how to find out what scale you model train is

[traindriver101]

Dear Mr Bachmann i have a question for you concerning how to find what scale my model train is? if you now how please reply back


thanks traindriver101

[ABC]

Figure out how big it is in comparison to a real train, by taking a measurement. So if you have a model of a 40 foot boxcar and it is 20 feet long it is 1:2 scale, if it is 10 feet long it is 1:4 scale, if it is 5 feet long it is 1:8 scale, if it is 2.5 feet long it is 1:16 scale, if it is 1.25 feet long it is 1:32 scale, if it is .63 feet long it is 1:64 scale, and etc...
A typical H0 (1:87) engine is 50 mm (2") tall, and 100 mm to 300 mm (4" to 12") long.
Common scales (40 foot boxcar length)
Z-scale (1:220) .18 feet
N scale (1:160 to 1:144) .25 feet to .28 feet
Ho Scale (1:87) .46 feet
S Scale (1:64) .63 feet
O Scale (1:43 to 1:48) .93 feet to .83 feet
G Scale (1:20.3 to 1:32) 2 feet to 1.25 feet

[fieromike]

Or you could just measure the distance between the rails:

Large Scale:  1.768"(mostly)
O (1:48):      1.252"
HO:               .651"
N:                 .355"
Z:                 .259"

Mike
KISS, AR

[Joe Satnik]

Dear TD,

The 3 most popular scales:

http://z.about.com/d/modeltrains/1/0/W/-/-/-/Scales.png

O top, HO middle, N bottom.

If you have a hobby shop nearby, I'm sure they would be happy to tell you your scale.  

Hope this helps.

Let us know what you find out.  

Sincerely,

Joe Satnik