| You've heard the saying "different strokes for different | | | | train engines, cars and accessories available for |
| folks" well, the same concept applies to model train | | | | purchase. |
| hobbyists, one hobbyists might want to own model | | | | Historically, the HO scale model trains were first |
| railroad trains that can run outdoors in and through their | | | | manufactured in the United Kingdom around 1930. At |
| garden another might only have a small space in the | | | | the time, the 00 scale was popular in England and the |
| closet. Some model train hobbyists have great | | | | HO scale was created as a competitor to the OO |
| imaginations and the space to go along with it for | | | | scale. Since the 00 scale was already deeply |
| creating massive track layouts, others just don't have | | | | entrenched in the model train market the HO scale had |
| the space and have to think of unique ways to set up | | | | a difficult time trying to make any headway into the |
| their trains. Thankfully, model railroad trains come in a | | | | market. Markets have a way of establishing |
| good variety of sizes to suit the needs of just about | | | | themselves and the model train hobbyists in the U.S. |
| everyone. | | | | demanded a high quality realistic train in the 1950's |
| Arguably, the most used size train is the O gauge | | | | when they discovered the HO trains from England, by |
| which is one of the larger sizes. The O scale | | | | the 1960's the HO model train market really exploded in |
| translates to 1/48th. The 1/48th scale means that the | | | | America and hasn't slowed down since. There's |
| model is one forty-eighth the size of a real live train. | | | | research that indicates HO scale trains are preferred |
| Another important measurement is the "gauge" and | | | | by more than 2/3 or model train hobbyists. |
| the gauge for O scale is 1.25 inches. Model railroad | | | | Since HO scale trains compose such a huge part of |
| trains with this size track are often used for outdoor | | | | the market, you'll find a tremendous selection of |
| layouts, just do a search on Youtube for O scale. | | | | supplies and trains with a wide price point range along |
| Obviously, the O gauge isn't for everyone and smaller | | | | with a very large number of model train |
| trains appeal to model train enthusiasts for a number | | | | manufacturers. Walk into any hobby shop and you'll |
| of good reasons. | | | | find HO scale trains and supplies, the larger the shop |
| One of the smaller scale trains is the HO gauge which | | | | the more choices you'll have, but I always recommend |
| is approximately 1/2 the size of the O scale. The | | | | trying to support your local hobby shop even if it |
| meaning of HO is easy to remember since it literally | | | | means you have to special order items because there |
| stands for one half of O. The actual scale size of HO | | | | is no end to the variety of HO trains and supplies. |
| trains is 1/87. Another important number for HO scale | | | | Even though I suggest using your local hobby shop |
| model trains is the "track gauge" which is 16.5mm for | | | | first, the internet provides global access to HO supplies |
| HO model trains. The size of HO scale trains makes it | | | | that is almost unimaginable and don't forget auctions |
| a popular model train able to create some very unique | | | | like Ebay. |
| layouts. The small size allows for some very realistic | | | | Given the wide choice of scale model trains, the HO |
| scenery with complex HO track layouts that really use | | | | scale model trains will provide you with everything and |
| very little space. HO scale model trains come with a | | | | anything you can imagine for setting up the train layout |
| variety of detail, you can get a basic train with little | | | | of your dreams that will impress your family and |
| detail or you can spend a lot of money and get a train | | | | friends while creating hours of entertainment for you |
| so detailed that you're afraid to let anyone touch it! | | | | and your model train friends. Nothing can ever replace |
| Small children under 5 should be kept away from HO | | | | the sight and sound of your model train winding through |
| trains and those between 6 and 8 should be | | | | curves, into a tunnel and through the local town. Check |
| supervised to avoid damaging your train, after some | | | | out your local phone book and the internet to find a |
| instruction you might find them fully capable of handling | | | | local train club, they will be more than happy to share |
| your setup. Since HO scale mode trains are sort of in | | | | their hobby with you and answer any questions you |
| between the large trains and small trains, they have | | | | might have about HO scale model trains! |
| been a very popular scale and you'll find no end to the | | | | |