Not only proper, but encouraged (I would think).
It's always nice to hear which tools folks find useful for their modem trains.
Greg
Arcata, CA
It's always nice to hear which tools folks find useful for their modem trains.
Greg
Arcata, CA
Rail Scale ruler
I don't know if it's considered proper, but here goes:
One one of these forums (I hope--this is the only site I inhabit) someone mentioned the Rail Scale scale ruler. Said they were good, so I bought one.
I got mine yesterday. I elected for the aluminum 1:20.3, 12" version.
Based merely on the looks of the crisp etching, I'd recommend one if you want a scale rule. They also come in the 'other' gauges. Just Google Railscale and the site will pop up.
Mine cost just a tad under $14, incl shipping from wherever they are to the frozen south bank of the Missouri. Took about eight days, but this was immediately post New Year's.
These rulers also have a standard 12" scale. They come in up to 24" length (I think!); definitely 18".
I'm pleased with it. I've been measuring stuff right and left, and y'know, this scale stuff is beginning to gel.
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Les
One one of these forums (I hope--this is the only site I inhabit) someone mentioned the Rail Scale scale ruler. Said they were good, so I bought one.
I got mine yesterday. I elected for the aluminum 1:20.3, 12" version.
Based merely on the looks of the crisp etching, I'd recommend one if you want a scale rule. They also come in the 'other' gauges. Just Google Railscale and the site will pop up.
Mine cost just a tad under $14, incl shipping from wherever they are to the frozen south bank of the Missouri. Took about eight days, but this was immediately post New Year's.
These rulers also have a standard 12" scale. They come in up to 24" length (I think!); definitely 18".
I'm pleased with it. I've been measuring stuff right and left, and y'know, this scale stuff is beginning to gel.
Les
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Bob,
If one is a dedicated penny-pincher, one can sit down with his calculator and scale ratio and make up a lookup table. The single drawback to that method is, with a scale rule one can get an immediate sense of the actual size of an item. I had a bit of entertainment measuring some of my cheapo rolling stock.
All in all, I'm very glad I got mine and may one day add the 18 & 24" lenghts. I'm still not certain on the wallet size because I know 3-1/2" is about six feet in 1:20.3, and it happens that my formerly work-gnarled index finger is that length.
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I may perish from this flu. Who's a deserving beginner modeller?
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Les
If one is a dedicated penny-pincher, one can sit down with his calculator and scale ratio and make up a lookup table. The single drawback to that method is, with a scale rule one can get an immediate sense of the actual size of an item. I had a bit of entertainment measuring some of my cheapo rolling stock.
All in all, I'm very glad I got mine and may one day add the 18 & 24" lenghts. I'm still not certain on the wallet size because I know 3-1/2" is about six feet in 1:20.3, and it happens that my formerly work-gnarled index finger is that length.
I may perish from this flu. Who's a deserving beginner modeller?
Les
Les, thanks a lot for the tip.
I I've used the Scale Card in the past and I do like it, but, it is black on clear and I sometimes have difficulty reading it.
I ordered the aluminum, in both 6" and 18". They are thin aluminum (.020") so they do have some flex in them, which I find quite handy.
One cool thing is that you can specify the scale that you want on each side. I went with 1:20 on one side and 1:1 on the other. The scale choices include HO, S, O, 1:1, 1:12, 1:20.3 1:22.5, 1:24, 1:29, and 1:32. I could have put HO on one side to make it easy to scale up from all those old drawings in Model Railroader.
Here's a picture of the 6" ruler:
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I find it easy to read and use. Pretty neat stuff.
You can find them over at http://therailscale.com/
I I've used the Scale Card in the past and I do like it, but, it is black on clear and I sometimes have difficulty reading it.
I ordered the aluminum, in both 6" and 18". They are thin aluminum (.020") so they do have some flex in them, which I find quite handy.
One cool thing is that you can specify the scale that you want on each side. I went with 1:20 on one side and 1:1 on the other. The scale choices include HO, S, O, 1:1, 1:12, 1:20.3 1:22.5, 1:24, 1:29, and 1:32. I could have put HO on one side to make it easy to scale up from all those old drawings in Model Railroader.
Here's a picture of the 6" ruler:
I find it easy to read and use. Pretty neat stuff.
You can find them over at http://therailscale.com/
Bruce,
I thought about having different 'scales' on each side of the rule, but concluded that, the way my mind creaks along, a quick reference across to the 'realworld' would be best. For me, I did a good choice. I dunno how to upscale dwgs anyway. When I get there, I'll ask here.
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Les
I thought about having different 'scales' on each side of the rule, but concluded that, the way my mind creaks along, a quick reference across to the 'realworld' would be best. For me, I did a good choice. I dunno how to upscale dwgs anyway. When I get there, I'll ask here.
Les
I just now purchased a Rail Scale rule. I got the 1/20.3 on one side and 1:1 on the other side- aluminum 24 inch. I'm looking forward to using it.
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Posted By Les on 01/27/2009 1:24 PM
Bruce,
I thought about having different 'scales' on each side of the rule, but concluded that, the way my mind creaks along, a quick reference across to the 'realworld' would be best. For me, I did a good choice. I dunno how to upscale dwgs anyway. When I get there, I'll ask here.
![]()
Les
Yes, I think that's the handiest. I need too many real world measurements to have another scale on that side. Besides, I still have my nice HO ruler from days gone by.
Bruce,
I thought about having different 'scales' on each side of the rule, but concluded that, the way my mind creaks along, a quick reference across to the 'realworld' would be best. For me, I did a good choice. I dunno how to upscale dwgs anyway. When I get there, I'll ask here.
Les
Yes, I think that's the handiest. I need too many real world measurements to have another scale on that side. Besides, I still have my nice HO ruler from days gone by.
I bought the card and the 12 inch and they are both accurate and great. My only complaint is that they are silk screened and not etched. I tended to be hard on tools and I can see these getting worn out easily, fortunately they are so cheap, I won't break me to buy another when I've worn out these 
I got the 2 scale, 1:20 and 1:22 very handy to have, I can put away my calculator now
I got the 2 scale, 1:20 and 1:22 very handy to have, I can put away my calculator now
They're definitely not for the long haul. But, they're affordable. And, cunning soul that I am, (Now that you tell me they're accurate) I might make myself one from mild steel/brass and copy it, though it should endure all I'll ever do with it. (Beats doing the math and laying one out!)
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Or, as you say, send off another $14. That's hard to beat.
Les
Or, as you say, send off another $14. That's hard to beat.
Les
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