All AFVs and aircraft models shown in my shop photographs are 1/144 scale and all figures are 12 mm. I also state that the 12 mm figures on sale are suitable for N gauge and this can result in some confusion. I hope this mini-guide clarifies.
N 'scale' trains run on 9mm 'gauge' track, but the terms 'SCALE' and 'GAUGE are commonly mixed up.
SCALE: the size ratio of a model compared to the full size item.
GAUGE: the measurement between rails on track - full size or model.
Accurately speaking, N gauge when applied to a model is a misnomer: it is N scale.
While N varies from 1/148 to 1:160 across the world, the track gauge is 9 mm. [N stands for 'N'ine mm gauge.]
In the USA and Europe, models of standard gauge trains [4’-8.5"] are built to 1:160 scale but designed to run on N gauge track. In the UK, 1:148 is used. In Japan, 1:150 is used for models of 3’-6" gauge trains, while 1:160 is used for standard gauge Shinkansen [Bullet Train] models.
In the U.S. and Europe, a scale of 1:160 is used for train models, irrespective of the gauge of the actual trains they are scaled from. All of these scales run on the same 9mm track [N] gauge. This means the track is a little too narrow for 1:148 / 1:150 but the difference is considered too small to matter.
For deciding an appropriate height of scaled figure, consider how a man’s height affects scale. See table below:
Man's height Figure's Height Scale
ft Inches m mm inches
6'-'0" 72 1.83 - 10.0 0.39 - 1:183
5'-6" 68 1.7 - 10.0 0.39 - 1:173
6'-'0" 72 1.83 - 12.0 0.47 - 1: 152
5'-6" 68 1.7 - 12.0 0.47 - 1:144
6'-'0" 72 1.83 - 12.2 0.5 - 1: 144
5'-6" 68 1.7 - 12.2 0.5 - 1:136
6'-'0" 72 1.83 - 15.0 0.59 - 1:122
5'-6" 68 1.7 - 15.0 0.59 - 1:115
In summary, assuming an average W.W.II. warrior stood between 5’-6" and 6’-0" tall, then both traditional imperial height model figures of ½" [12.7 mm], and modern metric 12.0 mm can be considered ideal for representing 1/144 scale figures. At the same time it can be seen that 15 mm figures are too tall, and 10 mm figures too small.A lot of the above information has been collected from other enthusiasts over time. My thanks and apologies to all contributers who are not acknowledged here.
Hope this helps.
Mehusla of 1-144 Direct E-Bay Store
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