| Two popular and widely available model train scale | | | | differences in compatibility are something to be |
| choices are the O scale and the 0-27 scale, both | | | | aware of when you're buying O scale model trains |
| of which are admired by model train enthusiasts | | | | and equipment. |
| of all ages. For years, the O scale trains have | | | | What are the particular variations in the O-27 |
| been affordable, durable, and easy to handle for | | | | scale? There are actually a number of similar O |
| model train hobbyists. In fact, many beginners to | | | | scale track choices. When the standard O scale |
| the world of model trains have launched their | | | | train track is put down in a circle, it has a |
| hobby with an O scale railroad starter kit, available | | | | diameter of 31 inches. So the ordinary O scale |
| from any of the well-known train set | | | | track is sometimes called O-31 track. Meanwhile, |
| manufacturers such as Lionel, American Flyer, | | | | the O-27 scale track will produce a smaller, |
| MTH, and others. | | | | 27-inch diameter when laid in a circle. The O scale |
| The O scale was created by German toy | | | | track is made in several sizes, including O-27, O-31 |
| manufacturer Marklin in about 1900. The early | | | | (standard), O-42, O-54, and O-72. The differences |
| model trains were used more for play than as | | | | have to do with the various diameters of the |
| sought-after items for hobbyists. Soon after it | | | | circular track. If you prefer to set up your railroad |
| was introduced, the O scale quickly became one | | | | in a smaller space, you will be able to fit in more |
| of the most popular among model railroaders. In | | | | track with closer curves, but the overall effect is |
| the years after America's Great Depression, the | | | | less realistic and sometimes full-sized O cars have |
| O scale model trains became the accepted | | | | trouble successfully negotiating the curves. |
| standard. The first O scale tracks were made | | | | Fortunately, model train hobbyists have the |
| using three rails. Today's O scale train sets come | | | | advantage of mixing and matching different scales |
| in both two-track and three-track formations. The | | | | of track to produce the layout they want. |
| third rail is used as an inside rail for added power. | | | | Though the O scale model trains aren't as popular |
| Over the years, as hobbyists began to focus | | | | as the HO scale and N scale, more and more train |
| more on the realism and operational quality of | | | | lovers are trying out O scale trains and equipment. |
| their trains, the HO scale and N scale became | | | | This has caused many major manufacturers to |
| more widely sought after than the O scale. But | | | | produce a range of O scale pieces, including |
| the O scale retains its place as a favorite for | | | | complete starter sets. And of course, the past |
| model train newcomers. | | | | 100 years of development have added |
| What does "O scale" refer to in model train | | | | significantly to the realism of O scale model trains. |
| terminology? It is the ratio between the size of | | | | The persistent confusion that surrounds this scale |
| an actual train and the size of the model. It's | | | | has to do with the regional inconsistencies in O |
| important to note that the scales are different | | | | scale standards. Hobbyists are advised to |
| from region to region. In the U.S., O scale models | | | | remember these regional variations in model scale |
| trains are 1:48 in scale to actual rail trains. In | | | | as well as the two-rail track and three-rail track |
| England, however, each O scale train is | | | | options. Nevertheless, O scale and O-27 scale |
| manufactured at 1:43:5. And elsewhere in Europe, | | | | model trains continue to be the favorites of |
| the O scale comes in yet a different size, at 1:45. | | | | hobbyists who enjoy the simple joys of operating |
| As a result, the trains don't have a consistent | | | | their model trains. |
| scale and gauge around the world. These | | | | |