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Model Train Scales: Z Scale, N Scale, G Scale And Ho Scale
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Published: November 9, 2007
Model trains are popular among many hobbyists today for their realistic and intricate details. Model railroading, also known as railway modeling, involves the recreation of rail transport systems and train models using a ratio or reduced scale. Model railroading does not involve scaling the model trains and railroads alone, but also the other participants and landmarks of a busy metropolis or country rail system setting, such as buildings, streets, vehicles, landscapes and many others.
This is done in order to make the miniature version as realistic as possible.
Model railroading mainly involves the utilization of scales, which can simply be defined as the reduced size of an object based on its actual size. Therefore, for those interested in taking model railroading as hobby, it is important to have basic knowledge on what scales are commonly used for model trains.
Most model trains are scaled using the popular HO scale, or the 1:87 scale, which means that the actual version of the model trains are 87 times bigger. In the HO scale, 1 foot of the actual object is equivalent to 3.5 millimeters for the scale model, and the rails are commonly spaced by 16.5 millimeters. About 70% of model railroaders use this scale because it is big enough to allow various extensive details, excellently blends with most types of sceneries and occupies reasonable amounts of space. As such, there are wide varieties of kits, supplies and model trains available for hobbyists of all social status and interest levels.
The smallest model railway scale available to hobbyists is the Z scale or 1:220 scale, with only 6.5 millimeters of track gauge. This means that the actual version is 220 times bigger than the model train. Because of their very small size, Z scale model trains are best for display on very limited spaces. Although the parts for Z scale model trains are priced higher compared to more popular scales such as the HO scale, many model railroaders are still interested and challenged in building these very small model trains.
Another popular scale is the N scale, which may range from 1:48 up to 1:160, depending on the manufacturer, but uses a 9 millimeter track gauge regardless of scale used. This scale is popular among hobbyists because it allows them to create layouts that do not take up much space for their model trains. Because of this, N scale models are more popular in Japan, where home space is often limited.
The G scale is a model train scale primarily used for outdoor model railroading. The model trains built using the G scale actually varies in size based on the country or system where it is used. This scale varies from 1:22.5 up to 1:25. Sometimes referred to as large scale trains, G scale model trains are the largest models powered by electricity. Because of their size, these model trains are often installed outdoors, especially in gardens.
There is no doubt that model trains are fascinating intricate works of art, skillfully done by the mastery of detailed reconstruction using model scales. These scales aid model railroaders not only in choosing the right size for their model trains, but also for the purpose of building model railroads. Smaller scales are usually used by hobbyists who want to put emphasis on the layout, while larger scales are used to put emphasis on the model trains.
Sources:
"Model trains." Wikipedia.org. 9 Nov. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_trains.
"Z Scale." Wikipedia.org. 25 Sept. 2007. 9 Nov. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Z_scale.
"G Scale." Wikipedia.org. 20 Aug. 2007. 9 Nov. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G_scale.
"HO Scale." Wikipedia.org. 22 Oct. 2007. 9 Nov. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H0_scale.
"N Scale." Wikipedia.org. 6 Nov. 2007. 9 Nov. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N_scale.
Martin, Jason. "Model Train Scales." ArticleJoe.com. 9 Nov. 2007. http://www.articlejoe.com/Article/Model-Train-Scal es/5153.
Related Articles
Model railroading mainly involves the utilization of scales, which can simply be defined as the reduced size of an object based on its actual size. Therefore, for those interested in taking model railroading as hobby, it is important to have basic knowledge on what scales are commonly used for model trains.
Most model trains are scaled using the popular HO scale, or the 1:87 scale, which means that the actual version of the model trains are 87 times bigger. In the HO scale, 1 foot of the actual object is equivalent to 3.5 millimeters for the scale model, and the rails are commonly spaced by 16.5 millimeters. About 70% of model railroaders use this scale because it is big enough to allow various extensive details, excellently blends with most types of sceneries and occupies reasonable amounts of space. As such, there are wide varieties of kits, supplies and model trains available for hobbyists of all social status and interest levels.
The smallest model railway scale available to hobbyists is the Z scale or 1:220 scale, with only 6.5 millimeters of track gauge. This means that the actual version is 220 times bigger than the model train. Because of their very small size, Z scale model trains are best for display on very limited spaces. Although the parts for Z scale model trains are priced higher compared to more popular scales such as the HO scale, many model railroaders are still interested and challenged in building these very small model trains.
Another popular scale is the N scale, which may range from 1:48 up to 1:160, depending on the manufacturer, but uses a 9 millimeter track gauge regardless of scale used. This scale is popular among hobbyists because it allows them to create layouts that do not take up much space for their model trains. Because of this, N scale models are more popular in Japan, where home space is often limited.
The G scale is a model train scale primarily used for outdoor model railroading. The model trains built using the G scale actually varies in size based on the country or system where it is used. This scale varies from 1:22.5 up to 1:25. Sometimes referred to as large scale trains, G scale model trains are the largest models powered by electricity. Because of their size, these model trains are often installed outdoors, especially in gardens.
There is no doubt that model trains are fascinating intricate works of art, skillfully done by the mastery of detailed reconstruction using model scales. These scales aid model railroaders not only in choosing the right size for their model trains, but also for the purpose of building model railroads. Smaller scales are usually used by hobbyists who want to put emphasis on the layout, while larger scales are used to put emphasis on the model trains.
Sources:
"Model trains." Wikipedia.org. 9 Nov. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_trains.
"Z Scale." Wikipedia.org. 25 Sept. 2007. 9 Nov. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Z_scale.
"G Scale." Wikipedia.org. 20 Aug. 2007. 9 Nov. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G_scale.
"HO Scale." Wikipedia.org. 22 Oct. 2007. 9 Nov. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H0_scale.
"N Scale." Wikipedia.org. 6 Nov. 2007. 9 Nov. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N_scale.
Martin, Jason. "Model Train Scales." ArticleJoe.com. 9 Nov. 2007. http://www.articlejoe.com/Article/Model-Train-Scal es/5153.
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