Proto:87
Fine-scale alternative to HO scale models
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Proto:87 is a set of model railroad engineering standards that resulted from a special interest group of that name founded in 1978, providing a fine-scale alternative to traditional HO scale.
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| Proto:87 | |
|---|---|
| Scale | 3.5 mm to 1 foot |
| Scale ratio | 1:87.1 |
| Standard(s) | Proto:87[1] |
| Model gauge | 16.5 mm (0.65 in)[2] |
| Prototype gauge | 1435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
Due to manufacturing restrictions and considerations such as durability, ease of operation and price, most model railroad products feature significant compromises that inhibit their viability as accurate scale models of their prototypes. The most visible of these are wheels and track, which can be significantly thicker than the prototype. The desirability of realistic wheel dimensions among some modelers helped spawn the Proto:87 movement, which is backed by many manufacturers such as Northwest Short Line.[3]
Proto:87 has its own online store that offers various components and kits to help correct these scale inaccuracies, such as kits for assembling accurate, to-scale trackwork and switches, finescale wheels for locomotives and rolling stock, etc.
Similarly, the Proto:48 group is dedicated to finescale modeling in O scale.[4]
