Large Scale Garden Trains to ride

In the world of ridable model railroads, there are two common scales: 1" Scale (meaning 1" to the foot or 1/12th full size) and 1.5" Scale (1/8th full size). The smaller 1" scale trains run on 4 3/4" gauge track (rails are 4 3/4" apart), while the 1.5" trains are designed for 7 1/4" or 7 1/2" gauge track
Although both sizes are "riding" size, 1" scale equipmentis much more practical to work with. Two people can easily lift a 1" scale diesel engine, while the same engine in 1.5" scale would require a hoist.
1" scale equipment is about 10" wide, and stands 13" or 14" tall. The length varies with equipment - a GP9 locomotive is 56" long over the couplers, passenger cars are almost 7' long, and a model 40' boxcar is about 44" overall.


Scale	Ratio	Gauge	Comments
1" scale (meaning 1" to the foot)	1:12 (1" on the model corresponds to 12" on the original)	4.75" (120mm)	The most common among hobbiests. Also common in Live Steam circles.You ride on, not in, these trains.
1.5" scale (meaning 1.5" to the foot)	1:8 (1" on the model corresponds to 8" on the original)	7.25" (184mm) or 7.5" (190mm)	Fairly common, especially in Live Steam circles. You ride on, not in, these trains.