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Home > Model Trains (O Scale) - The Hobbyist And Collector
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Model Trains (O Scale) - The Hobbyist and Collector
by Max Addams
Model trains "O Scale" is my passion. Being a model railroader, I am always enthusiastic about sharing my passion, and hopefully converting more and more hobbyists and collectors over to the joy of O Scale.
O Gauge is actually 0 (zero) Gauge, but it is easier to say O so that is what it has become known as. The O Scale is a ratio of 1:48, which means it is 1/48th the size of the real-life train. Prior to 1900, model trains were a standard size of 1 to 5, with 1 being the smallest. Around 1900, the 0 Scale model train was introduced. The Great Depression of the 1930s saw an increase in the manufacture and purchase of the smaller and cheaper O Scale.
In the 1950s, model trains moved from being mere toys to being a hobbyist / collector passion. Different scales gained popularity in different countries. UK adopted the 00 Scale, while the USA became passionate about HO Scale and Japan, with its limited space, embraced the smaller N Scale. The O Scale maintained its nostalgic popularity worldwide. Whilst larger than the other scales mentioned here, the O Scale remains one of the most popular of the larger scale trains.
The O Scale is typically the largest of the scales that is run indoors. But it does need space. This is one factor you must consider when deciding on a scale to indulge.
Prior to the 1950s, a train set was typically run on a circular track and you would watch it go round and round, and marvel at having such movement in your own living room. A very common scene was to have the track running around the base of the Christmas Tree.
But then it all changed. Hobbyists started to want more for their beloved train sets and we saw the birth of the model railroader, or railway modeler. This new wave of train-mania saw the emergence of railway layouts with buildings and scenery. Train sets now needed a community, with people, and stations, and rivers, and forests, and bridges, and tunnels. Our hobby moved forward. And we have never looked back.
This realistic landscaping is what drives hobbyists to smaller scales. The larger the model train, the harder the scenery. But the smaller and easier scenery sometimes means your model train might have a less detailed exterior.
As you can see, hobbyists form their own reasons for choosing to indulge in a particular scale.
When choosing your scale, choose for your needs. Analyze what space you have, what trains you like, what size you like. Choose what feels right for you. There is no right or wrong scale. Just choose what is right for you.
Why choose O Scale?
O Scale is strong, affordable, and durable. It offers sturdy units, ideal for the rough handling that sometimes comes from children playing. The 1:48 ratio is also a standard scale in dolls house design - think of scenery and accessories. It is the largest size that is typically run indoors.
Whatever scale you choose, model railroading is a hobby that allows you to express yourself and your creativity with your very own train world. You get to design the layout however you want. And you get to marvel as you watch it in action.
Max has been collecting trains (O Scale) for over ten years and, whilst it is hard to limit the number of special items, there are some particular trains that take pride of place in his collection.
About the Author
Max shares his experiences on his blog:
trains-oscale.org/trains-o-scale/trains-o-scale-the-beginning-of-otrains-oscale.org/trains-o-scale/trains-o-scale-the-beginning-of-o
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HI Railers O Gauge layout at November's Greenburg's Train Show in Edison, NJ.
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