RAILWAY GUAGE

What Model Railway Guage Should I use?

One of the first dilemmas to hit a new model railroader is "What guage should I use?" And pretty soon, once you start to research, you will realise that the word is "gauge" and not "guage". But it's tricky when you're new to this.

Many are led by the recommendations of model railroad friends or family members. Many model railroaders are totally focussed on why one gauge is better than others.

In truth, there is no one gauge that is better than others. They all have their benefits and faults. It all comes down to personal preference.

Definition of Gauge

Rail gauge is the distance between the inner sides of the heads of the two load bearing parallel rails that make up a single railway line.

Popular Model Railway Guages

Some of the more popular gauges are:
- 0 scale (1:45 ratio, 16.5mm gauge)
- 00 scale (1:76 ratio, 16.5mm gauge)
- H0 scale (1:87 ratio, 16.5mm gauge)
- N scale (1:160 ratio, 9mm gauge)
- S scale (1:64 ratio, 22.42mm gauge)
- Z scale (1:220 ratio, 6.5mm gauge)

As you can see, gauge is not the same as scale. And there are many more scales and gauges to choose from than those listed above.

What Would You Recommend?

If you are an experienced model railroader, do you have a favourite scale or gauge? What would you recommend to others?

Leave your COMMENTS here.
 
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