SCALE MODEL WORKGROUPS

HO (Half O) and OO scales are two of the many scales used in model railroading. They refer to the proportion that a model train or other piece is relative to its real-world equivalent.

HO Scale: This is the most popular model railroad scale in North America and many parts of the world. The HO scale has a ratio of 1:87, meaning that 1 unit on the model equals 87 units in the real world. So, for instance, a model train that is 1 foot long in the HO scale would represent a real train that is 87 feet long.

OO Scale: This scale is primarily used in the United Kingdom (UK) and has a wide following in Sri Lanka as most of early Sri Lanka Railway rolling stock was manufactured in UK. The OO scale has a ratio of 1:76.2, making the models slightly larger than those in the HO scale. The track gauge (the distance between the two rails) is the same for both HO and OO scales, which is approximately 16.5mm. However, the OO scale’s larger size sometimes creates a mismatch when trying to use HO scale buildings and scenery with OO scale trains.

In both scales, not only the trains but all elements of the model - buildings, trees, people, and vehicles - are created to the same scale to create a realistic miniature world.

N Scale Model Railway is a popular aspect of the model railway hobby that uses a scale of 1:160 in the Japan and United States. The scale of 1:148 is used in the UK. This means that 1 unit (inch, centimetre, etc.) on the model represents 160 units (or 148 units in the UK) in the real world. The "N" in N Scale stands for "Nine", which refers to the 9 mm distance between the inside of the rails of N Scale track.

This scale's smaller size relative to other scales like HO and OO allows hobbyists to build more extensive layouts in the same amount of space, or to build a very compact layout in a smaller space. This compact size can be a benefit to those with limited room for their hobby.

Just like with other scales, the N Scale model railway hobby involves not just the model trains themselves, but also building and maintaining all aspects of a miniature railway environment. This includes tracks, buildings, landscapes, cars, people, and even tiny details like signs and benches, all built to the same scale.

While the smaller size can allow for larger and more detailed layouts, it also can pose challenges in terms of handling the tiny parts and getting the small-scale trains to operate reliably. Also, due to the smaller size, the details might not be as visible as in larger scales. Nevertheless, N Scale model railroading offers a lot of potential for creativity and engineering, making it a favourite choice for many model rail enthusiasts.

Narrow gauge scale model railway is a subset of the model railway hobby that specifically focuses on replicating real-world narrow-gauge railways. Narrow gauge railways are railroads that have a track gauge (the distance between the rails) narrower than the standard gauge of 4 feet 8.5 inches (1,435 millimetres).

The appeal of narrow-gauge model railroading comes from several factors. First, narrow gauge railways are often found in challenging terrains such as mountains or mines, leading to interesting and distinctive landscape features in the model layout. Second, narrow gauge trains themselves often have unique designs that reflect their use in specialized or historic contexts.

Narrow gauge model railway scales include:

• HOn3 Scale: This is a subset of HO scale model railroading that replicates narrow gauge railways. The "n3" denotes that the track gauge is 3 scale feet, equivalent to 10.5mm in the model. This models a 3-foot narrow gauge railway at the standard HO scale of 1:87
• On30 Scale: On30 uses O scale models (1:48 scale) but with a track gauge of 30 scale inches, which is equivalent to HO track. This allows modelers to use readily available HO track and mechanisms for an O scale narrow gauge layout.
• Nn3 Scale: This is the N scale version of narrow gauge, modelling a 3-foot narrow gauge railway at the standard N scale of 1:160.
• HOe Scale: The term "Hoe Scale" in model railway terminology is a mix of HO and O scales and usually pertains to a narrow-gauge line. The "Hoe" terminology isn't widely recognized in all regions. However, some model railroaders use it to denote a 1:87 scale (the HO scale) with Oe gauge track, which represents narrow gauge railroads in the model world. The "e" in Oe denotes 'étroit,' which means 'narrow' in French.
  In such a case, the track gauge (the distance between the rails) is often narrower than what it would be in standard HO scale to represent the narrow-gauge track used in some real-world railroads. This would allow for modelling of more rural, industrial, or mining railroad scenes that were often served by narrow-gauge lines.
  However, it's essential to note that the terminology used to denote different combinations of scale and gauge can vary, and not all model railroad hobbyists mightbe familiar with the term "Hoe Scale." It's always a good idea to verify the actual scale and gauge when purchasing model railway equipment.
• OO9 Scale: OO9 Scale, also sometimes referred to as OO9 Gauge, is a niche scale in model railroading popular in the UK. It represents narrow gauge railways that use track gauges of 2 feet 3 inches or similar, with the model track gauge being 9 millimetres.
  The OO9 scale uses the same 1:76.2 scaling ratio as the standard OO scale, but the 9mm track gauge matches that used in N scale model railroading, hence the name OO9. This smaller track gauge is used to represent the narrower tracks often found in industrial, mining, or mountain railways.
  Modelers in this scale often focus on these more unique, picturesque, and historically fascinating aspects of the railway industry. They can recreate charming rural scenes, complex industrial operations, or dramatic mountain railways with steep gradients and tight curves, all of which are typical characteristics of narrow-gauge railways.
  Despite its niche status, a variety of rolling stock, track, and accessories are available for OO9 modelers, and it's possible to find kits or modify existing models to represent specific prototypes. However, as with any less common scale, some items may require more effort to source or build.
• Hom Scale: The HOm Scale in model railway terminology is a variation of the HO scale, used specifically to model narrow-gauge railways. The "m" in HOm stands for "meter", referring to a prototype track gauge of one meter.
  In HOm scale, the modelling scale ratio is the same as HO scale, that is 1:87. However, the track gauge (the distance between the rails) is 12mm, which is slightly narrower than standard HO gauge. This narrower track represents meter-gauge railways, which are common in many parts of the world, especially in mountainous regions and places where construction costs needed to be reduced.
  Using HOm scale allows modelers to accurately depict narrow-gauge railways, often found in scenic, mountainous areas or regions where standard gauge railroads weren't practical. These railroads often feature sharp curves, steep gradients, and unique rolling stock designs, which can make for fascinating and visually appealing model railway layouts.
  Just as with any model railway scale, HOm involves the creation and maintenance of a miniature railway environment, including the trains, tracks, landscapes, buildings, and more, all to the same scale. The availability of ready-to-run rolling stock and track can vary, depending on the region and the popularity of the scale.

There are lot more other Scales Like G, T, TT, Z, etc which have certain degree of following, hover since currently we do not have sufficient members who are interested in these scales, this workgroup will work towards supporting the all scales which our not covered by other workgroup at CMR.

However, on attaining the minim required to form a dedicated workgroup such members can make a request for a dedicated workgroup for the scale or interest area to the Operations Committee.

Digital Command Control (DCC) is a standard for a system used to operate model railways digitally. Introduced by the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA), it allows multiple locomotives to be controlled independently on the same track section, which is a significant improvement over older Analog Control Systems (ACS).

Here's a brief overview of how it works:

• DCC Base Station: This is the heart of a DCC system. It takes input from the user, usually via a throttle or computer interface, and generates a digital signal which is sent out to the layout. The base station is connected to the track and sends power and control signals to the track all the time.
• Decoders: Each locomotive on the system has a small onboard digital decoder. This receives and interprets the DCC signal from the base station. The decoder then regulates the power to the locomotive's motor, allowing it to move at the desired speed and direction. Decoders can also control other features, like lighting, sound, and more advanced features like braking.
• DCC Signal: The DCC base station sends out a continuous digital signal to the track. This signal contains a series of commands for the locomotives and other devices equipped with decoders.

One of the main advantages of DCC is that it allows individual control of multiple locomotives on the same section of track. This enables more complex train operations and realistic scenarios to be played out, as different trains can move at different speeds, in different directions, and perform different functions, all under the command of the DCC system.

In addition to locomotive control, DCC systems can also control other model railroad accessories, such as turnouts (switches), signals, and lighting. This can all be coordinated through the DCC base station, providing comprehensive control over the entire layout. DCC is not limited to model railways; it can also be used for other types of model layouts, such as slot car racing and model boat layouts.

In model railroading, an Analog Control System (ACS), also known as Direct Current (DC) control, was the most common method of control before the advent of Digital Command Control (DCC). In a DC control system, the power and direction of a model locomotive are regulated by adjusting the amount and polarity of voltage supplied to the track.

Here's how it works:

• Power Pack/Controller: This is the main component of a DC system. It's a device that supplies power to the track and also allows the user to control the speed and direction of the train. The user adjusts a knob or lever on the power pack to change the voltage supplied to the track, which in turn controls the speed of the train. A switch allows the user to change the polarity of the voltage, which controls the direction of the train.
• Locomotives: Each locomotive in a DC system has a motor that is powered by the electricity supplied to the track. As the voltage increases, the train goes faster. The direction the train travels depends on the polarity of the voltage.
• Block Control: One of the limitations of a DC system is that all locomotives on a single electrical circuit will respond in the same way to changes in voltage and polarity. To operate more than one train independently on the same layout, the track must be divided into isolated sections, or "blocks," each controlled by a separate power pack. Trains can then be moved from one block to another by carefully managing the power supply.

It's worth noting that while DC control systems are simpler and cheaper than DCC systems, they are less flexible and offer less control. For example, DC systems can't independently control the lights or sounds on a model train, or handle advanced features like simulated inertia or braking. They also require more wiring and manual intervention to operate multiple trains on a single layout. However, they are easier to understand and operate, which can make them a good choice for beginners or for simple layouts.