Model Trains are often synonymous with the terms, model railroading; which is a hobby regarding rail transport systems that are modeled to a reduced scale.
At present, “HO” (1:87) scale is the without doubt the most popular of all model railroad scales; as a result of such popularity, manufacturers have responded and are constantly creating a huge amount of accessories and rolling stock for the HO scale models. This popularity has developed because HO scale is considered by most RR enthusiasts to be just the right size to allow most people to appreciate the detail, plus the incredibly good running performance and the comparative price to other scale models has helped HO gain popularity as well. Youngsters though, may find it easier to operate and control the bigger scales, beginning with the HO scale and above.
You should also be aware that it is very difficult to create an authentic looking layout in a large scale. For this reason and more, HO scale has become very popular because it is considered a “middle-of-the-road” scale and is easier to construct realistic displays.
Never the less, keep in mind that HO scale with a continuous loop model railroad system requires at least a 3.5 foot x 4 foot “table” area. So a layout space of 6 feet x 4 feet, so as to insure access to the construction site, will be enough to design an interesting HO scale layout with a continuous loop. If you don’t have that much room, then you might consider an “N” (1: 160) scale layout which can be built in less than 1/3 of the area required by a similar HO scale model train layout but obviously much smaller. There is even a smaller scale: “Z” (1: 220).
If working space is not an issue, then you might seriously consider building an “O” scale which is (1:48 in the US or 1:43 in the UK) which is close to twice the size of HO.
If you’re not confused or frustrated yet regarding model train scales, then have a look at “G” scale model trains. It has been argued that this scale is the best all around train size for beginners and experts alike.
G model trains are bigger than others, at a 1:22 scale, that’s one twenty-second the size of a real train. The most obvious benefit of a G scale model is that they are so easy to set up, since the tracks are larger and therefore easier to handle. But, when all things are considered, because of the size, it takes up a lot of room; therefore even a very simple layout can fill up a large dining room table. G scale model trains are actually big enough to setup outdoors and will blend in quite well in flower garden settings or with the landscaping in general.
If you require a visual aid like most of us, then the simple image below may assist with regard to all the model train scales referenced above:
Other terms that you’re sure to come upon when constructing a model Rail Road (RR), no matter the size, is “Rolling Stock” and “Rail Gauge”. Rolling Stock is everything that rolls upon the RR tracks, from a locomotive to a simple hand car. Rail Gauge is simply the width between the RR tracks or rails.
Model Trains or Model Railroading are not only terms that are synonymous to each other but for some time now they have been first and foremost when the topic of “Man Toys” are mentioned. A man toy in the form of a model train can be purchased by everyone (not just men) in most hobby stores ─ from HO scale models train sets to scaled model scenery.
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