Otis Singleton
Electric trains, like all trains, come in a variety of sizes, or scales. The scale of a model train refers to its relative size in proportion to an actual train, also known as the prototype. The most popular model train scales in North America are HO, N, O, and G, but there are many other options available as well. The HO scale, for example, is 1/87th the size of a real train, while the N scale is roughly half the size of the HO scale at a 1:160 ratio. The size of an electric train set can be an important factor when deciding which model to choose, as it will determine the amount of space required to run the trains and create different layouts.
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What You'll Learn
- G scale: Ranging from 1:20.3 to 1:32, these trains are often used in outdoor railways
- HO scale: First introduced in Europe, these are 1:87 the size of real trains
- N scale: Roughly half the size of HO scale, N scale trains are often used for more complicated layouts
- O scale: With a ratio of 1:48, these trains were first produced in the late 1800s and are often used for toy trains
- Z, S, and other scales: There are also other, less common scales available to modelers, such as Z and S scales
G scale: Ranging from 1:20.3 to 1:32, these trains are often used in outdoor railways
Electric trains come in various sizes, or "scales," with the HO scale (1:87) being one of the most popular choices in North America. This scale, first introduced in Europe, offers detailed models at a smaller size, taking up less space than its larger cousins.
Another popular option is the G scale, which ranges from 1:20.3 to 1:32 in size. These trains are significantly larger than the HO scale models and are often used in outdoor garden railways due to their size and durability. Introduced by Lehmann Grosse Bahn (meaning "Lehmann Big Trains") in the 1960s, G scale trains provide a rugged and fun option for hobbyists.
The G scale's fixed track gauge of 45 millimetres (1.75 inches) accommodates a range of modelling scales, including narrow gauge (~1:13-1:19-1:20), metre gauge (1:22.5), Playmobil trains (~1:24), and standard gauge (~1:29-1:32). This versatility allows for a variety of train sizes to run on the same gauge track, creating dynamic and scenic outdoor displays.
The G scale trains' larger size means that even a small setup will take up a considerable amount of room. Additionally, the options for different types of trains and accessories are more limited compared to other scales. However, for those with the space and interest in combining railways with garden scenery, G scale trains provide an enjoyable and unique modelling experience.
The G scale includes offerings from popular manufacturers such as LGB, Piko, MTH, and Bachmann, each bringing their unique touches to these large and durable outdoor trains.
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HO scale: First introduced in Europe, these are 1:87 the size of real trains
Electric trains come in a variety of sizes, or "scales". The HO scale is one of the most popular model train sizes in Europe and North America. The "HO" abbreviation stands for "half-O", as it is half the size of the O scale (1:48) that was popular in America after the First World War. HO scale models are 1/87th the size of real trains, so if you had an HO scale model of a 40-foot boxcar, you would need 87 of them to match the length of the real thing. The rails of HO scale trains are spaced 16.5mm (0.650 inches) apart.
The HO scale was first introduced in Europe and made its first appearance in the United States in the mid-1930s. Its smaller size made it less expensive and better suited for those living in smaller homes and apartments. HO scale trains became increasingly popular after the Second World War, as manufacturing methods improved and modellers sought more detailed and accurate models.
Today, HO scale trains are available from a wide range of manufacturers and in all price ranges. The annual HO scale catalogue by Wm. K. Walthers, North America's largest model railroad supplier, offers over 1,000 pages of HO scale products. HO scale trains can be controlled in either analog or digital fashion, with analog control using direct current to vary voltage and control speed and polarity to control direction.
HO scale trains are also used in other hobbies, such as slot car racing, where the term "HO" refers to a general size of track rather than a precise scale of the car. Small plastic model soldiers that are close to one inch in height are also often labelled as "HO size".
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N scale: Roughly half the size of HO scale, N scale trains are often used for more complicated layouts
Electric trains come in a variety of sizes, or "scales", with the most popular model train scales in North America being HO, N, O, and G. The scale of a model train refers to its relative size in proportion to the real thing, or "prototype". For example, an HO scale model train is 1/87th the size of an actual train, meaning you would need 87 HO train cars to match the length of one real train car.
N scale trains are roughly half the size of HO scale trains, with a 1:160 ratio. This means that an N scale model train is 1/160th the size of an actual train. N scale trains first appeared in Germany in 1962 and made their way to the United States in 1967 with Aurora's line of "Postage Stamp Trains". The "N" in N scale stands for "nine", referring to the 9mm gauge between the rails of an N scale track.
Due to their small size, N scale trains are often used for more complicated layouts in smaller spaces. They can also be used in larger spaces, such as garages or basements, to create detailed and life-like scenes. The small size of N scale trains allows for more flexibility in layout design and can create a more immersive experience for viewers.
When deciding between HO and N scale trains, it is important to consider the level of detail desired, the available space, and the desired level of complexity in the layout. N scale trains are ideal for those who want to create intricate layouts in limited spaces, while HO scale trains may be better suited for those who want to focus on the detail and accessories of the train itself.
Overall, N scale trains provide a unique opportunity to create detailed and immersive train layouts in a compact space, offering a popular alternative to the larger and more common HO scale trains.
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O scale: With a ratio of 1:48, these trains were first produced in the late 1800s and are often used for toy trains
Electric trains, or model trains, come in various sizes, referred to as "scales". The scale of a model train refers to its relative size in proportion to the real thing, also known as the "prototype". One of the most popular model train scales in North America is the O scale, which has a ratio of 1:48. This means that if you use a standard ruler to measure a 1-inch O-scale object, that object would be 48 inches long in real life.
O scale trains were first produced in the late 1800s and are often used for toy trains. In fact, O scale was one of the first sizes of model trains, with John Gwartzell building O Scale trains as early as 1894. Commercial manufacturing of O Scale equipment began in the 1910s, and by the 1930s, it was the most common model railroad scale in the United States. O scale trains became especially popular after the First World War, when their smaller size made them appealing to people moving into smaller homes and apartments.
Today, O scale trains are still widely produced by manufacturers such as Lionel, MTH, Atlas, and Williams by Bachmann. These trains are often used by modellers with large spaces, allowing for the creation of detailed and majestic scenes. To accommodate different preferences and space constraints, O scale trains are available in both standard and narrow-gauge versions. The narrow-gauge versions, On3 and On30, use HO gauge track to run O scale models, making them ideal for modelling industries such as logging railroads.
The O scale is also known as OS2R, with a core scale in America of 1:48. However, British and Australian OS2R models are built to a ratio of 1:43.5, while Continental European models are built to 1:45. O scale trains are not just limited to the railway models; many manufacturers also produce die-cast models of vehicles such as trucks, cars, and buses in scales compatible with O scale trains, making them popular with collectors.
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Z, S, and other scales: There are also other, less common scales available to modelers, such as Z and S scales
Model trains come in a variety of sizes, or "scales". The scale of a model train is its relative size in proportion to the real thing, which is called the "prototype". For example, an HO scale model train is 1/87th the size of the real train. If you had an HO scale model of a 40-foot boxcar, you would need 87 of them to be equal in length to the real thing.
While the HO scale is one of the most popular model train scales in North America, there are other less common scales available, such as the Z and S scales. Z Scale (1:220) is one of the smallest of the major manufactured scales in the industry, with trains that can fit in the palm of your hand. Z Scale trains can fit into very small spaces and still feature a wide variety of high-quality trains and accessories.
S Scale (1:64) is larger than HO scale but smaller than O scale. It features a narrow but exciting market of high-quality trains and accessories. These trains are easy to handle and view and can fit into moderately small spaces. Popular manufacturers of S scale trains include American Flyer, Lionel, and MTH.
In addition to the scales mentioned above, model trains also come in other sizes, including the G scale (ranging from 1:20.3 to 1:32) and the N scale (1:160). The G scale is often used in outdoor garden railways, while the N scale is popular for those who want to build more complicated layouts in smaller spaces.
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Frequently asked questions
The most popular electric train sizes in North America are HO, N, O, and G scales.
HO scale trains are 1:87 the size of real trains. They first appeared in Europe before becoming popular in the United States in the 1930s.
N scale trains are roughly half the size of HO scale trains, with a 1:160 ratio. They are often used to build more complicated layouts in smaller spaces.
O scale trains have a 1:48 ratio and are one of the original model train scales. They are popular for those with large spaces who want to create detailed and majestic scenes.
The smallest commercially available model train size is T-Gauge, with a scale of 1:450.
