What does a scale model of 1:18 actually mean?

I'm interested in adding to a model train layout, but don't know whether the item I want to purchase is the right size. It says it is 1:18 but I don't know what that means.

What does a scale model of 1:18 actually mean?scroll boxes for myspace

Others are correct... any time a scale is listed as a RATIO... X : Y means that X feet in real life equals Y feet on the model.

1:18 is HUGE !! A standard box-car of 40 feet would be: 40ft divided by 18.. and the "model" would still be a 2.222 foot model.

Standard Model Rail Road scales are:

O - 1:43, 1: 45 of 1:48

OO- 1:76 ( a european scale)

HO - 1:87

N - 1:160

Personnaly... N scale is best if you have less than a garage.

What does a scale model of 1:18 actually mean?default myspace myspace.com

it means it is 1/18 actual size. So if the model is 10" long the real thing would be 180" or 15'

This would be HUGE for a model railroad

The most common mrr scale is HO ( about1/64)
it means that one inch on the model is equal to eighteen inches or 1-1/2 feet on the real thing.