Print Size vs Scale

All scenes come in all sizes and all scales except as noted.

Height inches 11    EB 12 (11.4) 18 (17.25) 18 HO (17.25) 24 (24) 36 HO* (34.75) 36 (34.75) 42 HO*(40.75) 42    (40.75)

RR Scale

(may work)

   N

(ho)(z)

Z & N
also 18 & 24 high

N  (8, 10 ft. ONLY)

(ho) (z)

HO

(n)

HO

(n)(s)(o)

 HO

(s)(o)

O  G

(ho)(s)

 HO

(s)(o)

 O  G

(ho)(s)
Slot Cars     HO 1/27 HO 1/27 HO 1/27 HO 1/27 1/32 HO 1/27 1/32
Compression
vertical only
N/A N/A
30%
warning
15 to 20% 15 to 20% 15 to 20% 0% 15 to 20% 0%

Horizon height

 7-9 in. 5-6 in. 6-10 in. 11-14 in. 12-15 in. 12-15 in. 18-20 in. 12-15 in. 18-20 in.

 

  HO   N      Check the scale of objects using the table above and information below.
It is your responsibility to check the scale of trees, buildings, etc. as scale is subjective depending on distance and other factors. We have samples.   Some scenes have a 1/2 size version for N and HO with a link "reduced size" to left of  "shown 36 in. by 12 ft.".

Photo samples toward bottom of page

Be sure to specify the SCALE

All possible orders should be checked through  

Most, if not all competitor backdrops are one scale fits all.  Do you want an N scale scene on your O scale layout or vise versa. Look closely at the horizon and is it hidden behind rolling stock or 20 times your scale.
N scale warning - for 18 inch height, objects are only 35% smaller than shown on the web. In some cases especially commercial this may be too large. Returns/mistakes can be very expensive. Consider smaller Easy BackGrounds. or the 12 inch x 6 ft high resolution BackDrops.  12in x 6ft. are 1/2 the size of the HO scenes and twice the resolution.

Some scenes have a 1/2 size version with a link "reduced size" to left of  "shown 36 in. by 12 ft.".

Also if you are close to the backdrop you might consider BackDrops instead of BackGrounds.

N scale  1 inch = 13.3 ft.    HO scale  1 inch = 7.2 ft.   S scale  1 inch = 5.3 ft.   O scale  1 inch = 4 ft.

We cannot guarantee a color match for scenes purchased on different dates and different heights will not match like matching a 36 inch to a 24 inch including the clouds/sky group.  Sky color matching - all 36" and 42" will match west to west and east to east but there could be a slight difference on 18" and 24" for different scenes (not same number) because different gradients were used to make the scene. All A-B-C- and transitions will match for all sizes. Tell us if you need a sky match for different scenes.

Warning - Do NOT come up short.  We do not have scrap.  There is no 6 inch add-on. The only solution is to buy another scene.

>>>  Check print size of large objects like trees and buildings  <<<

Please scale the individual expanded scene you choose  (sample  - button on page with scene stock number). Most are shown as 36 in. high (actual 34.75 printed). Printed object heights are proportional to monitor vertical heights. Measure the total height of the backdrop on your monitor and measure the height of the object (tree, building). Ratio the object to the total height of the backdrop. If the backdrop height is 6 inches (= approx. 35 inch printed) and the object is 1 inch then the printed object will be 5.8 inch (35 / 6). This example is for O scale. Using the table above, scale your object down by the percentage for the scale shown above (approx. 20% vertical reduction for HO). Be sure foreground objects are not too large for your layout.  You can also scale off a print from the stock number page.  We try to adjust all scenes to fit the proper scale using the size adjustment information below but we have to adjust prints to work with N thru O and an occasional tree or car may be too large for your layout.

More information on resolution

 
Lengths 10 and 8 ft. and heights 24 and 18 inch may cut off important features.  If in doubt, buy next larger size or full size (36 x 12) and trim it yourself.  This is especially true with HO 24 inch high.

Scene actual length: 12 ft. = 160 in.   10 ft. = 130 in.   8 ft = 106 in.
  Useable length =  subtract 4 - 8 inch each scene for overlaps and labels. Multiple scenes will have unknown exact object placement.
O scale 36 inch is the size shown on the web scene categories. If you need 24 inch O scale we suggest using the 36 inch, then cut top and bottom as necessary.  You may have to cut clouds. HO 24 inch may work but may be small. 

If you need more than 36 inches high, look at clouds and sky extensions which are a non gradient sky/clouds to go above any scene below.  Sky/clouds extensions are available in all sizes and can go above any size or scale.  Be sure to indicate an extension otherwise you will get a gradient sky which will not match to the scene below.

O scalers can also use HO 36 for a lower horizon and more sky.  Specify HO instead of O when ordering.

O scale 42 inch is same as 36 inch except added sky at top or entire scene expanded up 6 inches. In most cases we will auto add the "L" code below and expand 6 inches especially if the contents are small. You can request (S) code to keep the 36 inch plus an additional 6 inch sky.

O scale 42 inch (L code) is same as 36 inch except the entire scene is expanded up to 40.75 inch so the horizon and contents are slightly higher. Add L to end of stock number.

BG HL 123AwL  for expanded up 6 inches
BG HL 123AwS  for same as 36 plus 6 inch added sky
N scale 18 inch scenes are reduced  from 24 x 160 inch by 20% vertically and horizontally  (19.25 x 130).  The remaining 2 inches vertically is trimmed from bottom and/or top down to 17.25.  We try to save important features on bottom if there are any. We try not cut off important features. Scaling is not exact but looks acceptable. Be careful of foreground high trees or buildings.  We are not always able to scale down high foreground and you may have to cover these with scenery. Look at the expanded view carefully.  If you need a 24 inch or 36 inch background, contact us.  We may be able to put an N scale scene on a 24 or 36 inch sky for no additional charge, minimum 2 scenes, maximum length 10 ft. each. Specify added sky otherwise you will get HO.   Or use 12 x 6 ft BackDrops below.  We can also combine a clouds/sky extension into one piece above the scene for 36 inch high.

Some scenes have a 1/2 size version with a link "reduced size" to left of  "shown 36x12". L at end of stock number (BG AG 264AeL) on reduced scenes means no 15-20% size reduction. Horizon not reduced 18, 24, 36 inch.

If you need a 1/2 size for N and it is not shown, ask. There must be A&B or B&C of the original to combine and reduce.

 
HO scale 18 inch is the same as the 24 inch with the sky trimmed down to the top of the horizon and bottom trimmed as necessary to 17.25. We take the highest point on the entire scene of multiple panels  (ABCDE) to set the top down 1 inch. Remember that 18 in. is 1/2 of 36 in. so buildings and horizon that are above the center on a 36 in. may be cut off to fit into an 18 inch after the 15 -20% vertical compression or the bottom is cut up.  You can do your own calculations on height.  We cannot guarantee the entire scene will be in an 18 inch as shown in the 36 inch. If in doubt, buy 24 inch. 1/2 size versions available - see below. Z or N scale 12 inch are 24 x 12 reduced to 1/2 size. This size may be preferable for N scale when close building are in the scene or use Easy BackGrounds. For MockUp use HO 24 x 12.  Pricing for 12 x 6 ft.  These are high resolution BackDrops 600 dpi 6 ink instead of the 300 dpi for N scale 18.  Also available as 18 and 24 inch high. The scene is the same as 12 inch but the sky is extended upward as a solid blue.  These are particularly impressive for the small scales.
HO scale 24 inch scenes are vertically compressed 15 to 20% or reduced to 28 or 30 inches down from 34.75 inches as shown on web. The remaining 4 to 6 inches is trimmed from bottom and/or top down to 24 inch.   We try to save important features on bottom if there are any. If in doubt, buy HO 36 inch.  1/2 size versions available - see below. Easy Background scenes    Roughly scaled for Z, N, HO.  click here 

EzScenes here        17 x 40 inch  high resolution
HO scale 36 inch scenes are vertically compressed 15 to 20% or reduced to 28 or 30 inches down from 34.75 inches as shown on web, basically the same horizon height as for 24 inch except nothing is trimmed from the bottom. The remaining space above the horizon is sky, ie: less scene and more sky for HO 36 inch compared to O scale 36 inch.  see special note below.

Some scenes have a 1/2 size version with a link "reduced size" to left of  "shown 36x12". L at end of stock number (BG AG 264AeL) on reduced scenes means no 15-20% size reduction. Horizon not reduced 18, 24, 36 inch.

If you need a 1/2 size for HO and it is not shown, ask. There must be A&B or B&C of the original to combine and reduce.

HO scale 42 inch is the same as 36 inch except more sky is added to height 40.75 inch. 

 S scale can use either HO or O scaling depending on personal preference and scene. 

 G scale should use O scaling.

*For HO scale 36 & 42 inch high

Some scenes have nothing in the foreground so there is no  reason to scale the scene down for HO.  We use the same scene (scale) as for O scale.  Those scenes are indicated on the stock number page as Category ?O, example AO or CO.  If you want more sky and less scene, tell us or add an S to the end of the stock number. And to be sure on horizon/sky if you want less sky (as shown), tell us or add L to the end of the stock number.  This applies only to HO using 36 & 42 inch high scenes.  1/2 sizes or reduced scale for HO available - see HO scale 36 inch above.

Also for 42 inch HO see note above.

*If there are no close objects in the scene, 36 HO will be the same as 36 O scale.

HEIGHT VERIFICATION

We will open the full size image and verify the heights of objects, height of horizon, scale, etc. while you are on the phone.  The cost is $10 per scene if you purchase the scene, $30 if you do not.  Payments are prepaid by credit card only.  No refunds.  Call 1-801-964-6155

You can open the image on your PC, measure size of objects, reverse, combine for transitions,  more info click here.
 12 inch Z or N scale
 11 inch EB scenes
18 inch N scale
 18 inch HO scale
 24 inch HO scale
36 inch HO scale
36 inch Reduced scale
42 inch HO scale
36 inch O scale
42 inch O scale (S code = lower horizon)
42 inch O scale (L code = higher horizon)

We trim 12 ft down to 10 ft / 8 ft from the side with the label.  The label is visible on all scenes on the web and located in the right or left lower corner. 

On scenes A and B, the label will always be away from the overlap, on left of A, right of B, right of C.

On scenes with A, B, C, or B and C,  B  must remain 12 ft to match with C.

CAUTION: On any scene where the label is on the side with the overlap, you must buy 12 ft to avoid trimming off the overlap match  (example: label to right on C, to right on D, you must buy 12 ft of C) .

If you are concerned about what will be cut off on an 8 or 10 ft., buy the next size larger and trim off the unnecessary scene yourself.

Transitions can be made on any length regardless of trimming.

Unlimited Length

Scenes with stock numbers A & B are 24 ft in 2 sections,  A, B, C are 36 ft.

Use reversals  A - B - B rev. - A rev. for 48 ft.

Use transitions  like BG MT 92A into BG MT 22M for unlimited length.

Use a combination of reversals and transitions

We strongly don't recommend a 360 deg circle without a break.

 
36 x 12
36 x 10
36 x 08
24 x 12
24 x 10
24 x 08
18 x 12 HO only and EB scenes

Warning: Tall objects (towers, buildings, smoke stacks) may cause trimming from the bottom on 18x12/10/08 HO.

 HO scale same as 24 x ?. We cut sky down to top of horizon, buildings, etc., then cut up from bottom for 17.25 inch.
18 x 10 HO
18 x 10 N
18 x 08 N
12 x 06 Z or N