| Everyone needs information when they are | | | | O". HO is the most popular size. It is small enough |
| getting ready to take on a new task. Sometimes | | | | to have an interesting layout indoors, without |
| the needed information are instructions on how to | | | | taking up too much space. |
| build something. In this article, it is model train | | | | Another scale, N trains are 1:160, about half the |
| information. This will help you to understand the | | | | size of HO. These trains are small enough to fit |
| world you are getting ready to enjoy. | | | | into a matchbox, but still have the great details of |
| Models trains have been around almost as long as | | | | the larger models. |
| locomotives and trains. Over the course of the | | | | Now, when model train enthusiasts talk about |
| years the models have been improved and | | | | gauge, they are referring to the distance between |
| perfected making them easily usable by all those | | | | the two rails. Since there are so many |
| in your family. | | | | manufacturers of model trains, it made sense to |
| Best of all, unlike some hobbies where you just | | | | have standard track widths. This allows the buyer |
| collect, with models you actually get to build | | | | to know what size train to buy for their tracks. |
| something, create a vision that will be enjoyable | | | | Here some model train information on gauges. |
| not only for you but others who get to watch as | | | | Model train enthusiasts refer to real train tracks |
| it rolls along on the track. Simply put, you are | | | | as the "prototype". A real train track is 4 feet, 8 |
| creating memories and joy for those who get to | | | | 1/2 inches. Narrow gauge track, the kind you see |
| witness it. Some basic model information will allow | | | | in mining railroads or scenic tourist trains, is 3 feet |
| you to create that perfect track. | | | | to 3 1/2 feet. |
| The scale of the train refers to the size of the | | | | Most model train gauges are described in term of |
| model train compared to a real train. Each scale is | | | | the real "prototype" size. G train track is |
| referred to by a letter or number. The most | | | | 1.75″ between the rails. HO track is |
| common scales are G, O, HO and N. | | | | 0.65″ or 16.5mm. That is equivalent to |
| G and O are large scales. G scale trains are 1:22, | | | | 1:48 ratio to real train track. N track is a 1:160 |
| or just under 1/20 the size of a real train. These | | | | ratio. |
| trains are usually found outdoors, and are big | | | | The O train track is the maverick. It is measured |
| enough to carry a passenger. G trains vary in | | | | differently from the other gauges. Other gauges |
| actual size, but they all run on Gauge 1 track. | | | | are measured as the distance between the insides |
| For the record, O trains are 1:48, roughly half the | | | | of the two rails. The O track is measured as the |
| size of a G train. An O scale model of a 50 foot | | | | distance between the centers of the two rails. O |
| locomotive is about 12 inches long. The "O" | | | | train track is 1.25″ or 32 mm from the |
| originally stood for "zero". This meant that the "O" | | | | center of the two outer rails. |
| model was smaller than other trains that were | | | | Model train railroading is a popular hobby shared |
| graded as "1″, "2″, or "3″. | | | | by millions. Become part of that excitement, |
| Over time, people began to think of the "O" as a | | | | hopefully this model train information gave you |
| letter. | | | | some insight into the fun and fascinating world of |
| In comparison to the O scale, HO is 1:87, less than | | | | model trains. |
| half the size of an O train. HO stands for "half of | | | | |