Sn3½

In rail transport modelling, Sn3½ is a scale/gauge combination derived from S scale to represent narrow gauge 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) track by using 16.5 mm (0.65 in) gauge track (the same as HO gauge). The scale is 1:64.

Sn3½
Scale​3⁄16 in to 1 ft
Scale ratio1:64
Model gauge16.5 mm (0.65 in)
Prototype gauge3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)

Sn3½ is popular in South Africa, Australia (particularly Western Australia,[1] Queensland[2] and Tasmania[3] where narrow gauge systems exist) and New Zealand.[4]

Sn3½ is very rarely or never used for modelling in other countries with 3 foot 6 (1067mm) gauge railways such as Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia etc.

Track

As 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) track scales down to 16.5mm at 1:64, modelers use HO gauge track (which represents Standard gauge at 1:87 scale) on Sn3½ layouts.[5]

New Zealand
S scale, NZR W class locomotive from New Zealand Finescale.

Sn3½ is the primary scale for modeling New Zealand's narrow gauge 3 ft 6 in railways. The majority of rolling stock available, are white-metal kits, making them considerably more expensive and heavier than other scales and countries. Many of these kits are highly detailed. Buildings are generally hand-made and track (HO gauge track) can either be purchased or hand laid with sleepers and rail. Another alternative for modeling New Zealand Railways is 1:120 or TT scale, as it is a cheaper option.

New Zealand Sn3½ suppliers and manufacturers

Sm

Sm gauge is also defined by the German NEM 10 standard,[6] representing Continental European metre gauge.

See also

References
  1. "Australian Model Railway Association Western Australian Branch Inc". December 2012. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
  2. "AMRA Queensland - S scale group". 1 February 2013.
  3. "Rail Tasmania - Modelling the Railway of Tasmania". 12 October 2012. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
  4. "Modelling the railways of New Zealand". 20 March 2013. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
  5. "Modeling the dream". Grant Morrell.
  6. "Normen Europäischer Modellbahnen Maßstäbe, Nenngrößen, Spurweiten" (PDF) (in German). NEM. 2011. Retrieved 2014-05-15.

Bibliography
  • Mackay, Stuart (2012). Modelling the 3'6" Gauge Railways of Western Australia 1894-1987: In Sn3½ Scale. Volume 1. Willetton, WA, Australia: Stuart D Y Mackay. ISBN 9780987310101.
  • Mackay, Stuart (2014). Modelling the 3'6" Gauge Railways of Western Australia 1894-1987: In Sn3½ Scale. Volume 2. Willetton, WA, Australia: Stuart D Y Mackay. ISBN 9780987310118.
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