16 mm scale

16 mm scale
Modified Mamod live steam locomotive and train on a garden railway layout
Scale16 mm to 1 foot
Scale ratio1:19.05
Model gauge32 mm (1.26 in)
Prototype gauge2 ft (610 mm)

16 mm to 1 foot or 1:19.05 is a popular scale of model railway in the UK which represents narrow gauge prototypes.[1] The most common gauge for such railways is 32 mm (1.26 in), representing 2 ft (610 mm) gauge prototypes. This scale/gauge combination is sometimes referred to as "SM32" (terminology popularised by Peco, one of the principal manufacturers of appropriate track)[1] and is often used for model railways that run in gardens, being large enough to easily accommodate live steam models. The next most common gauge is 45 mm (1.772 in),[2] which represents the theoretical non-existent gauge 2 feet 9+34 inches (857 mm). This gauge is commonly used to portray prototypes between 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) and 3 ft (914 mm) gauge.

  1. ^ a b Jones, Gareth (January 2007). "Roundhouse Linda". Railway Modeller. Peco Publications: 22–25.
  2. ^ Heaps, C.A. (July 2007). "Deadwood Light Railway: A post-retirement 45 mm (1.772 in) gauge garden railway". Railway Modeller. Peco Publications: 462–463.