scale weight

[full maxx]

how does one go about figuring the correct weight for model trains to be correct in scale compared to their 1:1 counterpart

[Joe Satnik]

Dear FM,

Cube of the scale times the prototype weight,  though I think the NMRA formula for model train car weight is much different than that.  (See nmra.org)

For example, HO = 1:87, cubed = 1/87 times 1/87 times 1/87 = 1/658503

80 tons = 160,000 lbs = 2,560,000 oz. , times 1/658503 = 3.9 oz. 

Hope this helps. 

Sincerely,

Joe Satnik

 

[full maxx]

can you put that in english...just kidding thanks

[full maxx]

one last question...where do you get scales to weigh your engines and cars to be accurate or how do you know the purchase weight of you engines and cars

[WoundedBear]

Micro-Mark has a car weighting system/kit....reasonably priced too.

http://www.micromark.com/CAR-WEIGHTING-SYSTEM,8935.html

Sid

[full maxx]

sweet I like that

[Jim Banner]

Bought a used postal scale at a garage sale about 40 years ago.  Accurate enough for weighting cars.

Jim

[Nigel]

one last question...where do you get scales to weigh your engines and cars to be accurate or how do you know the purchase weight of you engines and cars

Or you can a postal scale, Wal-mart, office depot, etc have them.