Model Trams Model Tram Scales/Gauges

Model Trams Scales and Gauges

A wide variety of model scale ratios and associated track gauges are in active use in Britain for model trams and tramways. The main scales used are:

1: 5 (metre gauge) and 1: 8 (standard gauge) are used for some British models for running on garden tracks with 7.25" gauge.

1: 12, also know as 1" scale, is used for a few large scale British models in standard and narrow gauges.

1: 16, also know as 3/4" scale, is used for most large scale British models running on 3.5" (or 2 5/8") gauge track to TLRS scale standards. Some model parts can be obtained from the TLRS model engineering secretary. There are both garden tramways and exhibition layouts.

1: 19, also know as 5/8" scale, is used for a few large scale British models.

1: 22.5, also known as G scale, is used for continental metre gauge models and some British narrow gauge models, representing 3' and 3'6" gauge. The track gauge is 45 mm and there are both garden tramways and exhibition layouts. The main ready-to-run model tramcar manufacturers are LGB and Bachmann.

1: 24, also know as 1/2" scale, is used for some British and Australian models.

1: 32, also know as 3/8" scale or 1 gauge, is used for some British models in standard and narrow gauges. It is nearly 10mm to the foot.

1: 43.5 is British O gauge and has a moderate range of parts and model kits available. It is based on 7mm to the foot. The American O gauge is 1: 48 and some other models are available in 1: 45 scale. Some American diecast models are available in 1: 50 scale, such as the Corgi PCC.

1: 64 is S gauge and has a small following, mainly in America. It is nearly 5mm to the foot, which is 1: 60.5. Some die-cast Preston style model tramcars are produced by Corgi in S scale, with motorising kits from KW Trams.

1: 76 is British OO gauge and is the main modelling scale with a track gauge of 16.5 mm. It is based on 4mm to the foot. There is a good range of model kits available in plastic, whitemetal and etched brass. There is a wide range of parts, transfers, track and overhead components. Some die-cast model trams are produced by EFE and Corgi in OO scale. Kits are produced by several firms, such as KW Trams. Another common modelling scale in Britain is 1:72, particularly for model aircraft.

1: 87 is used for continental and American HO gauge with a track gauge of 16.5 mm. It is based on 3.5mm to the foot. There is a modest range of imported ready to run models from manufacturers such as Bachmann, Hamann, Roco and Lima. There is a good range of model kits produced by several firms, such as BEC-KITS and Model tram street track is available from Hartel.

1: 100 for British TT gauge and 1: 120 for continental TT gauge are occasionally used for tramway models, with TTn3 narrow gauge models on 9 mm N gauge track.

1: 132 is the "Lesney" scale as used for by Lesney for the Matchbox London tram and has been adopted by some modellers for other trams running on 9 mm N gauge track.

1: 148 for British N gauge and 1: 160 for continental and American N gauge are becoming more popular with the introduction of commercial tramway models by Bachmann and Kato.

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