Model train scales are a measurement of how big the model trains, compared to the real thing. For starters this can be the most puzzling part of this pastime, and often they mistakenly mix up scale for gauge.
While this is a general error, many model trains enthusiasts will get somewhat upset if you mix up 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 see when looking at a model railroad scales is a letter. Here are the most popular lettering system, organized from largest to smallest.
While there are a few others that can be larger or smaller, they are hard to come across and some smaller sizes are hard to work with, especially if you have big hands, or have arthritis. HO is possibly 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 railroad.
While you may think of these railways 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 railroads are the ‘O’ model railroad scales, which are 1:48, meaning that they are 1 48th the size of a genuine railway.
You more often than not see these in the hands of little children, because of their size, they are easily handled by small ones. You’ll most likely not see many of these railway designs in the house, because of the room they use.
HO is as mentioned before, the most common used and easily found. HO scale is 1:87, which is little enough to handle well, performs the best and is large enough to show case very well.
You’ll see these model railroad scales in most designs, because of the accessibility of parts and miniatures that are available. This train size is great for the novice, because it has many basic sets, and can be expanded as the user gets more knowledgeable.
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 little enough to exhibit in a bedroom, or a garage setting.
Z scale is the smallest, 1:220, and a full basic layout for this size can fit on an office or home desk top. Though, this size is not advised for children for those with eyesight problems, etc. as it’s so small.
Again gauge is the measured space in between the track, and there are lots of different gauges. More often than not when you get a set, you really don’t have to be concerned about this, as the railway and tracks always match.
When you are buying extra track, then you will want to be acquainted with what the gauge is, so you will not get tracks that are too wide or narrow to match with the ones you have. With this info about model railway scales, it should help you figure out which model railways are going to be perfect for you.