What is the scale used for building HO scale structures, ex. houses, factories, barns, etc…?
From Wilipedia:
According to the NMRA standard S-1.2 predominantly used in North America, in HO scale, 3.5 mm (0.1378 in) represents 1 real foot (304.8 mm); this ratio works out to about 1:87.1
Buildings sold a HO scale should be close to 1:87, but not all are close.
Hi,
The Official scale for HO is 3.5 mm to 1 foot. That can be a bit cumbersome for those of us that live in the world of inches, feet, & miles.
Another way to look at it - to “ballpark” it, is to use 1/8 inch to the foot. According to my micrometer, 1/8 inch is almost exactly 3 mm. So, for quick and dirty measurements, 1/8 inch is reasonable.
i just divide the prototype dimensions by 87 and then use my cheapy digital caliper to measure things.
General makes a stainlee steel scale ruler that is most helpful, it is their part number 1251.
charlie
Or you could just print out an HO scale ruler…
http://www.miniature-planet.com/scale_rulers.php
Steve S
lets make it clickable:
http://www.miniature-planet.com/download/scale_rulers/printable_scale%20ruler_1_87.pdf
[8-|]
Ther are two scale rulers available: Walthers and General. For my two cents, they are both the same animal, and they are graduated in several scales, which will be handy for scaling down drawings, photos, etc, in other scales. I urge you to purchase one or two. They save a lot of work.
On buildings: I get the impression yo uare relatively new to this game. I have been using kits mfgred by"RDA" headquarted in Monson, Mass. These are really good kits, relatively inexpensive, and well, described. The company is receptive to questions also. I also do Bar Mills, South River and Sellios’s creations, but for m y money, these are really good, and look good as well. Good luck.
RIch C.