Interest Query ~ Extended Length 24”(+) Metal Scale Rulers?

[MrMRL]

Folks,

This is a general interest inquiry to my fellow modelers, seeking others interest in the possible limited(?) production of a series of extended length stainless steel scale rulers marked for HO and N (or) O scale.

There are no scale rulers manufactured longer than 12” that I’m aware of at this time, Excel and General being the current producers of aluminum and stainless steel 12” examples. I’ve often found over the years being a member of a medium sized HO scale train club that a longer (than 87 scale foot) straight edge could have really come in handy for a larger scale model build or measurement for one part of the layout or another.

I am currently in talks with both a producer and potential distributer of such rulers most likely 24” in length with a price (depending on production) from $20-$50. Longer lengths up to 48” are also on the table, depending on interest from larger home and club layout users.

At this point these are just talks and discussions gauging overall interest. I’d appreciate any feedback and commentary anyone else may have for or against this product. The more we are able to get the word out to this possibility, the greater chance of this becoming a thing in our hands at a fair and reasonable price.

Thank you,

~ Mr. MRL

[michaele]

I'd be interested in one of these rulers for HO.

[fiend540]

Also interested in one for HO

[mvlandsw]

I would like a combination HO/N/O version.

[Lookoutpass]

Yes - interested in HO scale.

[alexandrianick]

A 24 inch one would be pretty useful for structures, since equipment is rarely longer than the 87 feet you currently get.

For me, 48 inches seems to be in the range where I'm just going to use a yardstick and convert.

[wagnersteve]

I concur with alexandrianick.

[oldmuley]

Not a bad idea. For most measurements, I use an HO scale caliper, but this would be handy for stuff like roads.

[PennCentral]

I'd be in for a 24" ruler.

Jason C
Indiana

[packer]

I don't know about a 24" one, but an 18" one would be nice

[sd40dash2]

Wouldn't a measuring tape make more sense? Not a fan of long rulers.

[cemr5396]

Feb 6, 2024 12:33:14 GMT -8 sd40dash2 said:

Wouldn't a measuring tape make more sense? Not a fan of long rulers.

can't use a measuring tape as a straight edge.

[redfish]

I'd be interested in a 24" HO scale

[MrMRL]

Thank you everyone for your feedback so far.

~ Mr. MRL

[marknycfan]

Not a bad idea, I'd buy one.

[alcoc430]

I would also be interested in an H0 one. Would these be made in the USA?

[aharown]

Feb 6, 2024 12:22:32 GMT -8 packer said:

I don't know about a 24" one, but an 18" one would be nice

Yes, same here.  I find 18" to be the best compromise between needed size and ease of use.

[amrec99]

I asked the guys in my club and 4 said they would be in for an 18 or 24 inch. I’d want both!

[michaele]

I think an 18" would be less unwieldly on a work surface and should still be long enough to get the job done.

[12bridge]

18" is a common rule/straight edge size already and I think would be perfect for HO. 24" might be a bit on the large side. Either way, I want one.

I have 3 18" rulers in the house, one lives at my desk. An 18" center finding ruler is a handy tool as well.

[MrMRL]

Again, thanks everyone for the continued comments and responses. So, the idea of an 18” scale ruler vs. 24” appears to be gaining steam… Unfortunately due to production constraints only one option could viably be offered. So, which would/should it be folks? 18” stainless steel scale ruler, or 24”?

Me personally (for my modeling needs) the longer the better, but if consensus shows that 18” is a better seller, then 18” it very well may be. An 18" ruler allows for ~130 HO scale feet on a straight edge. 24” would provide ~174.25 scale feet of HO scale measurement.

Your opinion matters folks. This project is nearly a go.

~ Mr. MRL

[Colin 't Hart]

I'm not down for any. I convert everything to metric and measure using my metric steel rules (and digital calipers). I have rulers in 1m (40"), 50cm (20"), 30cm (12"), 20cm (8") and 15cm (6") lengths. I don't use the long ones that often, but they're handy on layout construction projects.

[big train james]

I would be interested in an O scale version if they happen and the price is decent. 24" would definitely be preferable to me for O scale, 18" would be shorter than some rolling stock. I can ask around to see if I can find some other O scalers that might be interested.

Jim

[tony]

I would like one.  If the etched gradients can be smaller and more precise that would be helpful to.  
Use cases:  HO 86' auto parts cars;  O scale 50/60' cars; O scale locomotives.

[fiend540]

Id buy either a 18 or a 24