A Note on “Gauge” vs “Scale“

We are commonly asked about the difference between “gauge” vs “scale” when talking about the size of the tracks and equipment at NJLS, and in the hobby in general.

Gauge always refers to the distance between the rails of the track and is therefore always a fixed value (similar to HO, O, etc) for a given club track. NJLS has several different track gauges:
Gauge 1: Three 200′ loops (1 electrified loop)
3½”: 700′ elevated track
4¾”: 700′ elevated track
4¾”: 900′ ground track
7¼”: 2330′ in two loops (1080′ & 1250′)

Scale refers to the proportion of the individual pieces of equipment (cars and locomotives) relative to the full size, real life equipment and is therefore dictated by the individuals who built the equipment (hence why we formally only list by gauge rather than scale).

For prototype, real railroad equipment, “standard gauge” is 4′-8.5″ between the rails. Scaling it down:
•1/8th of full size (every 1.5″ on the model equals 1′ in real life, aka 1.5″ scale) fits on 7.25″ track 
•1/12th of the full size (every 1″ on the model equals 1′ in real life, aka 1″ scale) fits on 4-3/4″ track
•1/16th of full size (aka 3/4″ scale) fits on 3-1/2″ track
•1/32nd of full size fits on Gauge 1 track (1-3/4″)

However, folks also model *narrow gauge* prototypes that were 24″ gauge (such as the Maine Two-Footers), 30″ gauge, or 36″ gauge like the famous Denver and Rio Grande in Colorado, East Broad Top in PA, and equipment at Allaire State Park. Because the club tracks are a fixed gauge, folks who model narrow gauge prototypes have to increase the scale in order for the wheels to fit the fixed gauge of the track (much like HOn30 and On30 in the smaller scale models). These have become increasingly popular recently because the equipment is larger (easier to ride on) for a given track gauge. So….
•2.5″ scale is common for modelling 36″ narrow gauge on 7-1/4″ track
•3-3/4″ scale is common for modelling 24″ narrow gauge on 7-1/4″ track
•1.5″ scale is common for modelling 36″ narrow gauge on 4-3/4″ track
•1/20.3 scale is common for modelling 36″ narrow gauge on Gauge 1 track
-7/8″ scale is common for modelling 24″ narrow gauge on Gauge 1

All of the above scales are seen around NJLS, so be on the lookout at the next Run Day!

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