Correct scale for O Gauge

O scale is 1/48. 1/43 will work, however they’re just a little too large to be accurate to O scale. Just place those pieces a little further back on the layout, to minimize noticing the slight size difference.

O Scale is technically 1:48, but it is easy to get away with 1:43 through 1:50 or similar sized items. This doesn't take in to account forced perspective where even smaller items can be utilized to give the illusion of depth.

Oddly, O Scale and O Gauge both fit on track with 1.25" between the rails which is not a prototype of the US Standard railroad gauge of 4 feet, 8.5 inches. Also, some O gauge models are actually 3/16 scale, as with Prewar American Flyer Trains that became S gauge after the war.

My recommendation would be 1:50 if you can get them, especially if some of your trains are "traditional sized," i.e., not quite full-scale.  Also, I prefer to keep the emphasis on the trains.

Yep, I think 1:50 works best.

Either 1:43 or 1:50 will work. In bulldozers, probably there is more available in 1:50.

Pat

Thank you everyone 

Correct scale for O gauge track is 17/64 to the inch.  Lionel got it right with that UP streamliner of 1939.

Most of the construction equipment like CAT bulldozers are made in 1:50th scale. 

Andrew

Check diecastdirect.com for 1:50th scale bulldozers

In the 1930’s and 1940’s there was quite a bit of debate about what O gauge should standardize on, 17/64 or 1/4. There were many models produced to 17/64, go to any O scale meet and most likely you will see one or two of the bigger models there.

falconservice posted:

Check diecastdirect.com for 1:50th scale bulldozers

 

Also, check Menard's "O Gauge Diecast" section for 1:50th scale construction vehicles and equipment.

Guitarmike posted:

In the 1930’s and 1940’s there was quite a bit of debate about what O gauge should standardize on, 17/64 or 1/4. There were many models produced to 17/64, go to any O scale meet and most likely you will see one or two of the bigger models there.

I have a crude 17/64" K4s from the 30s.  When placed side by side with a 1/4" K4s there is a clear difference.  However, most people would be hard pressed to tell the difference when not placed side by side. 

I took these photos nearly 10 years ago.  The top one in the first photo is a Williams.  I have yet to determine the manufacturer of the 17/64 one though I've had some knowledgeable people look at it.  

I was going to guess at Scale Craft, but it is a bit too crude for that.  Early Egolf, or maybe scratchbuilt?

I have a lot of 17/64 locomotives - they look fine pulling 1/4" scale cars.  They make the track look way better when viewed from in front.

Like the other contributors 1/48 or 1/50 vehicles work best. I have several 1/43 scale trucks and only the pickups will fit in. The other trucks I have that are 1/43 scale are way to large. Cars are best at 1/48 or 1/50. Depending though you might be able to use some 1/43 depending on manufacture.

Tom 

1:43.5 is the correct scale if you are a real stickler, and the original Märklin standard that became O-gauge. 1:43 too 1:64 are all correct, it is down to what scale you want for your layout. For, the most part I just relax and enjoy the trains, and use the different sales to make trains look longer. The tracks are wide in the USA to fit a different measurement system and make production easier and I think also help with reducing the minimum curve the train can manage, since HO 15 inch radius is the same as O-31 diameter, and O-27 would be the same as HO 13.5, which is not available. (Yes, I am rounding, it makes the math simpler).It is not a perfect two to one conversion because HO is measured at the center of the ties while O is measured on the outside of the out side of the curve rail.

GG1 ...nice K4 ...do you have a photo of the bottom of the engine ....that would hope identify it with luck.    

17/64ths is hands down the proper scale for O gauge. In the early days you had the two camps 1/4" and 17/64ths ...in opposite corners of the ring....NMRA knew they had an "issue" on their hands ...so in their "standard" for the gauge they allow both scales. 

Alexander was locked into 1/4" , Icken was excepting of both scales ..early on ..Scale Craft never could make up,thier mind ...offering models in both scales but never mentioning in the catalogs, Lionel produced the COP and Hiawatha in 17/64ths ...and the Hudson in 1/4"..060 is big side of 1/4" .the rest of their line is anyone's guess.  Lee B Green was the biggest cheer leader for 17/64ths...

Once you see a MiniScale Hudson pulling a string of their Pullmans all in 17/64ths ....on O gauge track ....,the sight of 1/4" scale will never be the same ......

Cheers Carey, 

Carey Williams posted:

Once you see a MiniScale Hudson pulling a string of their Pullmans all in 17/64ths ....on O gauge track ....,the sight of 1/4" scale will never be the same ......

Cheers Carey, 

Once I see the wall at the edge of the layout, I don't get too worked up about any of it, because it's all models of one sort or another. I don't see the point in trying to antiquate thousands of models for the sake of .008

The hobby would be better served trying to get some of the 3 railers that are interested in accuracy to come over to 2 rail. I think RC Battery power will eventually help to do that.. Then there are those who prefer TOY trains for whatever reason. To each his own.

Simon