Answer:
The scale factor of the model train and the engine itself is 1/8 or 1:8.
Explanation:
1. Let's check the information given to resolve the question:
Length of the model train = 36 inches
Length of the engine itself = 24 feet
2. Let's identify the scale factor:
Length of the model train = 36 inches = 36 /12 = 3 feet (12 inches = 1 foot)
Length of the model train = 3 feet
Scale factor = Length of the model train/Length of the engine itself
Scale factor = 3 feet / 24 feet = 1/8 (Dividing by 3 the numerator and the denominator and cancelling feet)
The scale factor of the model train and the engine itself is 1/8 or 1:8.