Sn3½
| Sn3½ | |
|---|---|
| Scale | 3⁄16 in (4.8 mm) to 1 ft (305 mm) |
| Scale ratio | 1:64 |
| Model gauge | 16.5 mm (0.65 in) |
| Prototype gauge | 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) |
In rail transport modelling, Sn3½ is a scale/gauge combination derived from S scale to represent narrow gauge 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) track by using 16.5 mm (0.65 in) gauge track (the same as HO gauge). The scale is 1:64.
Sn3½ is popular in South Africa, Australia (particularly Western Australia,[1] Queensland[2] and Tasmania[3] where narrow gauge systems exist) and New Zealand.[4]
Sn3½ is very rarely or never used for modelling in other countries with 3 foot 6 (1067mm) gauge railways such as Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia etc.
Track[edit]
As 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) track scales down to 16.5 mm at 1:64, modelers use HO gauge track (which represents standard gauge at 1:87 scale) on Sn3½ layouts.[5]
New Zealand[edit]
Sn3½ is the primary scale for modeling New Zealand's narrow gauge 3 ft 6 in railways. The majority of rolling stock available, are white-metal kits, making them considerably more expensive and heavier than other scales and countries. Many of these kits are highly detailed. Buildings are generally hand-made and track (HO gauge track) can either be purchased or hand laid with sleepers and rail. Alternatives for modeling New Zealand railways is 1:120 or TT scale, known as NZ120, as it is a cheaper option. HOn3½ gauge, HO scale with 12mm gauge, is also increasing in popularity.
New Zealand Sn3½ suppliers and manufacturers[edit]
- South Dock Models
- Railmaster Exports
- New Zealand Finescale
- North Yard (Model Railway Parts)
Sm[edit]
Sm gauge is also defined by the German NEM 10 standard,[6] representing Continental European metre gauge.
See also[edit]
- List of narrow-gauge model railway scales
- Rail transport modelling
- Rail transport modelling scales
- List of rail transport modelling scale standards
References[edit]
Citations[edit]
- ^ "Australian Model Railway Association Western Australian Branch Inc". December 2012. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
- ^ "AMRA Queensland - S scale group". 1 February 2013.
- ^ "Rail Tasmania - Modelling the Railway of Tasmania". 12 October 2012. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
- ^ "Modelling the railways of New Zealand". New Zealand Model Railway Guild. 20 March 2013. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
- ^ Morrell, Grant. "Modeling the dream". 'S' Scale Modeling New Zealand Railway (NZR).
- ^ "Normen Europäischer Modellbahnen Maßstäbe, Nenngrößen, Spurweiten" (PDF) (in German). NEM. 2011. Retrieved 2014-05-15.
Bibliography[edit]
- Mackay, Stuart (2012). Modelling the 3'6" Gauge Railways of Western Australia 1894-1987: In Sn3½ Scale. Vol. 1. Willetton, WA, Australia: Stuart D Y Mackay. ISBN 9780987310101.
- Mackay, Stuart (2014). Modelling the 3'6" Gauge Railways of Western Australia 1894-1987: In Sn3½ Scale. Vol. 2. Willetton, WA, Australia: Stuart D Y Mackay. ISBN 9780987310118.