Model train scales are a measurement of how big the model trains, as compared to the actual one. For beginners this can be the most bewildering part of this pastime, and often they accidentally confuse scale for gauge.

While this is a general mix-up, many model trains hobbyists will get fairly upset if you confuse the two. Gauge is the space in between the rails on a track, not size.

First a few facts about model railroad scales. It is measured like this.

First thing you will observe when looking at a model train scales is a letter. Here are the most common lettering system, in order from largest to littlest.

While there are some others that can be bigger or littler, they’re difficult to find and various smaller sizes are hard to work with, especially if you have large hands, or have arthritis. HO is probably the easiest to work with, find parts and accessories easily, and is one of the most common train scales.

In order from largest is G scale. These railways are 1:24, meaning they are only one twenty-fourth the size of a real train.

While you may think of these railroads as the ones you may have seen circling a tree at Christmas time, they’re larger than that. You would most often find this scale in a outside setting, intermingled in a garden or landscaping scene.

They’re made to be rugged and durable and will take the stress of weather fairly well. The size commonly associated with Christmas trains are the ‘O’ model railroad scales, which are 1:48, meaning that they’re 1 48th the size of an actual train.

You mostly see these in the hands of smaller children, because of their size, they are easily handled by small ones. You will almost certainly not see many of these railroad layouts indoors, because of the space they use.

HO is as mentioned before, the most popular used and effortlessly found. HO scale is 1:87, which is small enough to handle well, performs the best and is large enough to showcase very well.

You’ll see these model railway scales in most layouts, because of the convenience of parts and miniatures that are obtainable. This train size is great for the newbie, because it has scores of basic sets, and can be expanded as the user becomes more experienced.

The next two are N, which stands for nine, which is the space between the tracks for this model, 9mm. This scale is 1:160, and is small enough to show in a bedroom, or a garage setting.

Z scale is the smallest, 1:220, and a total basic track for this size can fit on an office or home desk top. But, this size is not advised for kids for those with vision problems, etc. because it is so small.

Again gauge is the measured space between the track, and there are lots of different gauges. Generally when you buy a set, you really do not have to be concerned about this, as the train and tracks always match.

When you are buying extra track, then you’ll need to identify what the gauge is, so you won’t get tracks that are too wide or narrow to match with the ones you have. With this information about model train scales, it ought to help you figure out which model railroads are going to be perfect for you.

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