Noob question on scales

[Thomas GudeParticipant @thomasgude37285]

Hey.

Can someone please tell me what the 2", 3", 4" scales signify?? Mainly relating to Traction Engines. Is it scaled from foot to inch? so a 4" model would be 4" for every foot of the real thing? So a 4" scale would be bigger than a 2" scale?

Also, what is the largest people build up to regarding traction engines? Is 4" the accepted maximum or have people ventured into 6"?

Thanks

[Thomas GudeParticipant @thomasgude37285]

Traction engine 2″, 3″, 4″ etc

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Thats right its the inch to the foot so for the same given prototype a 4" version would be twice as long as a 2" version.

6" engines are becomming more common though most are of smaller subjects so are not that much larger than a big 4". For example a 6" model of the Burrell Gold medal Tractor has the same size boiler as a 4" Mclaren road loco.

There are also the odd 9" engines about.

J

[Anonymous]

Posted by JasonB on 15/05/2013 12:02:32:

There are also the odd 9" engines about.

Well it would be odd, it's all in the integer.

Andrew

[Thomas GudeParticipant @thomasgude37285]

Thanks for clearing that up. Almost fainted when looking at the prices of some of these!

What is the smallest scale that is capable of running under steam? Do people run 2" scales under steam and if so what fuel do they use?

Also, are there many traction engine volunteer clubs? They seem to be pretty sparse – I imagine because they're all privately owned…

edit: I am in the Surrey/Sussex area

Edited By Thomas Gude on 17/06/2013 13:21:06

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

You can steam a 1" or even smaller but if you want something to pull you around then 2" is the minimum I would suggest particularly if its going to be on grass.

The very small 1" engines are sometimes better run on gas or charcoal but 1.5" and above will run on coal.

Some of the museums have traction engines in their collections so if you volunteer there you may get to play on a big one. Amberley Chalk Pits has a couple of full size as well as a good model traction engine Rally usually in september.

J

[Swarf, Mostly!Participant @swarfmostly]

Hi there, Thomas,

You could see a good selection of engines and other models at the Guildford MES annual show on 20th & 21st July.

See http://www.gmes.org.uk/rally.htm for details.

Best regards,

Swarf, Mostly!

[Paul LousickParticipant @paullousick59116]

Check out http://www.tractiontalkforum.com in the Model section.

Lots of info about model traction engines.

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