 |
Product Search
|
 |
|
Article Search
|
|
|
Resources
| |
|
Home > All About Model Railroad Scales
We Have Found 5 Products for your search of All About Model Railroad Scales.
Displaying Items Page 1 and Articles Page 1.
Pages: | 1 | 2 |  |
|
|
| Please vote and
rate this. |
All About Model Railroad Scales
by Alan Placer
Model trains come in various sizes. These sizes are referred to as 'scales' and range from the Z scale (1:220) all the way up to Large Scale (1:122.5) or, rarely, Grand Scale (1:4). The numbers refer to the size of model as compared to the real life version.
The most popular scale is HO, which is a ratio of 1:87. The reason HO is so popular is that the size is very convenient. A small layout will fit easily on a 4x8 foot piece of plywood. Because of its popularity, there are more locos, rolling stock and other equipment made for this scale than any other. In Britain, the similar OO scale is also popular, but the gauge is the same and OO rolling stock will run on HO track.
N is also very popular, which is a 1:160 scale. N scale allows a much larger layout in a small space, but creating scenery becomes harder in smaller scales. The even smaller Z scale is used to make layouts in confined spaces and is popular with model railroad show regulars.
O scale is the most popular of the larger scales. The scale is 1:48 in the US and 1:43 in Europe. It is also popular with modelers who have a large room and a lot of space. The modern version of O-scale trains are referred to as O-27 scale. Lionel is the largest manufacturer of O and O-27 scale trains and is what most adults are familiar with from their childhood.
G scale, or 1:22, is often used for garden layouts. At this scale, live steam locomotives start to become popular, although O scale live steam locomotives are also available. (Needless to say, live steam is best operated entirely outside). For models smaller than O scale, live steam is not usually feasible. G Scale is also a great size for around the Christmas Tree.
There are a number of other gauges, but they are mostly obscure and hard to find. S (1:64) and TT (1:120) have some following in the United States.
Z Scale trains are the smallest size model train. Most of them are made by the German manufacturer Marklin. Because of their small size they tend to be very expensive which gives them very little following in the U.S.
The smaller the scale, the more layout can be fit into a given space, but the more finicky layout creation is. Both of these should be considered when choosing a scale to work with.
About the Author
Established in 1975, Hobbymasters is one of the largest and oldest hobby stores in the country. With over 7,000 square feet on two floors, we have something for everyone to enjoy! Most of our hobby experts have been employed with us for at least 20 years, and their combined expertise covers every field of the hobby industry. Visit us at hobbymasters.com or call (732) 842-6020
Related Articles (0 vote) The Components Of A Good Model Train Layout - Planning Your Railway
Frank Keenan There are a number of people associating model train railroads with children and toys. Truth be told, it is a very popular hobby among ad... products, articles
- (0 vote) The Railserve Site
by Edward Burke. RailServe is a treasure house for the collectors of the Brass HO trains and other model trains. It is a directory of anything and everything concerne... products, articles
- (0 vote) Learn To Setup Your Model Train Railroad The Right Way
Frank Keenan Railroad Modeling is a good leisure pursuit in the earlier times that continuously gained popularity even at the present. Basically, most... products, articles
 (1 vote) Why Are Brass HO Trains Preferred Over Other Model Trains?
by Edward Burke. Earlier the garden railroads were more popular and people had them in the yard. Many have also dedicated the whole of the attics, basements or rooms ... products, articles
|
