Model Trains FAQ
I would like info on model scales. While sizes are larger than others?
A models scale is an indicator of the ratio of the model to the real item (car, plane, train etc.). Model scales are often represented as 1:48 or 1/48. In this example, one inch of the model would represent 48 inches on the real item. In a nutshell, the smaller the last number in a scale, the bigger the size model will be. For example, a model that is 1/4 scale is 25% the size of the full size version, and 1/10 scale is 10% of the size of the full size version.
It depends therefore on the full sized version of the item that the model replicates. All models with the same scale will not be the same size as they are a scale of the real item (car, plane etc.).
It should be noted also that different companies will use different scales.
A partial list of some popular scales are:
Cars - 1/24, 1/25, 1/32, 1/43
Planes - 1/32, 1/48, 1/72, 1/144
Ships - 1/350, 1/700
Military Equipment - 1/16, 1/32, 1/35, 1/72
Railroad scales have an added element due to historical circumstances. Model railways were originally scaled using gauge, which referred to the distance between rails. The standard gauge in a 1:1 ratio would equate to 4' 8.5". This gauge is then reduced to scale and that scale is given a shortened Alpha/Numeric indicator. HO scale for example is 1/87 of the standard gauge (4' 8.5") or approximately 0.65" between rails. While international standard confuse the issue a bit some popular railroad scales are:
HO - 1/87 (the most popular size)
HOn3 - 1/87 running on narrow gauge track
O - 1/48 (US), 1/43.5 (UK), 1/45 (Germany)
N - 1/148 to 1/160
Z - 1/220
G - G scale generally refers to garden railways of narrow gauge prototypes.
G Gauge scale ranges approximately from 1/19 to 1/29, according to the size and gauge of the prototype.
I’m looking at the Bachmann (BAC44905) DCC control system and I just wondering if has everything needed to convert to DCC?
Yes, this DCC set includes everything needed to convert your existing Bachmann HO scale set to a DCC ready set. Basically, this set replaces your locomotive, command center, and power supply switching everything to DCC.
I recently DCC equipped a locomotive and was wondering if I could add sound to it?
Yes, you can! A product such as the MRC0001665 Sounder Decoder is an add-on to any existing DCC locomotive. It includes the sound decoder and speaker.
