European Gauge Railway Track

Plastic model kit for a track in European gauge

• 1:35 scale
• Total length of rail 68.6 cm
• 136 parts
• not built, not painted
• Paint and glue not included

During World War II, the 1,435 mm standard gauge—used across much of Europe—was the dominant track gauge. It was employed in countries such as Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, as well as throughout large parts of Central Europe. Rail transport was of critical importance to both the Wehrmacht and the Allies, as heavy equipment—including tanks, artillery, and supplies—was predominantly moved by rail.

The tracks generally consisted of riveted or welded rail profiles mounted on wooden sleepers. In Germany, rail profiles weighing between approximately 49 and 54 kg per meter were common. Military trains carrying tanks such as the Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger or the Panzerkampfwagen V Panther utilized specialized heavy-duty flatcars designed for standard-gauge tracks. For modelers, this means that European tracks during World War II had the standard gauge of 1,435 mm, which corresponds to a scale gauge of approximately 41 mm in 1:35 scale.