In rail transport modelling, Sn3½ is a scale/gauge combination derived from S scale to represent narrow gauge 3ft6in(1,067mm) track by using 16.5mm(0.65in) gauge track (the same as HO gauge). The scale is 1:64.

Sn3½ is popular in South Africa, Australia (particularly Western Australia, Queensland and Tasmania where narrow gauge systems exist) and New Zealand.

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

Track

As 3ft6in(1,067mm) 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.

New Zealand

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

Sn3½ is the primary scale for modeling New Zealand's narrow gauge 3ft 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. Alternatives for modeling New Zealand railways is 1:120 or TT scale, known as NZ120, as it is a cheaper option. HOn3½ gauge, HO scale with 12mm gauge, is also increasing in popularity.

New Zealand Sn3½ suppliers and manufacturers

  • (Model Railway Parts)

Sm

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

See also

Citations

Bibliography

  • Mackay, Stuart (2012). Modelling the 3'6" Gauge Railways of Western Australia 1894-1987: In Sn3½ Scale. Vol.1. Willetton, WA, Australia: Stuart D Y Mackay. ISBN9780987310101.
  • Mackay, Stuart (2014). Modelling the 3'6" Gauge Railways of Western Australia 1894-1987: In Sn3½ Scale. Vol.2. Willetton, WA, Australia: Stuart D Y Mackay. ISBN9780987310118.

Further reading

External links

Media related toSn3½at Wikimedia Commons