While there are some model train lovers who like having a garden train out in their yards, and others who've dedicated whole attics and basements to huge, detailed, layouts, there are plenty of other hobbyists who don't have the space for these. But we still want to be able to use more than one layout, or do more than just a simple oval. What can you do if you love trains, but don't want a huge one? There are plenty of options. The huge number of different people who use model trains means that manufacturers have made tracks and trains in just about every size conceivable. It doesn't matter whether you have a whole back yard or just the top of your desk.
O scale trains are one of the most popular sizes. These trains offer a lot of detail, being in a size ratio of 1:48 to real life trains and running on 1 " gauge track. While these are one of the larger sizes, they are smaller than the G scale model trains often used for outdoor layouts - O scale are a smaller alternative to these trains which is suitable for indoor or outdoor use, but do take up a significant amount of space.
Ho Model Train Scale is a good choice for hobbyists who are looking for something not quite as large as O scale, but still large enough to have plenty of detail. HO (or half O) scale models are made at a ratio of 1:87, roughly half the size of O scale. These are the most popular size of model trains and are great for floor layouts since you can make some very unconventional layouts without having to dedicate a great deal of space to your tracks.
These trains offer a good balance of the detail of the larger scales of train and the smaller space requirement of the tiny models such as N scale trains. Because of this, they have managed to remain the most popular scale. This scale did not become popular overnight; when they were first introduced to hobbyists in the UK in the 1930s, they failed to catch on due to the popularity of OO scale trains.
Once they were introduced to the US market in the 1950s, they quickly became a favorite. As of now, this is the scale of choice for around 65% of model train hobbyists.
Since this is the most popular scale, it is the easiest to find trains, tracks, accessories and premade layouts for; virtually every company who produces model trains and accessories manufactures them in this scale.
If you want a scale that looks great, can make a fancy layout, is easy to get in any hobby store, and doesn't sacrifice on detail, HO scale trains are perfect.
O scale trains are one of the most popular sizes. These trains offer a lot of detail, being in a size ratio of 1:48 to real life trains and running on 1 " gauge track. While these are one of the larger sizes, they are smaller than the G scale model trains often used for outdoor layouts - O scale are a smaller alternative to these trains which is suitable for indoor or outdoor use, but do take up a significant amount of space.
Ho Model Train Scale is a good choice for hobbyists who are looking for something not quite as large as O scale, but still large enough to have plenty of detail. HO (or half O) scale models are made at a ratio of 1:87, roughly half the size of O scale. These are the most popular size of model trains and are great for floor layouts since you can make some very unconventional layouts without having to dedicate a great deal of space to your tracks.
These trains offer a good balance of the detail of the larger scales of train and the smaller space requirement of the tiny models such as N scale trains. Because of this, they have managed to remain the most popular scale. This scale did not become popular overnight; when they were first introduced to hobbyists in the UK in the 1930s, they failed to catch on due to the popularity of OO scale trains.
Once they were introduced to the US market in the 1950s, they quickly became a favorite. As of now, this is the scale of choice for around 65% of model train hobbyists.
Since this is the most popular scale, it is the easiest to find trains, tracks, accessories and premade layouts for; virtually every company who produces model trains and accessories manufactures them in this scale.
If you want a scale that looks great, can make a fancy layout, is easy to get in any hobby store, and doesn't sacrifice on detail, HO scale trains are perfect.