The standard track gauge of model railway, widely used in the UK and globally, is 9mm.
Understanding the Standard Model Railway Gauge
Based on the provided information, the standard track gauge for model railways in the UK and the rest of the world is 9mm. This measurement refers to the distance between the inside faces of the two rails that the model train runs on. This 9mm gauge is exceptionally popular and forms the basis for several model railway scales.
Scales Associated with the 9mm Gauge
While the track gauge itself is standardized at 9mm across different regions, the scale of the models running on this track can vary. The scale determines how large the model train and scenery are relative to their real-world counterparts.
Here's how the scales differ with the 9mm gauge, according to the reference:
Regional Scale Variations for 9mm Gauge
| Region | Track Gauge | Scale Ratio | Scale (mm:1ft) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | 9mm | 1:148 | 2.06mm:1ft | Commonly known as N gauge in the UK. |
| Other Countries | 9mm | 1:160 | 1.91mm:1ft | Often referred to as N scale. |
This table illustrates that although the track is the same 9mm width, models built to the UK's 1:148 scale (2.06mm per foot) will be slightly larger than models built to the 1:160 scale (1.91mm per foot) used in many other countries, even though they can both run on the same 9mm track.
Practical Insights
- The 9mm gauge is associated with the popular N gauge/scale, known for being compact, allowing for detailed layouts in smaller spaces.
- The difference in scale (1:148 vs 1:160) means a locomotive or carriage of the same real-world prototype will be marginally smaller when modelled in 1:160 compared to 1:148, despite both using the 9mm track.
- This standardization of gauge allows manufacturers globally to produce track components that are generally compatible, while the different scales allow for regional modelling preferences.
