The Model Railroading thread

[Sailor Steve]

Originally Posted by Herr-Berbunch

Surely a half scale of 1/43 would be 1/86.

You would think so, but both scales were imprecise at first and even now vary with different standards for European and American modelmakers. Don't even get me started on HOn3
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O_scale
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HO_scale

Also, were you aware that some dedicated enthusiasts lay their own track, using tiny wooden ties and scale spikes holding down the individual rails?

[Herr-Berbunch]

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

You would think so, but both scales were imprecise at first and even now vary with different standards for European and American modelmakers. Don't even get me started on HOn3


Also, were you aware that some dedicated enthusiasts lay their own track, using tiny wooden ties and scale spikes holding down the individual rails?

And our British OO scale

I wasn't aware of those people, but I could've guessed. Great if you've got the time and patience (and skill!), but not me.

[Betonov]

A friend of mine makes some extra cash by building Slovenian and Yugoslav engines. Only diesel or electric. He doesn't have the patience for steam.

I'll try to make a few pictures the next time I'm there

[Oberon]

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

You would think so, but both scales were imprecise at first and even now vary with different standards for European and American modelmakers. Don't even get me started on HOn3
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O_scale
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HO_scale

Also, were you aware that some dedicated enthusiasts lay their own track, using tiny wooden ties and scale spikes holding down the individual rails?

Over here we have the OO which is similar to HO in scale (4mm to HOs 3.5mm), but you are correct the scale is imprecise and because of that some modellers started the EM and P4 scales which scale closer to reality than OO. Of course it's quite a niche sector and most 'ready to run' models are OO, N or sometimes O.

Meanwhile in Japan (who are also quite crazy about trains in a manner that only the Japanese can be) they have invented "T-scale" which is 1:480, and has magnetic wheels.


An N-gauge Class 08 shunter and a T-gauge Japanese power car for comparison.

Personally, I'm a OO or N man, although the cost of N gauge equipment is...quite high, and my fingers are...quite large. My Dad always wanted to get himself a garden railway, so he has a little Gauge 1 railway at the bottom of his garden now. He used to use track current but has found it to be too unreliable so he uses battery locos now.

[AVGWarhawk]

I have some N gauge and do enjoy the smaller scale quite a bit.