Model Train Trees
Model Train Scale Tips: A Beginners Guide
Model train scales are a measurement of how large the train is, compared to the real thing. For beginners this can be the most confusing part of this hobby, and often the mistakenly mix up scale for gauge.
While this is a common misunderstanding, many train buffs will get quite angry if you mix up the two. Gauge is the distance between the rails on a track, not size.
First for the facts about model train scales. It is measured like this.
First thing you will notice when looking at a model train scales is a letter. Here are the most common lettering system, in order from largest to smallest.
While there are some others that can be larger or smaller, they are hard to find and some smaller sizes are difficult to work with, especially if you have large hands, or have arthritis. HO is probably the easiest to work with, find parts and accessories easily, and is one of the most common train scales.
In order from largest is G scale. These trains are 1:24, meaning they are only one twenty-fourth the size of a real train.
While you may think of these trains as the ones you may have seen circling a tree at Christmas time, they are larger than that. You would most often find this scale in a outside setting, intermingled in a garden or landscaping scene.
They are made to be rugged and durable and will take the stress of weather fairly well. The size commonly associated with Christmas trains are the 'O' model train scales, which are 1:48, meaning that they are 1 48th the size of a real train.
You mostly see these in the hands of smaller children, because of their size, they are easily handled by small ones. You will probably not see many of these train layouts indoors, because of the space they use.
HO is as mentioned earlier, the most common used and easily found. HO scale is 1:87, which is small enough to handle well, performs the best and is large enough to show case very well.
You will see these model train scales in most layouts, because of the accessibility of parts and miniatures that are available. This train size is ideal for the beginner, because it has many basic sets, and can be expanded as the user becomes more experienced.
The next two are N, which stands for nine, which is the space between the tracks for this model, 9mm. This scale is 1:160, and is small enough to display in a bedroom, or a garage setting.
Z scale is the smallest, 1:220, and a whole basic layout for this size can fit on a office or home desk top. However, this size is not advised for children of people with vision problems, etc. because it's so small.
Again gauge is the measured distance between the track, and there are many different gauges. Usually when you buy a set, you really don't have to worry about this, since the train and tracks always match.
When you are buying extra track, then you need to know what the gauge is, so you won't buy tracks that are too wide or narrow to match with the ones you have. With this information about model train scales, it should help you figure out which model trains are going to be right for you.
About the Author
Clint Spille is a model trains enthusiast who enjoys blogging about the World's Greatest Hobby. Stop by his blog where you can read his many articles on the model railroading hobby or watch the videos he provides on topics such as model railway trains, n Model Railroad and much more!
Model Train Trees
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 t118 300x Scale Train Model Trees 118mmH HO TT N  US $99.75
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 Woodland Scenics Scenery Lot Trees Foliage Grass Turf Model RR Train Stuff New US $69.95
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 Joshua Tree Background for Model Railroad Train N Gauge or HO Scale 60 x 14 US $48.00
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 VFVT021 10x Scale Train Fruit Layout Model Trees HO 64pcs 187 Painted Figures US $46.50
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 N14070 40 x Scale Train Model Trees 140mmH O HO US $45.13
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 VFVT020 10x Scale Train Fruit Layout Model Trees HO 64pcs 187 Painted Figures US $45.00
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 VFVT022 10x Scale Train Fruit Layout Model Trees HO 64pcs 187 Painted Figures US $45.00
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 R4316 400pcs Scale Train Layout Set Model Trees N 43mm US $44.99
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 VFVT004 2x Scale Train Acacia Layout Model Trees HO 64pcs 187 Painted Figures US $44.50
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 VFVT009 2x Scale Train Walnut Layout Model Trees HO 64pcs 187 Painted Figures US $44.50
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 VFVT010 2x Train Sycamore Layout Model Trees HO 64pcs 187 Painted Figures US $44.50
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 VFVT011 2x Scale Train Birch Layout Model Trees HO 64pcs 187 Painted Figures US $44.50
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 VFVT012 4x Scale Train Maples Layout Model Trees HO 64pcs 187 Painted Figures US $43.50
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 VFVT002 2x Train Swamp Oak Layout Model Trees HO 64pcs 187 Painted Figures US $42.50
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 VFVT006 2x Scale Train Ash Layout Model Trees HO 64pcs 187 Painted Figures US $42.50
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 VFVT023 10x Scale Train Fruit Layout Model Trees HO 64pcs 187 Painted Figures US $42.50
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 500 N Z Scale Train Scenery Layout Model Trees 38mm Mini War game trees G3813 US $41.99
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 VFVT008 2x Scale Train Oak Layout Model Trees HO 64pcs 187 Painted Figures US $40.50
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 VFVT014 2x Scale Model Train Nordmann Fir Trees HO 64pcs 187 Painted Figures US $40.50
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 VFVT019 2x Scale Train Fruit Layout Model Trees HO 64pcs 187 Painted Figures US $40.50
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 NM140 30 x Scale Train Model Trees 120mmH O HO US $40.38
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 500 N Z Scale Train Scenery Layout Model Trees 32mm Mini War game trees G3210 US $39.99
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 HO Model Train Scenery Car Tree Toy Tracking Software US $39.95
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 N14550 35 x Scale Train Model Trees 145mmH O HO US $37.81
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 VFN120 20 pcs Layout Train Model Trees HO 32 pcs 187 Painted Figures US $37.58
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 VFN155 20 pcs Layout Train Model Trees HO 32 pcs 187 Painted Figures US $37.58
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What scale size are warhammer 40k models?
O-scale, N-scale, HO-scale....? There are some really nice trees available at model train stores and online sites that are cheaper than GW terrain pieces that I've seen, and being that I'm historically horrible at making trees by hand, this seems like a viable option. Just wondering what scale I should consider?
Thanks to anyone who can help.
Hmm, I didn't find any Epic scale on the site so I gues it's 28mm size only nowadays.
There is no real fractional scale for Warhammer and most other figures in this size. "28mm" is just a reference measurement which is normally used to indicate the height of an average male in that "scale". Thing is though that Warhammer is not using natural proportions which means that if you would calculate it based on the height you'd get something like 1:60 and if you consider shoulderwidth it would be 1:43 or so. This is the reason why you often see that it's 1:35 tank models which have been converted for Warhammer. Anyway, for more info on scales: go to http://theminiaturespage.com and check the sculpting threads.
As to your question at hand, I'd take a figure to the train model store and simply compare it with the trees they have to see what looks good. Scalewise it would be O (1:43 UK, 1:45 Europe, 1:48 US) or S (1:64) which come closest. Thing is though that if it comes to bigger trees a true scale tree would be dominating a terrain piece very much. And you may not want that effect. So if you go for "represetative" trees check the HO scale as well. Also if you need a x-mas tree. 