If a model train is built to a scale of 1:187, then this means that for every 187 units of length on the model train, there is 1 unit of length on the actual train. Therefore, to find the length of the model train, we can multiply the length of the actual train by the scale factor.
If the actual boxcar is 40 ft long, then we can multiply this by the scale factor of 1/187 to find the length of the model train. This gives us a length of:
40 ft * (1/187) = 0.214 ft
Since there are 12 inches in one foot, we can multiply the length of the model train in feet by 12 to find the length of the model train in inches. This gives us:
0.214 ft * 12 inches/ft = 2.568 inches
Rounded to the nearest tenth, the length of the model train in inches is 2.6 inches