Anyone know if there is a site where scale lumber equivalents are posted in English/metric/decimal ? ? I’m trying to equate if a 12"x12" timber converted to scale is the proper size for a large wooden trestle, for example I want to use 12"x12" timber in HO scale to build trestles, what size is a 12"x12" timber in HO scale in English and in decimal (I know the metric) so, as an example, am I correct that : 9/32 of an inch(English) equals .2969 of an inch(Decimal), now what size of scale model lumber would I use??? How do you measure .2969 of an inch on a ruler?? wouldn’t it be easier to just say go get a 8.5 in metric?? ------help ! ! By the way, is the U.S. the only country using English measurement?? how the he** can you measure 17/64 ths of an inch??? again, help.
I never measure in 32nds or 64ths. I use a dial caliper and a calculator. Once you start reducing to scale it really doesn’t matter whether you are in metric or English measure because none of the popular scales are multiples of 160, they are all odd ratios.
Dave H.
We use dial calipers and inch to decimal conversion charts. Then factor in that in the US a 2x4 is actually 1.5"x3.5" and that should REALLY make your head explode!
This might help.
http://www.seoconsultants.com/charts/inches-decimal/
If you really want to explode your head then remember that in the old days of the empre a 2 x 4 was more like 1 3/4 x 3 3/4 and at some point mioght have really measured 2’ x 4’ (at least before being dried). and what exactly is a cubit anyway - does it have anything to do with Rubik ? [:D] J.R.
12" x 12" is roughly 9/64". If you are looking for lumber in inch sizes you will have to go with 1/8 x 1/8 or 5/32 x 5/32.They don’t make sizes in 64ths. All I do to convert is lay my scale ruler against an inch or metric ruler and take the measurement.Whe you get down to 64ths of an inch it takes a real good eye to notice.
A cubit is the length from your elbw to the end of your hand.
I think this illustrates the concept better than me trying to put it to words.
Midwest Scale Lumber (a brand name) lists the different scales and actual measurements on the outside of their packages. This can be handy. Most “scale lumber” is most accurate in the 1/4" scale, and for H0 it is in terms of 1/8th" scale instead of the british 1/87.
In 1/8 scale, a 12x12 would be 1/8 x 1/8 or .125 (remember when you made that 283 into a 301?).
Wood trestles are better if built with 9x9’s which would be 3/16ths in 0 scale, and 3/32ths for H0
This English System of measurement is based on the human scale where it will relate to people and their actual needs, rather some ‘French’ ideal based on the diameter of the earth that doesn’t relate to anything but the number ten
17/64ths is a BS number. Smaller than 18/64, and larger than 16/64 which is 8/32 or 4/16 or 2/8 or 1/4", only larger by 1/64.
Don’t let all these numbers mix you up. There is plenty of wiggle room when building in H0.
-rrick
Why not just use HO scale lumber? Kappler, Nothreastern, and Mt. Albert make it in exact sizes. Larger LHSs should have it or you can order it online.
If this is a heavy duty main line trestle, use the thicker 1/8" wood. For a light duty branchline trestle, use the thinner 3/32" wood. A friend of mine built one using some 1/16" wood, resulting in a very spindly looking thing, which was very suitable for his Shay and logging operations.
Unless this is a contest quality model in which judges will measure it with calipers, then nobody’s going to notice or care if it’s a couple scale inches off one way or another. I have seen trestles built with 14"x14" timbers, as well as 10"x10" boards. So, don’t let exact figures worry you that much.
Brad
I use 1/4 and 1/8 inch square dowels-
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Strong
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cheaper than the same thing with micro enterprises name on it- and they buy it from someone else too.
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it’s on the shelf- no shipping or markup.
Noth Eastern puts out a ruler that is notched with all the lumber sizes. Got a piece of lumber just put it the right slot to determine the size. Maritime Hobbies and Crafts sells them.
Fergie