| Model trains are available in a variety of different | | | | model train display. |
| sizes that are denoted as scales. This spectrum | | | | Next in line on the popularity chart is the N scale |
| of sizes ranges from miniature train sets to large | | | | model trains. The N scale has the ratio of 1:160 |
| models that designed to be set up outdoors. | | | | that makes them considerably smaller than the |
| There are two terms used in association of | | | | HO. For my taste the N scale is to small and the |
| collecting model trains, they are gauge and scale. | | | | detailing on the locomotives and cars is not as |
| Scale is used to describe the ratio of a model to | | | | intricate as on the HO scale. One other detail that |
| the actual train that it depicts and gauge refers to | | | | should be mentioned is that accessories for the N |
| the track width. | | | | scale are much less available than for the HO and |
| When it comes to model railroad collecting the | | | | other model trains because their small size makes |
| choice of scale is usually the most important | | | | them complex and difficult to work with and the |
| aspect that needs to be decided before the | | | | number of units sold has reduced worldwide |
| collection can start. It is a matter of personal | | | | demand therefore making this a difficult train to |
| preference as well as experience and don't forget | | | | collect. However there is one big benefit with this |
| what may be the most important part of the | | | | standard and that is the fact that you can set up |
| equation, which is your budget. Although there are | | | | an extensive railroading track in a relatively small |
| many different scales available for you to choose | | | | space. The N scale tends to be more popular with |
| from the HO is one of the most popular. | | | | kids and individuals that have limited space to |
| The HO model train scale is by far the most | | | | work with and are not interested in large detailed |
| common amongst the scales. The approximate | | | | railroad layouts. |
| ratio of HO model trains is 1:87. You will also be | | | | The other three scales in the fab five list are the |
| able to find variations in the HO scales. The HO is | | | | O (1:48), the Z (1:220) and the big daddy himself, |
| popular since it comes in various gauges and is | | | | the G (1:24). There are other scales available but |
| very easy to work with. The detail is outstanding | | | | are not considered to be big collector items since |
| and the size of the train is somewhat like a | | | | their popularity is so small. The fewer retail units |
| popular fairytale. It's size is not to small, it's not to | | | | sold means fewer accessories. Collectors tend to |
| big.....it's just right! | | | | lean toward the fab five and then it is the |
| Not only will you be able to find HO model trains | | | | individual's personal taste in scale that seems to |
| with utmost ease but also one of the biggest | | | | be the determining factor in their collection. So |
| advantages of sticking to this scale is that you will | | | | spend some time and consider your space, your |
| easily be able to find a wide variety of | | | | budget and your personal taste and come on |
| accessories with which you can enhance your | | | | aboard. |