HO Scale Model Trains
Since modelers first started playing around with model trains each one has had a vision of their ideal train setup and layout, some might want to run their trains outside, others keep to a bedroom or basement yet the fact remains model train hobbyists all have different imaginations and thus different train layouts. Today a model train hobbyists might decide to set up his entire train outside while another picks a corner of the basement and sets up on sheet of plywood. We live in fortunate times because the model railroad industry has manufactured model trains and model train parts to fit just about every need possible!
Ho scale model train car image
Surprisingly, one of the larger sizes that is used most is the O scale mode train. A scale of 1:48 has been associated with the O scale model trains. Sometimes it helps to visualize the scale and it this case 1/48 scale indicates that the O scale model trains and accessories are one forty-eighth the size of an actual train engine. When looking at model trains the term “gauge” is important and refers to the distance between tracks and for O scale model trains there is a distance of 1 and 1/4 inches between rails. The larger size trains with larger tracks such as the O scale track with a gauge of 1.25 is usualy the only model train used outdoors. Large trains have taken off wildly in America and can be a lot of fun, however, most people don’t have the space or money and start of with and develop scale model trains of a smaller size.
If you are looking for a smaller size train, you might be interested in the HO scale model trains because they are about one half the size of the O scale. A good way to visualize and remember what HO trains are is to consider their size, HO scale model trains are 1/2 the size of O trains. The scale model size of an HO scale model train is 1:87 and you can think of it this way, 1 in on the model train would equal 87 inches on a real train. One more number you need to know for your HO scale model train is it’s track gauge and it is 16.5 mm between rails of the track. The smaller size of the HO model train makes it easy to create some elaborate layouts in small spaces. Another unique feature of HO trains is that you can find models with extreme details that are shockinly real, they become real collectors items, however, don’t fret if your budget is small because you can pick up a “plain Jane” layout for a very small investment. Children are always an issue when it comes to model trains and you don’t want them to miss out on the fun, however, children under 5 can watch but not touch with HO model trains and those over 5 can be taught how to handle and operate the train, of course the younger ones will need some supervision! In regards to size, HO scale model trains are right in the middle and have become a very popular model train in the United States, consequently you will find no lack of HO model train supplies for just about any setup imaginable.
HO model train car image
HO scale model trains got their start in England around 1930. During this time the 00 scale was the hot train of the time, anyone who was into model trains had a 00 scale train when some entrepeneur came up with a competitor called the HO scale train. The HO model train had a hard time taking off because the OO scale was so entrenched in the model train hobby in Britian. Someone brought some HO scale model trains into the United States around the 1950’s and the high degree of detail in the HO model trains really took off in the US and by 1960 the HO model train market took off like a market and became established as an accepted scale and line of model trains in the United States. Today you can find research that seems to indicate that HO scale model trains are desired and used by 2/3 of today’s model train enthusiasts.
One of the benefits of being part of such a large market is that you can find a wide diversity of HO model trains and accessories to find just about any need and any price point. I always try to implore people to support local businesses and when looking for HO scale model trains I would encourage you to visit your local hobby store, they could use the business and they will often times be a great and valuable resource when it comes to setting up your train and purchasing the right equipment. If the hobby store doesn’t have what you’re looking for ask them to order it, if they can’t then you’re still in luck because the interent has proven to be an invaluable source of HO model train equipement and supplies and you won’t be limited to your state or country but can purchase your HO supplies worldwide but, don’t forget to check out some of the auction sites like Ebay where you can find some awesome deals!
ho scale model train
HO scale model trains and accessories are available is such abundance that you’ll be able to put together just about any type of layout your heart desires, you’re only limited by your pocket book and your abilities, regardless, what you create will be a joy to show your friends and share with other fellow model train hobbyists. Operating a train or trains on a layout never loses it’s excitement while the chugging of the locomotive over the tresle will forever allow your imagination to soar. Don’t forget to do a local internet search or phone book search for local train clubs because this is the one place where you’ll find like minded people who are more than willing to share their knowledge of model trains and specifically HO scale model trains!
Free e-book for the HO model train enthusiast…… Sign-up for a free 11-part “Secrets to Successful Model Railroading” email course. Learn everything you need to know about setting up ultra cool HO scale model train layout that will bring joy to the life of yourself and your family for years to come! Learn more about HO trains, layouts and parts at the above links. Do you know the one thing every locomotive must have to attain full power? If not, the free class will tell you that and much more! When you decide which scale you want to use, set up your train, layout and scenery in 7 days by reading “The Super Guide for Model Trains”
LGB Trains Make Perfect G Scale Model Trains
G scale model trains are part of a group of scaled trains that belong to what’s known as “Large Scale Model Railroad Trains” which by the way includes more than just G scale trains. There’s an understandable and striking difference in trains when you compare a G scale model train to an HO scale model train and that obvious difference is the size of the two scales, the G scale being larger than HO scale. In the United States you’ll find that the G scale model trains are the largest scales available model train for purchase. It’s been credited to the German company of Lehman Gross Bahn translated to English “Lehmann Big Train”, known as “LGB” to be the first to manufacture G Scale Model Trains and accessories. Lehman Gross Bahn started producing trains around 1881 and not too soon afterward started “LGB of America”.
Scale is the universal term and method of describing universal sizes of model trains and G Scale Trains have a ratio of 1:22. The ratio is a comparative method of describing train sizes, for instance, a G scale model train is one twenty-second of the actual size of a real life modern day train. After some research and becoming familiar with model trains you’ll discover that the G scale and ratio is the largest of model trains available because all the other scales are lower than the G scale. The O scale train fits in the larger train category having a ratio of 1:48 the O scale trains are approximately one half the size of a G scale train. Sometimes it’s helpful to use actual numbers for the sizes to the 2 different scales to compare them and get a visual idea of how these sizes compare.
1. Let’s say you have a G scale model train with a height of 6 inches and 26 3/4 inches long.
2. That same size train in an O scale would be about 3 & 1/2 inches tall and around 16 inches in length.
Garden Railroading is a relatively new term and refers primarily to G scale model trains and because of their toughness LGB trains have been used outside in the rain, snow, hot or cold and really opens up doors when it comes to track layouts. There’s a German word “groz” which is assumed to come from the “G” in the G scale and interestingly the translation from German translates to “Big”….thus the large scale trains. All of the LGB and other large scale trains need a number 1 gauge track to run on. Remember that #1 gauge track is identified by have a distance of 45 millimeters in-between the rails of the railroad tracks.
If you want to run your train outdoors, then you will need something that is very durable and LGB trains along with other G scale model trains will meet your specifications perfectly for outdoor trains. An important fact is that the tracks are made of brass. Brass is the perfect substance for running these trains because it conducts electricity very well and needs very little maintenance. Since I’ve owned several LGB mode train setups, I found the only thing needed to keep the train running was keeping the track clean with a soft dry cloth every now and then, occasionally you might need to rub it down with some steel wool. While the majority of G scale owners set up their trains indoors because of the ease of setting up layouts, you’ll find yourself dreaming of how you might run the train around the house or the big tree outside…..don’t forget to ask you wife before you cut the hole in your house!
Aristocraft and Bachmann are the best brands when considering purchasing G scale trains and accessories. You’ll get your money’s worth because these trains are so durable, strong enough to run outside or to start your kids in the model train hobby. Young children always get such a kick from model trains and your investment will pay off handsomely if you start the young ones off with a G scale train set, don’t be surprised to see it chugging around 20or 30 years latter. I started by young boys off with a LGB set, every Christmas they set the train up and cars would carry a pet bird, lizard, turtle or even a small kitten and although that old train has some bruises and bumps, 27 years latter it works like a champ bringing back many irreplaceable memories. The nice part about G scale trains is that it is big enough for even the smallest child to learn how to align a train on the tracks, add cars, pack on the livestock and start chugging down the tracks, something that would be impossible if you tried using a HO scale train set….that would be a big disaster!
In our minds, everybody has a different use for their train set ups, we want large trains, small trains, we have a large area to lay out track, some have a tiny space almost big enough for one and LGB is a big beast but not too big or complicated for the kids while at the same time allowing Dad or Grandpa to think up and create the biggest layout the world has seen! The G scale model trains have much to offer for everyone and make a great family investment that will result in years of memories and I’m sure will be passed from one generation to the next!
Free e-book for model train enthusiast, http://www.GuideForModelTrains.com, sign-up for a free 11-part “Secrets to Successful Model Railroading” email course. Learn everything you need to know about setting up ultra cool G scale model trains layout that will bring joy to the life of yourself and your family for years to come! Learn more about LGB trains, layouts and parts at the above links. Do you know the one thing every locomotive must have to attain full power? If not, the free class will tell you that and much more!
HO Scale Model Trains are Top Choice For Hobbyists
Model train hobbyists have increased in numbers over the years and have created a very large industry. Model railroad parts and equipments is undergoing constant innovations and upgrades by model train manufactures in an effort to keep up with the changes in real trains. It’s interesting to think of the changes that trains have gone through since they appeared in America. The trains of old began as the steam locomotive and transformed into what we now know as the speeding bullet. Surprisingly it’s this very history that model train enthusiasts have developed the hobby of model trains and it is completely up to you how you might want to build your ho scale model train layout from the days of old to today’s fastest and shiniest trains!
Anybody seriously involved in a hobby doesn’t think of their hobby parts as toys and its no less true with model trains, they are thought of works of art, pieces of equipment, tools or anything other than toys. Model trains are available in different “Scales” which is another way of saying “different sizes”. Scales are referred to by an alphabetical name. A letter Scale will translate to a ratio to understand the dimensions. There are a good handful of different scales that are manufactured but I suspect that the most common is the HO scale model trains.
Apparently HO scale model trains first showed up in the United Kingdom in the 1930’s. The HO scale was meant to be an alternative for the already existing OO scale. The minute the ho scale model train layouts were brought to America the became an overnight sensation. In the late 1950’s the thought of model trains as just toys diminished and they became known as famous as the realistic versions of a real live train but with a more complicated approach. In 1960 HO scale model trains started to overcome the O scale model trains in popularity. Many model train manufacturers jumped on the bandwagon and started to manufacture HO scale model trains.
HO scale model trains are about half the size of the O scale, consequently HO stands for half of zero or simply half-O. HO is also expressed as a ration of 1:87 which simply means 1/87th the size of an actual real life train. Another measurement is important, in HO scale model trains 3.5 millimeters equals 1 foot. HO scale model trains can be seen to be smaller and more fragile than O scale. The smaller size of HO scale model trains is exactly what attracts model train hobbyists because they can test their skills by adding a lot more details to the trains and the track layouts which ultimately results in a test of precision to those who really get into the HO setup and this is what really get’s some modelers turned on.
Currently, HO scale model trains have the largest market segment when compared to the other train scales. HO scale trains are manufactured by a large amount of companies and are found widely in the market. HO scale model trains have withstood the test of time and established itself as a model train scale leader, used by many, over many years, it’s sure to be here a long time but it’s future will only be told by a continued model train market, trains won’t go away but styles, shapes and sizes will come and go!
Understanding Model Railroad Trains and Model Train Scale
When trying to decide where to set up a model train space becomes one of the most important assets for determining a model train layout. Obviously a larger train will take up more space than a smaller model train, but exactly which type of model train would be best. To determine where your layout will go it’s best you understand what model train scale actually means. It’s only through a firm understand of the model train scale concept can you come up with a workable solution to your model railroad trains layout.
Model Train Scale is an important concept to the model train enthusiast when trying to understand model railroad trains and describes the relationship between the size of the model train to an actual real live locomotive. There are 4 typical or popular scales of model trains and you’ll hear them defined as G, O, HO, and N. The larger category of model trains are the G and O scale, the G-scale has a ratio of 1:22 and the O-scale has a ratio of 1:48. These larger trains run on what is called a number 1 or No. 1 track. HO is about half the size of the O scale and has a ratio of 1:87. It’s easy to remember the approximate size of HO because H0 actually stands for “half an 0″. Next up is the N scale model trains set which is again about 1/2 the size smaller than the HO scale with a ratio of about 1:160. You’ll find fans of all these scales and they are situations where one scale is better than the other, so each will have it’s shining points. There are a couple of less known scales and they aren’t used a lot, that would be the S scale, the TT scale and the Z scale. Briefly the S scale’s ratio is 1:64th. The scale of TT is a little bigger than the N scale with a ratio of 1:120th. Finally the Z scale is even smaller than the already small N scale with a scale ratio of 1:220th.
Model Train Scale has it’s place when talking about model railroad trains and knowing what the scales are will help you determine how you want to setup your life like model trains setup. It’s helpful to go to your local hobby shop and take a look at the actual trains. I’ll give you a little hint. Make a cheat sheet out of the information in the above paragraph and take it to the hobby shop and compare the model train scales to the actual models. One more thing will help you to understand model train scales, take a digital camera, ask to hobby store owner if you can take some photos of each of the different models and scales. It’s a great way to understand model railroad trains scales!
Information About Model Railroad Trains
Model railroad trains have been the focus of many hobbyists for a long time! You can get absorbed in your model train hobby and spend hours creating new layouts and working on equipment. There is so many different ways to approach model trains and it certainly involves more than just collecting. As a hobby, working with model railroad trains includes building little houses, scenery, trees, streets, cars and it goes on as well as getting a thorough understanding of train scales and gauges.
When working with model railroad trains the term scale indicates the relationship between the size of a model train and a large very real train. There are 4 basic scales for model trains and they are G, O, HO, and N. The larger scale trains are grouped into the G scale and that has a ratio of 1:22 and the 0 scale with a ratio of 1:48…these are generally thought of as the larger scale trains. An important feature of the large scale trains is that they run on a No. 1 track. The scale for HO is a ratio of 1:87 which is approximately half the size of the 0 scale. Ironically, HO is an acronym for Half of O! Next would be the N scale and it’s ratio is 1:160 which again, is half the size (smaller) of HO scale. As you would expect, each size has it’s benefits and purpose and these good points will determine which scale you’ll want to begin your journey into model trains. There are 2 scales left, the TT scale is actually larger than the N scale with a ratio of 1:120. The smallest scale, which is the Z scale is smaller than the N scale and has a ratio of 1:220.
Another important aspect of model trains for model railroad trains enthusiasts is the term “guage” which refers to the distance between the two rails or a railroad track. The concept of “guage” is important because it brings some uniformity to the manufacturing of tracks and trains, all manufacturers had to agree on a universal scale so that a train built by company A would fit on the track by Company B for the same scale, in other words they had to be interchangeable. Four feet eight and one half inches is considered the standard guage for American trains. “Narrow Guage” is the term associated with rails that are closer together than the Standard Guage. A distance of 3 feet 6 inches is considered “narrow guage”.
In the beginning of your model train experience you might not even think of things like “scenery”, yet it plays a big part of the whole process. As you grow more experienced in your abilities while working with model trains, it becomes important to make your layout as real as possible. The train hobbyist is limited to his imagination when it comes to scenery. You can add things like rivers, trees, hills, mountains, lakes, ponds, cities, farms to your layout. Determining how to position your track amongst the various physical features of the landscape is half the fun of building your model train layout. The basic track layout keeps the train running in a continuous loop. The loop can be a simple oval shape or even a figure eight shape, and it might be something called twice around which is 2 loops, imagine a dogbone shape. Every model railroad train enthusiast wants to keep their train on the tracks and evade the inevitable derailment, so, plan your curves wide for keeping it on the tracks!
Building and messing around with model railroad trains is as much of the American experience as Apple pie and the hobby of model trains crosses internation boundaries because each country has had a unique experience with trains. Trains are as fascinating for a 5 year youngster as an 80 year old hobbyist not to mention both boys and girls. Probably the greatest part of the experience of planning and building model railroad trains is sharing that experience with friends, relatives and family…..something that can be carried on for generations to come!
