What is TT:120 scale?

TT:120 scale is a popular model railway scale and track gauge used by modellers in the UK and beyond.

The 'TT' in TT:120 stands for 'Table Top', reflecting its compact size that makes it suitable for modelling on a table or in limited space. The '120' refers to the scale ratio of 1:120, meaning that models in this scale are 120 times smaller than their full-sized counterparts. This scale sits between the larger OO scale (1:76) and the smaller N scale (1:160), offering a nice balance between detail and space efficiency.

In TT:120, the standard track gauge—the distance between the rails—is 12mm. This gauge accurately represents the standard gauge used by most real-world railways when scaled down to 1:120. The combination of this scale and gauge allows for remarkably realistic models that capture the essence of British railways whilst remaining manageable in size.

You'll find that TT:120 offers several advantages. It allows for more detailed models than smaller scales like N, whilst still permitting larger layouts than OO scale in the same space. This makes it an excellent choice if you're looking to create a comprehensive layout in a spare room or loft, for instance.

However, it's worth noting that TT:120 is less common than some other scales, particularly in the UK. Whilst it enjoys popularity in some European countries, especially Germany, you might find the range of ready-made British prototype models somewhat limited compared to OO or N scales. That said, the situation is improving, with more manufacturers producing TT:120 items and many modellers enjoy the challenge of scratch-building or kit-bashing to create unique pieces for their layouts.