Model Train Scale
Model Train Scale
I know, it’s confusing isn’t it: G scale, HO, N scale, O scale. All this talk about model train scale almost makes you want to quit even before you begin. Figuring it all out just seems like such a chore. But don’t worry, I spent a little time working my way through model train scale and I think I figured it out. Here, see if this makes sense:
The main divisions are based on “scale”—the size of the model train and its world relative to the actual size of real trains in the actual world. So when you see the model train scale ratio manufacturers sometimes put next to a named scale, you get the size of the model train (always “1”) relative to the size of the actual train (e.g., “48”); so, in the model train scale 1/48, the model train is 48 times smaller than the same train in the actual world. Still following me?
Okay, so here are the five main model train scales and the sorts of model trains that go with them, from largest to smallest:
Steam Model Trains
- Steam Trains: Steam trains are the largest types of model trains. Some are large enough where you can ride inside of them like you would an actual train. Even in the somewhat smaller variety, usually a small child can ride on top of one like he or she would a small bicycle. For this reason, these trains take up a lot of space and are often operated by model train clubs rather than private individuals. You might find some parks that run such trains as well. Tilden Park in Berkeley California has an area of steam trains, for example, that is well known throughout the San Francisco Bay area.
- G Scale (Model Train Scale: 1/20): These trains can be used either indoors or outdoors. G scale trains are sometimes called “Garden Trains” because a lot of people set up their tracks in their backyards. The trains are larger than a shoe box but not big enough to be ridden even by small children.
- O Scale (Model Train Scale: 1/48): This used to be the most popular scale back in the day and is the scale that most Lionel trains are still in. Lionel trains? Oh, they’re one of the most well known types of model trains. O is not the only scale that Lionel makes (they will often bring out special addition scales at Christmas and on other special occasions) but it’s the main one. O scale, like G, is really good because the trains are large enough for you to detail and are easy to handle. The drawback, like with G, is that you generally need more space (usually 8’ by 16’ as a minimum, although there are some ways around these hard and fast requirements).
- HO Scale (Model Train Scale: 1/87): Most people these days use HO because it requires less space than O but still gives you trains and accessories that are large enough so that you can detail them as you would like. HO requires a 4’ by 8’ space as a minimum. What’s great about HO is that since it’s so popular you can get almost anything that you want for HO tracks. If you want to build things from scratch you can find craftsmen’s kits. If you want things ready to go right out of the box, you can find those too.
- N Scale (Model Train Scale: 1/160): This is the tiniest of the major model train scales. Because it is so small it is the hardest to work with in terms of detailing and crafting so most N scalers usually buy their trains ready made. N scale makes up for these drawbacks by only requiring 2’ by 4’ as minimum space and by allowing far more complicated tracks in far smaller spaces than the other types.
- Z Scale (Model Train Scale: 1/220): This is the smallest commercially available scale.
Whatever scale we choose, we’ll have a world of fun creating it. So let’s get started, huh.
