | | tracks. |
| several hobby categories: | | | | 1:220 is the Z scale model train, the smallest train scale, |
| Dollhouses | | | | introduced by Marklin. It's just plain cute. |
| 1:12 is considered large scale and is most popular for | | | | Each of the railroad scales also offer a huge array of |
| dollhouses with ceilings 8-11" high. Consider this as 12 | | | | complementary structures, vehicles, boats, signs, |
| times smaller than a human house or 1 inch equal to 1 | | | | figures, etc. for extensive creative layouts. |
| foot. | | | | The scales vary widely between hobby categories, |
| 1:24, also called half scale, is the second most popular | | | | but you can integrate several for a realistic look and |
| scale for doll houses. Some detailed plane models also | | | | feel. Although many categories provide a wide variety |
| come 1:24 and 1:30. Here 1" equals 2 feet or is 24 | | | | of offerings within their realm, you can cross and mix |
| times smaller. | | | | more disciplines together for fun. For example, fly a |
| Model Aircraft | | | | 1:72 plane over a 1:75 ship model, or combine a 1:35 |
| 1:35 is used for helicopters. | | | | scale helicopter flying in range of your 1:24 doll house |
| 1:72 is most popular for aircraft, figures and vehicles | | | | and G scale train. |
| where 1" equals 6'. This crosses more genres than | | | | So, consider expanding your hobby genre for fun, |
| other scales. | | | | creativity, interest, and leisurely pleasure with a greater |
| Model Ships | | | | understanding of scale standards. |
| 1:75, 1:96, 1:108, 1:150 are all popular ship building sizes. | | | | |