Compare 1/80 to 1/87 - Any Ideas

[John P Boogerd]

I am thinking of getting some Kato HO Japanese outline - how does the size compare to American/European HO - and (probably a dumb question) will they run on my Kato Unitrack?  I already have some Dutch HO Roco trains.

[bill937ca]

Generally 1/80 uses 16.5mm track just like 1/76 OO scale also uses 16.5mm track.  Just be sure the model is the right gauge as you will many variations in the less main stream offerings.

This is not that unusual as N gauge is 9mm gauge with models 1:148 in the UK, 1:150 in Japan for non-Shinkansen models and 1:160 for Shinkansen models and in the US.

[marknewton]

Japanese locos and cars in 1/80th sacle are about equivalent in size to US models in 1/87th. If I get a chance over the next few days I'll take a few photos showing how they compare.

Cheers,

Mark.