What is Gauge vs. Scale?
For model trains, gauge is the measurement between the two outside rails of the track. For toy trains, gauge is the measurement from the center of the two outside rails. Standard gauges have been agreed upon to identify these dimensions. Those gauges are usually referred to by a single (or in some cases two) letter(s). In general, gauge is referencing specifically to the track size used. Scale is the fractional equivalent for the gauge. This fraction is actual inches as the numerator and original (prototype) inches as the denominator. Hence, 1/48 scale means that your scale model is 48 times smaller than the original (prototype). 1″ on your layout equates to 48″ on the original. Scale is also expressed as the two numbers separated by a colon. So, 1/48 scale can also be shown as 1:48. Scale is most often used to express the entire train layout, not just the size of track. Below is a chart of the most popular gauges of hobby railroads around the world. However, some other sizes exist onl
