Will Euro 1:150 trains run on Atlas Code 80?

[FloridaBob]

Hi-

Saw an interesting European, Faller 3-Car Tram and noticed it's 1:150 scale.

I'm pretty sure it could handle Code 80 track and switches
but wanted to see if anyone's ever tried same at that scale.

Many thanks!

Bob

[peteski]

Absolutely!  Any N scale model (even the really early Arnold Rapido and Minitrix models wit deep flanges) will run on code 80. That is the height of rails used in N scale since the early days.  Maybe you meant code 55?

I'm also really surprised that any European prototype standard-gauge trains would be modeled in 1:150 scale. That us usually the scale used for Japanese prototype models (since most depict Japanese narrow gauge track which is in general use there. Also, the scale of the model is unrelated to the flange depth.

[davefoxx]

Absolutely!  Any N scale model (even the really early Arnold Rapido and Minitrix models wit deep flanges) will run on code 80. That is the height of rails used in N scale since the early days.  Maybe you meant code 55?

I'm also really surprised that any European prototype standard-gauge trains would be modeled in 1:150 scale. That us usually the scale used for Japanese prototype models (since most depict Japanese narrow gauge track which is in general use there. Also, the scale of the model is unrelated to the flange depth.

I think he's worried about gauge, not rail height.  Hell, my HO trains can run on Code 80 rail.

DFF

[wm3798]

I think he's worried about gauge, not rail height.  Hell, my HO trains can run on Code 80 rail.

DFF

But not when it's 9mm apart!  I see what you did there!!

[peteski]

I didn't think gauge (9mm) will be an issue. Faller is a a well established manufacturer and wouldn't design a model which would only run on some esoteric track which is not readily available.

I wonder if the tram is question is some Swiss prototype tram which runs on narrow gauge track, just like the Japanese prototype models from Kato.  Those are modeled in 1:150 scale because they depict narrow gauge, while running on 9mm gauge track.

Bob, can you post some more info about that model?  Link to more info about it, or a part number?

[fshbwl]

Seems to be the Faller N-scale Tram System, which is actually from Tomytec: https://www.faller.de/gb/en/Products/Our-brands/TOMYTEC/N-Programm/Tram-System.html

Their track system is N scale on code 80 rails.

Cheers,

Chris

[FloridaBob]

Hey, thanks all for the quick and insightful replies.

Yes, a tram but just a tad different than the link shown.
I've tried to upload a pix...but wouldn't let me, so
just added photo attachment.

Anyway, thanks all!

[peteski]

German companies like Lemke/Hobbytrain, Noch, or Faller sometimes contract Japanese manufacturers (like Kato or Tomix) to produce certain N scale models for them.  If this is a Japanese-made model that would explain the 1:150 scale.  Still, it is designed to run on 9mm N gauge track.

[FloridaBob]

Good to know.
Thanks for the info. '-)

[CRL]

From Wikipedia:  When N gauge was developed it proved impossible to fit the then available motors into scale models of British prototype locomotives. British railways use a smaller loading gauge than those in Europe and America, resulting in smaller locomotives. A greater body size was required on the models to accommodate the motors, so instead of adopting the correct 1:160 scale, 1:148 was used. This allows larger models, but means that the gauge is not an accurate representation of standard gauge.

[peteski]

From Wikipedia:  When N gauge was developed it proved impossible to fit the then available motors into scale models of British prototype locomotives. British railways use a smaller loading gauge than those in Europe and America, resulting in smaller locomotives. A greater body size was required on the models to accommodate the motors, so instead of adopting the correct 1:160 scale, 1:148 was used. This allows larger models, but means that the gauge is not an accurate representation of standard gauge.

While the above info accurate (for early British models made around 50 years ago), I'm not sure what it has to do with the current discussion. We were discussing modern Japanese made 1:150 scale model train which runs on a 9mm N gauge track.  Japanese N scale models are made in 1:150 scale to accurately depict their narrow gauge equipment (not because they used large motors).

[Steveruger45]

..........Japanese N scale models are made in 1:150 scale to accurately depict their narrow gauge equipment (not because they used large motors).

That would also explain why Kato n gauge unitrack has the tie spacing that it does, too I’m thinking.

[nkalanaga]

Correct.  Not only are the ties 1:150, the Japanese track has them spaced further apart than most North American standard gauge.  The same goes for European standard gauge track, due to lighter axle loads.  Most Code 80 track is made to European or Japanese standards.