Gauge Question

[Brik-el]

What Model Railroading Gauge does the Lego Trains closely represent.

I'm wondering, cause I'm gonna be using molded scenery and the such for my layout.

Thanks guys.

[AussieJimbo]

It's roughly between O Scale and Gauge 1 if you are doing 6 wide trains and rolling stock.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_transport_modelling_scales

That's based on the nominal minifig scale of 1:38 but in reality there is no real fixed Lego scale as it does vary a little depending on the set and what details you base your measurements on.

:classic:

[Brik-el]

It's roughly between O Scale and Gauge 1 if you are doing 6 wide trains and rolling stock.

http://en.wikipedia....odelling_scales

That's based on the nominal minifig scale of 1:38 but in reality there is no real fixed Lego scale as it does vary a little depending on the set and what details you base your measurements on.

:classic:

Thanks,

I'm pretty much going with a wilderness theme and was wandering about tree height.

Thanks again

[SavaTheAggie]

I would say 6 wide trains are about 1:60 scale. The track itself is about 1:40 scale (to US Standard gauge rail). I build my trains 8 wide, at about 1:48 scale, which is the US standard for O gauge.

But I consider a minifig to be roughly 5.5 to 6 feet in height with ridiculous width, as opposed a normal person of very small stature. It really depends on what you consider a minifig to be, and that's what you need to look at when considering trees (and everything else).

This thread on Flickr is great for discussing the different thoughts on the subject:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/legotrains/discuss/72157623038753275/

--Tony

[Brik-el]

I would say 6 wide trains are about 1:60 scale. The track itself is about 1:40 scale (to US Standard gauge rail). I build my trains 8 wide, at about 1:48 scale, which is the US standard for O gauge.

But I consider a minifig to be roughly 5.5 to 6 feet in height with ridiculous width, as opposed a normal person of very small stature. It really depends on what you consider a minifig to be, and that's what you need to look at when considering trees (and everything else).

This thread on Flickr is great for discussing the different thoughts on the subject:

http://www.flickr.co...57623038753275/

--Tony

Thanks alot!

I've been getting really antsy to build these last couple days.

By the way, that Engine is amazing.

[Brickthus]

Thanks alot!

I've been getting really antsy to build these last couple days.

By the way, that Engine is amazing.

I measured the track gauge at 37.8mm. If you're building to scale then the scale depends on which track gauge you are modelling.

If it's a standard gauge of 4'8.5" (1435.1mm) then the scale is 1:38.

Conveniently 1 stud to the foot is 1:38.1, so a 10ft wide train is 10 studs wide.

Less conveniently the large wheel sizes of some steam engines would struggle on standard curves. The BBB XL size is the largest that will go round on standard curved track. The standard BBB or Emerald Night driving wheels model wheels of 3'9" but, with a tolerance, anything between 3'6" and 4'6". That's why, for wheels larger than 5ft, I suspend them off the rails and a large steam engine becomes like a bogie vehicle.

It makes a minifig shorter to scale than the average person, but you can always add a plate or two to the legs, or use Woody legs from Toy Story sets.

I've built quite a few trains to the scale.

For large wheels I used to use 40-tooth cogs but more recently I have made my own from Model Team wheel hubs.

Mark

[LEGO Train 12 Volts]

I would say 6 wide trains are about 1:60 scale. The track itself is about 1:40 scale (to US Standard gauge rail). I build my trains 8 wide, at about 1:48 scale, which is the US standard for O gauge.

--Tony

Sava, I'm always impressed by the quality of your answer and your creations too!