HO Model Train - In Demand For A Reason Posted By : Nathan Mills at Hobby Ideas

Nov

10

HO Model Train - In Demand For A Reason Posted By : Nathan Mills

≡ Category: Hobby Ideas | ⇒

There are plenty of model train enthusiasts out there who enjoy taking their hobby outdoors with larger-scale garden trains which make their way around their back yards. Other hobbyists turn entire floors of their home over to large, elaborate model train layouts. However, the majority of model train lovers don’t have this kind of space to dedicate to their hobby, but would still like to have the flexibility to use multiple layouts and to create layouts which differ from the simple, traditional oval track. If you love your model trains but simply do not have room for larger layouts, there are alternatives available. In fact, hobbyists have a great deal of different sizes of trains and tracks to choose from; whether you have a lot of room or just a little, you can enjoy model railroading.

One of the most popular scales of model train is O scale. These trains are made in a 1:48 ratio to the size of the real trains they represent and use 1 ¼ ” gauge tracks. These are a larger scale, but not quite as large as the G scale trains often seen in outdoor layouts; however, they are also used for this purpose.

If you’d like something a little smaller, but still nicely detailed, you’re after an Ho Train. About half the size of O scale trains, at about 1:87 of a real one, HO stands for half O. These use standard gauge train tracks, and are very easy to find. They’re a very popular choice for floor layouts, and are suitable for creative ones that use plenty of track, but they don’t take up too much space. They’re still big enough to be durable, too.

HO scale trains are a great tradeoff between large scale model trains and their tinier cousins, such as N scale. This balance is what makes this one of the most popular scales of trains for beginners and experienced hobbyists alike. Introduced first in the 1930s, this scale didn’t catch on right away. It took a few years, since the existing OO scale was still pretty popular.

When HO scale model trains came to the US around 1950 however, they quickly caught on and are a favorite with model train enthusiasts to this day. More than 65% of hobbyists prefer this scale.

Since this is the most popular scale, it is the easiest to find trains, tracks, accessories and premade layouts for; virtually every company who produces model trains and accessories manufactures them in this scale.

If you want a scale that looks great, can make a fancy layout, is easy to get in any hobby store, and doesn’t sacrifice on detail, HO scale trains are perfect.