Scales & Bundled Track
Scales
| Scale | Ratio | Rail gauge | Default minimum radius |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z | 1:220 | 6.5 mm | 145 mm |
| N | 1:148 | 9 mm | 228 mm |
| TT | 1:120 | 12 mm | 267 mm |
| HO | 1:87 | 16.5 mm | 356 mm |
| OO | 1:76.2 | 16.5 mm | 371 mm |
| O | 1:43.5 | 32 mm | 610 mm |
The default minimum radius is a starting point. Set your own in the Layout tab of the inspector. See Track.
OO and HO share a gauge, so their track can be joined. The layout's scale still decides how scenery is sized.
Bundled track systems
Thirteen libraries are included. Every scale has at least one.
| Scale | System | Contains |
|---|---|---|
| Z | Peco Streamline, code 60 | Flexible track |
| N | Kato Unitrack | Straights, curves and turnouts |
| N | Peco Setrack, code 80 | Straights, curves, turnouts and a crossing |
| N | Peco Streamline, code 80 | Flexible track, turnouts and crossings |
| N | Peco Streamline, code 55 finescale | Flexible track, turnouts and crossings |
| TT | Peco Streamline, code 55 | Flexible track, turnouts and a crossing |
| HO | Peco Streamline, US-prototype code 70 / 83 | Flexible track, turnouts and a crossing |
| OO | Peco Setrack, code 100 | Straights, curves, turnouts and a crossing |
| OO | Peco Streamline, code 100 | Flexible track, turnouts and crossings |
| OO | Peco Streamline, code 75 finescale | Flexible track, turnouts and a crossing |
| O | Peco Setrack, code 124 bullhead | A straight, a curve and turnouts |
| O | Peco Streamline, code 124 bullhead | Flexible track, turnouts and a crossing |
| O | Peco Streamline, code 143 flat-bottom | Flexible track and turnouts |
About the figures
- Dimensions are transcribed from the manufacturers' published specifications. They are nominal catalogue figures. Check a current catalogue before ordering.
- Coverage varies by scale. OO and N have full sectional systems. Several other ranges have flexible track and turnouts but no fixed-length pieces, and Z has flexible track only, because that is what the manufacturer makes or has published dimensions for.
- A few turnouts whose two roads both curve are left out, because their geometry cannot be represented without inventing figures the manufacturer never published.
- Real track systems carry small compromises. Import or view a library's system report to see where its geometry closes exactly and where it does not. See Track Libraries.
Mixing systems
Setrack and Streamline of the same scale and rail code are designed to be used together, and Gauge Buddy joins them. Joints between different track systems are noted in the issues list, as a reminder that some combinations need transition joiners.
Your own track
Any other system can be added. See Track Libraries.
Trademarks
Peco, Setrack, Streamline, Kato and Unitrack are trademarks of their respective owners. Gauge Buddy is an independent product and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any track manufacturer.