As sort of a follow-on to Jeff Metz's question about the "O" in O gauge I thought you might find these two items of interest.
Model Railroader announced "QO" gauge in a short article in the January 1938 issue. QO was short for "quarter O" and it was to the scale of 1/16" to the foot. At the time of the publication Model Railroader called it "The World's Smallest Railroad". The article featured models by H.R. Walther and they included an articulated Zephyr and an SP Mountain class engine.
The second item concerns "Standard Gauge." In the May 1938 issue of Model Railroader the editor stated, "...we suggested, three years ago, that "the now-called 'standard gauge' be called No. 2 gauge, as a much more accurate and fitting name. No. 2 gauge at one time was 2", but 2" gauge is practically unknown...and so why not apply the name to a gauge it fits and which is used? This will give us gauges No, 0, 1, and 2, with gauges of 1 1/4", 1 3/4", and 2 1/8", a very logical succession." This editorial suggestion won favor with our readers and we had only one or two unfavorable responses in comparison with dozens of letters favoring the change. Which explains why The Model Railroader has been calling 2 1/8" gauge No. 2 gauge. We don't believe there is any reasonable confusion, as 2" gauge is extinct with the possible exception of collectors' items. We believe the reasons for using this name for 2 1/8" gauge are as valid now as they were three years ago, and will appreciate hearing your reaction to the matter." ....so, for those of you opposed...time machine anyone?
