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How to Make Scale Model Railroad Plans

The most common model railroad scale is called the HO scale, or Half-O gauge, where the O gauge scale is 0.277 inch equals one foot. The HO scale is defined by the National Model Railroad Association as a little less than 1/4 inches equals one real foot (it is exactly 0.1387 inches equals one foot). When designing model railroad plans or layouts, it is important to understand the real world dimensions and how they will apply to a model scale.

Things You'll Need

Pencil
Scaled ruler
Calculator
Cardboard (36 inches by 48 inches)

Instructions

- 1
  Determine the maximum area that is available to build the model railroad layout. For instance, if a standard 4 by 8 sheet of plywood is available, then the scaled section allows for a layout scale of 346 feet by 692 feet (4 feet = 48 inches / 0.1387 is 346 feet and 8 feet = 96 inches / 0.1387, which is 692 feet).
- 2
  Determine the scale for which to draw the plans on the sheet of cardboard. A 36-inch by 48-inch sheet of cardboard can be used with a 3/32-inch scale (3/32 inch = 1 foot) in drawing the plans for use on a 4 by 8 sheet of plywood.
- 3
  Draw the layout for the maximum railroad track loop on the piece of cardboard. For instance, if a simple oval track is to be built, the plans drawn on the cardboard should reflect the maximum use of the space. The ends of the oval should be drawn close to the long ends of the cardboard. The drawing does not have to be exact nor straight. This simply ensures the maximum track loop to be built.
- 4
  Draw the locations for any buildings, mountains, trees and other landscape features. When complete, simply compare the plans drawn on cardboard (3/32 inch scale) with that of the HO scale for building the plans on the plywood.

Model Railroads