The new MTH catalog advertises a French “Orient Express” 2-3-1 (“Pacific”) locomotive, with the illustration apparently being a Rivarossi HO model. This looks very nice, but as a collector of French model/toy trains I see a problem. The model is advertised as being in 1:48 scale, the American standard for O-gauge. Probem is: the European standard is 1:43.5, and people like me want trains that are consistent with this standard. If the MTH model doesn’t conform to the scale of my other French (and English) trains, then I will have no interest. Is MTH missing the boat on this? Apparently they will offer cars in the Orient Express consist to the same 1:48 scale. Comments? Richard W. in California
I have no problem with it… they are an American Company who’s main target audience and customer is Americans… they make most of their money here and their trains are based on American standards… not European standards…
Just My Humble Opinion.
European O scale is 1/45 and is correct for a 32 millimeter (1 1/4 inch) track gauge. British O scale is 1/43.5 (7 millimeters/foot) and is correct for 33 millimeters.
It’s a 3 rail Toy Train and I like it because I liked the movie. I’m glad to see somebody start making foreign trains, and I don’t care about 1:43.5 or :48 or other such measurements.If they make it I will buy it. My twelve foot tall gateman will shake his lantern at it when it rolls on by[:D]
as long as it runs on 3 rails,I don’t care what the scale is. easter
This is a Premier scale engine that retails for $1000.00. It had better be 1/48 or there will be some pretty unhappy purchasers. If it was a RailKing, they could make it whatever size they want.