I did this by starting with a scale ruler. It doesn't matter what scale it is. On the drawing of all the track and structures is some kind of scale. I measured that scale using my scale ruler. The scale shows 200 feet and with a 1:64 ruler that came out to 14.25 S scale feet. I then determined the multiplcation factor by dividing the actual feet from the scale feet, 200 / 14.25 = 14.035. It will be different depending on what ruler you are using. Knowing that number lets me continue making measurements with the scale ruler, and I just need to multiple the measurement by that factor to determine the actual size in feet.
Once I determine the actual feet, I convert it to scale feet using this online scale conversion calculator. One thing to notice about that calculator is that it only takes in inches. So determining a measurement goes like this: Measure with the scale ruler, multiply by 14.035 to convert to actual, multiply by 12 to convert to inches, enter into calculator, have final number!
Grass Valley has the shape of the letter "C", entering from the east, curving north, then curving back east on the exit. From top to bottom is around 1125 feet or a fifth of a mile. The distance from bottom of curve to top of depot is 448 ft. The long leg of a yard is 350 ft. (meaning it had a capacity of around 9-10 cars + engine).
| Scale | Total Length | Module Depth | Radius |
| Nn3 | 7 ft | 10.5" | 20"R |
| HOn3 | 13 ft | 20" | 37"R |
| Sn3 | 17.5 ft | 27" | 50"R |
| On3 | 23.5 ft | 3 ft | 6'R |
| Fn3 | 46.5 ft | 6 ft | 11'R |
Nn3 and Fn3 are on there just for kicks. I was actually surprised that prototypical radii could be obtained in Sn3 and HOn3 scales though the 50"R of Sn3 is pushing it a bit. I can just imagine an order going through for a FastTracks jig for 50"R and the person filling the order wondering what the purchaser was thinking. 50"R is pretty hardcore.
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