Standard Gauge Model Train Track
Model railroads have a Standard Guage track, also called Wide Gauge. Between running rails, the standard gauge train track has a distance of 2 1/8" between them. There probably never was an official Standard scale because the peak of popularity of this Lionel model railroad track gauge happened before widespread interest in scale model railroading. Finding it's best popularity from about 1918 through the early 1930's, it was the elitist gauge during that time.
Lionel model trains claimed the exclusive rights to the term "Standard Gauge" because they coined the term at it's conception. Other model train companies, including American Flyer and Ives also manufactured trains in this track size, but called it "Wide gauge." Popularity waned however, and by the end of the 1930s, Standard gauge toy trains weren't being produced. They all but disappeared.
Some independent manufacturers took up the mantle in the early 1970's model trains and began making new redesigned Standard gauge items for those collecting model trains, but until the "classic" Lionel trains were reproduced, did a real revival take hold.
In the middle 1980s a real interest in this gauge was revived due to those classic Lionel trains being made available to the serious model railroading enthusiasts, who reminisced for the best of Lionel model trains.
