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Model Railroad Scales

This is a partial list of model railroad scales, most of which are available in the U.S. today. Remember, gauge is the distance between the rails and not the size or scale of the model. Most scales have the same gauge of 4’ 8 1/2” (56.5”) which is standard gauge.

Scale Ratio Fraction Description

Z

1:220

-

Very small size, not good for small children

N

1:160

-

Second most common in U.S.

Nn3

1:160

-

Narrow gauge - 3’, also Nn2 and Nn2 1/2 - not common

TT

1:120

1/10"

Table Top - not common in U.S.

HO

1:87.1

-

“H Zero” is technically correct, but pronounced “H - Oh”. Most common scale in U.S. Derived from Half “O” scale

HOn3

1:87.1

-

Narrow Gauge - 3’, also HOn2 and HOn2 1/2, not as common

OO

1:76

-

S

1:64

3/16"

Sn3

1:64

3/16"

Narrow Gauge - 3’, also Sn2 and Sn2 1/2 - not common

O

1:48

1/4"

Pronounced “Oh”, but technically “Zero” 1.25” gauge

On3

1:48

1/4"

Narrow gauge - 3’, also On30(On2 1/2) and On2

Gauge 1

1:32

3/8"

Original 1.75” gauge is now obsolete, currently 45mm or 1.77" based on American Standard Gauge (56.5") and is refered to as "G Scale". Used as the standard for G scale track (45mm).

Gauge 2

-

-

Obsolete

G

1:29

-

Another size in the G Scale spectrum

Half

1:24

1/2"

Another size in the G Scale spectrum

G

1:22.5

-

G Scale based on the European Narrow Gauge (1m) designed to run on Gauge 1 (45mm) track

F (G)

1:20.3

-

Fine Scale or "F Scale" is another in the G Scale spectrum based on American Narrow Gauge (36”) on Gauge 1 (45mm) track

-

1:19

-

Another size in the G Scale spectrum, commonly used for live steam locomotives

-

1:16

3/4"

-

1:8

1 1/2"

Gauge 3

-

2.5"

2.5” gauge (obsolete)

Standard Gauge

-

-

2 1/8” gauge, Lionel, American Flyer and others

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