train scaling

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

my computer went down and i lost a free program that allowed me to convert the train scale to actual inches so i can build to scale. it had a train image on it and was simple to use. anyone else have this or know of another simple program that would do the same?

thanks

2

A scale ruler works just as good. It is marked off in feet and inches for the scale you are modeling in. If the plan says 5 foot, you measure 5 foot on the scale ruler. They make one for every scale.

It’s the ‘hardware’ equivalent to the computer program you are looking for. AND . . . . you don’t have to use the computer to convert all the measurements. Much easier and faster.

3

I keep this on my bookmarks bar.

http://www.scalemotorcars.com/forum/scale_calculator.php

Edit; After posting I realized this calculator page is not there. Part way down the page there is a small scale calculator but it is nothing like the one that use to be on the link.

Brent[C):-)]

4

Here is an on-line calculator:

http://jbwid.com/scalcalc.htm

I usually use a program called 'Scalecalc". It is available here:

http://www.railsimstuff.com/tools.php

5

If you are looking at HO scale:

Scale Inches = (Actual Feet / 87) X 12 Inches/Foot

So, for a 40 foot box car: Scale Inches = (40/87) X 12 = 5.52 Inches

For N scale replace the 87 with 150:

So, for a 40 foot box car: Scale Inches = (40/150) X 12 = 3.2 Inches

6

That’s incorrect for US N scale, which is 1:160. And strictly speaking, HO is 1: 87.1, but that’s such a small difference that it doesn’t matter.