Large Scale Model Trains #2: Getting Started
When I build model locomotives, I always work using engineering measurements. That’s because being a retired mechanical engineer, I’m comfortable working in thousands of an inch. You can use any system you wish; it doesn’t matter whether it’s metrics or fractions. I build scaled down versions of actual prototype locomotives, but you have to have someplace to start. I start first by deciding what scale I want to build in and what locomotive I want to model. My scale of preference is 1-1/2” to the foot (1/8 full size). The reason for this is to utilize common wood profiles and allow parts to be, not so small that they are difficult to work with. A piece of ¾” thick wood scales down to 6”, a...
