3 Ways to Choose the Right Model Train Scale To Suit You
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If you are a model train beginner then you might be asking… “Which model train scale is best suited for me?”
A common mistake for model train beginners is to confuse scale and gauge.
Let me explain… scale is the proportion of the replica to the real thing. For example, HO scale locomotives are 1/87 the size of the real life locomotive. Model train gauge is the width between the inside running edge of the track.
Model trains are obviously scaled down replicas of the real thing. The main model train scales and their minimum turning radius’s are:
O scale 1:48 – Minimum Radius 24 inches
S scale 1:64 – Minimum Radius 22.5 inches
OO scale 1:76 – Minimum Radius 21 inches
HO scale 1:87 – Minimum Radius 15 inches
N scale 1:160 – Minimum Radius 7.5 inches
Z scale 1:220 – Minimum Radius 5.75 inches
O scale is the largest scale, to Z scale being the smallest scale. An O scale model train set is 1/48 the size of the real thing, while a Z scale model train set is 1/220 the size of the real thing. All the trees, bridges, roads, buildings and other accessories are all scaled to the relevant size.
HO scale has become the most popular scale which is known as OO gauge in the UK.
So which scale should you choose?
This comes down to 3 deciding factors – 1) how much space you have available for your model train layout, 2) the physical size of model train equipment you prefer working with, and 3) the accessories available for that scale.
1 – How Much Space Do You Have Available?
Building a layout in HO scale will be almost half the size of the identical layout in O scale. Turning radius’s in HO scale will be tighter; tunnels will be smaller and, most importantly, it is easier to hide mistakes in a smaller scale.
Larger scales need more detail and it can often be very hard to create a realistic looking layout in a large scale. HO scale has become very popular because it is a “middle-of-the-road” scale and easier to make look realistic.
An HO scale switching layout can be created on a 4 x 1 foot table, while a continuous loop railroad will need a 3 feet 6 inch x 4 feet table. A layout space of 6 feet x 4 feet would be enough to have an interesting HO scale layout with a continuous loop.
Still don’t have that much room available? Then consider an N scale railroad which can be built in 30% of the area required by a similar model train layout in HO scale.
2 – Which Scale Do You Prefer Working With?
Fat finger syndrome or bad eyesight can sometimes force us to consider the larger scales. It can be very frustrating trying to airbrush a Z scale carriage or manipulating N scale rolling stock. They can be very fiddly!
Children will find it easier operating and manipulating the bigger scales, from HO scale upwards. Bigger scale rolling stock tends to be heavier and less likely to derail.
The ladies seem to prefer the intricate smaller scales, while the men tend to go with the HO scale and larger scales.
3 – What Accessories Are Available?
Over the years the HO scale has become the most popular model train scale and the manufacturers have responded to the demand by producing more accessories and rolling stock for HO scale. HO scale is just the right size for most people to appreciate the detail and running performance without being too cramped.
If you decide to run digital controllers and have lots of switching operations then HO scale is usually the preferred choice. Check with your local hobby shop to see which scale they have the most accessories for. It is often easier to buy from your local hobby shop initially… or at least until you know exactly what you want.
What Do You Think?
Which scale would you choose, or are presently modeling and why? Share your comments with us…
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My first train set 27 years ago was a Lima HO scale set and I’ve gone from there. The scale fits perfectly in the space I have available and there is a mountain of accessories to buy. I love my HO scale layout.
I have decided to go with the “N” gauge due to living in the UK there is not a lot of space in the houses unless you are fortunate enough to have a loft space conversion (without the wife stealing it that is). So my choice has been to go for the smaller scale which is readily available.
I do however have “OO” gauge as well as I am hoping 1 day to buy my own home big enough to encompass both scales but who knows.
Building now my second train since my move to Alberta. Both were n scale. The first train used an old door as a base. The second is now framed and building has started. 35 linear feet on 3′ deck around the basement walls . Over 100 sq feet avail for trains & scenery. I prefer the steam age and old logging lines . New track will also go DCC using Digitrax system. All turnouts powered by below terrain switches and dcc control. Can’t wait to start making mountains out of flat terrain…
HO scale, I switched to N when I met my wife and gave her my HO stuff but we now only have room for one or the other so I am back to HO. I like long trains which is easier in N with less space. ” radius is min. for that and I keep trying to find a way to fit 30″ or a total width of 5 feet plus a foot for safety in my small basement.
Having built two or three small layouts and one for a company display I would suggest either buying or borrowing a couple of cars in which ever scale you are interested in or make a couple of block models with pictures of cars on them. Same with a few track pieces, photo copy them to give you enough to experiment.
How does the space work out for what you want, is there room for scenery, towns, industry, rivers etc. If you have a yard with several tracks how does it feel trying to uncouple or find cars you are looking for? You can simply lay the track on a floor if you need too. How much aisle space do you have?
I started on in our current home and after the benchwork was up and I was starting to lay track I realized I had taken up so much space that the storage I had to have underneath was almost impossible to get things in and out of. So I had to tear most of it out again.
Three years have gone by and I have done small segments but not figured out a proper layout for my needs in the space I have yet. As the kids are getting older I am starting to have time again so the bug is coming back.
Any plan you draw on paper always requires more space then you think. And as I mentioned above, think about what under bench space is for to insure you can get what goes there in and out easily.
Every scale has good and bad points, take some time and figure out what is best for you and think about yourself a few years from now as well. When I was twenty tight aisles or distant hard to reach track was not as much an issue as it is now at forty! and a few waist sized growth.
Do your best, take your time and have fun. Don’t compare yourself to others efforts. We all have different skills, money, ability, time and energy. Do this for yourself and your enjoyment not the awe of others.
I MODEL HO FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS MY LAYOUT IS COMPLETE NOW I AM IN UPGRADING PROCESS OF MANY OF MY BUILDING TO MORE MODERN STRUCTURES.TANK J.P.
I have converted to on30 from 00 because of arthritis in my hands, you settle for less track in the same space but you can hold and manipulate it better!!!1
My previous layouts have been HO mainly because of the wide variety and availability of accessories as well as the ability to put alot of detail in a small area. I am however, going to do my next layout in N scale due to lack of space.
I am currently modeling in N-Scale. I like it because of the size. You can put a lot of railroad in a little space… I now have a bigger space and am modeling a large city with towering scratch built sky scrapers and city center passenger terminal. There will also be quite a bit of freight trackage too. I am finding more and more accessories for N-Scale today too. Check out the pics I have posted on nscale.net. look under the name cityman and leave comments if you like…and check back for updates and new pics od new buildings. The layout is still in planning phase as I continue to build the structures. My first railroad was HO scale and I still have the first steam engine a Northern 4-8-4 that I bought as when I was 14 out of Model Railroader Magazine. My grand father whom I never met was actually an engineer on the old steamers right here where I live. He died before I was born but it looks like railroading is genetic.
I started with O scale when I was 7 years old. Went to HO, Then due to space, I’m a n scaler now.
I have been wanting to build a garden layout in the yard for the grand kids.
Started as many in ‘O’ Lionel & now HO/HOn3. Have friends in ‘G’ & small scale live steam. As stated in the article I find the most flexibility in HO/HOn3. Though late 1880’s modeling now requires more scratch building then 15 years ago. Steam locomotives are all large seems manufacturers find it difficult or too expensive to do the smaller steam loco’s.
The hobby provides a lot of challenges each to the abilities of the modeler. That presents a lot of learning experiences. Very enjoyable because of the challenges, frustrations, and the learning to over come them. All most like a fun career.
I started with Hornby and Lima OO sets as a youngster, but after many years of lapsed interest in model railways, I started to get back into it but this time in N. N scale fits my space requirements and I found that although probably not as common as OO, there are still plenty of articles and items to buy in this scale.
Very good article on how to choose the model train scale to model. These were the exact 3 things I had to consider when choosing my scale.
I started out with an American Flyer in 1949 which is S gauge. My father didn’t like Lionel because of the three rail track. I enjoyed the train set until I was 16. At that time I started my hobby of model trains and chose HO. The main reason I chose HO was because of space available. The other reason pertains to the availability of the various gauges that we now have. For example, HOn3, Sn3 and On3 were not available or I certainly didn’t know about them.
Today we have a choice of scales that will work well in small places. Since then I have branched out into HOn3 as well as HO.
Engines work so much better than when I started the hobby. Because of the detail that is now produced with plastic we have very accurate and beautiful models to choose from. The biggest development has come in the motors i.e., can motors for the engines. The models today run so much better and with the advent of the CPU we now enjoy the Decoder to help operate our trains. Since my collections is enormous based on today’s standards it would be unwise to change gauges.
The HO and HOn3 are the most popular of the scales. However, On3 narrow gauge uses the same track as HO. The models are larger but the track size keeps the layout smaller. The key is what you want to model as a railroad.
I really like narrow gauge and its history. If I were to start over again I would consider On3 because of the larger models yet still able to keep the layout relatively small. On the other hand, HOn3 is now ideal because of the improvement in the drive mechanisms, motors and electrical contact to the track.
When I first started to get interested in narrow gauge the engines were all brass and they did not operate at all well. The only engines that did were imported by Westside Model Company. They were Mikes (2-8-2) known as K-27, K-28, and K-36. Fortunately Soundtraxx has produced a K-27 made of cast and plastic that is perfect for those interested in small narrow gauge.
Not to leave standard gauge out in the cold, I am still enamored with 4’8 ½” standard gauge. The majority of my collection is standard HO gauge. You can build shelf layouts as well as small graduated layouts in small spaces. It is all in the bench work and the space you have. I do not recommend a 4’ x 8’ flat board layout. You will become board with it rapidly. It becomes very uninteresting and you will find that you want something more realistic.
Narrow gauge is either 3’ gauge or 2’ gauge. The only production scale that I have seen is in 3’ gauge for modeling trains. In New England they ran 2’ gauge as well as in granite quarries in the U.S. The 3’ narrow gauge railroads of Colorado are considered the most interesting and historical than just about any narrow gauge in the world. There are exceptions to that in South America.
For those who have the room you may want to consider the larger scales. The drawback is the scenery and buildings that you want on your layout as well as the track layout. What it takes to build an O scale layout can be doubled or even tripled the amount of material, track and ideas with HO scale. There are other reasons to build a layout with a larger scale. The smaller the track and model size can be difficult to handle for some. I have very small hands for a guy who 6’2” tall. That is an advantage with the smaller scale. However, I have arthritis in my hands so the smaller scale can be a pain.
Whatever you do start out small and build from there. Design your layout with what you eventually want in your railroad. Build your railroad the way you want it not what someone else wants. Do seek advice from those who have experience. You can belong to a club or to a loose nit group like I do. I have been in the hobby for 50 years and yet there is a lot to learn no matter how experienced you are. I have found that the majority of model railroaders want to help and are willing to do so.
Before you decide on the gauge or scale you want seek out the advice of those in the hobby as well as your local hobby shop. Not all hobby shops are willing to help you but those who are well established generally will spend the time to help. Also, go online and search out information on layouts and scales. The amount of information out there is enormous. Remember this hobby is worldwide and is one of the largest hobbies of its kind.
The article on “Which model train scale is best suited for me?” provides an excellent tutorial on what one should decide when it comes to choosing a scale to model after.
I have chosen N guage firstly because of space limitations, but since the new generation of DCC ready loco’s are available and reasonably reliable I am really looking forward to modelling in N Gauge
As a club member and representative i have ho, n, and g scales all going at the house. the n scale was chosen for the kids (10.13,and 17) while HO was and has been my favorite since 11. the g scale was so we could watch it and enjoy it with our friends.
I got my first 0-27 guage Marx set when I was around 7yrs old. I played with it for years until other things cought my interest. Now I have 2 son’s and want to have them feel the same way I did at that age. But this time, “I” want to be more a part in keeping them with the hobby, than My dad did.
I got my first 0-27 guage Marx set when I was around 7yrs old. I played with it for years until other things caught my interest. Now I have 2 son’s and want to have them feel the same way I did at that age. But this time, “I” want to be more a part in keeping them with the hobby, than My dad did.
This is very good information for people who are just beginning. When I was about 12 my dad gave me my first HO train set. Since I only had enough track for a loop, I just put it around the Christmas tree. Since then I have expanded my layout to a 5 x 9 foot table in my family’s garage. Size does matter when deciding where to begin. If I were to start over I would choose N scale because you can put more on the size of table I have.
hi i had to go for N gauge because i dont have much room i have tryed to build a layout and have now got one 5ft x3ft it has two loops plus sideings and i have not found to much trouble buying and makeing bits of scenery or geting accessories how-ever any one who want to build a rail way will find a way.
thanks for your tips and help some off the things i have read have put ideas into my head thanks kenny
I am 70 years old and had decided to model in “N” gauge. As I thought about the small size of the gauge, wisdom told me to model in “HO” gauge. It had to do with eyesight and the ability to focus for long moments on small objects. So, “HO” gauge it is.
Very pleased with your site for some wonderful tips to chew over and ponder to set up a layout.
I have a Marklin HO scale 1:87 Bought set some 35+ years ago.
Merry Christmas and thanks
Jim
I like this site a lot, despite the fact that I model British ‘N’ Gauge. I started modelling railways when I was about 8 or 9. My dad built me a huge ‘L’ shaped ‘out and back’ layout in my bedroom with a full scale size soccer pitch in the middle of the loop where the trains would rise up an embankment, around the soccer pitch and then down and back into the terminus again. I have always been railway modelling ever since and I am now 54 years old! I tried ‘OO’ Gauge for a while many years ago but living in an apartment meant that I could not run scale length passenger trains. With N Gauge I can and plenty of them as well! If you have the room, then as far as detail and price goes, then it’s got to be ‘OO’ or ‘HO’, depending in which part of the world you live in. It’s strange that the smaller the scale and gauge, the more expensive the models become? Other than Continental and American ‘N’ Gauge/Scale, which has a lot more detail than our crappy British outline models, I would much prefer to model the larger scale but unfortunately my apartment does not allow for such luxuries, so ‘N’ Gauge it is and I am quite happy with what I have managed to construct so far. I am seriously thinking about changing over to American ‘N’ Scale again though as I used to model ‘N’ Scale for a while, again, many years ago and the American outline ‘N’ Scale locos and rolling stock in the UK are by far cheaper than anything the British can make in British outline (even though it’s all made very cheaply in China now) and they have a damned sight more detail on them and run a lot better as well (DAPOL TAKE NOTE)! Over here in British outline, we either get excellent runners but very little details, as with GFbyB or excellent detail but crap runners as with Dapol, so either way, it’s not a very good choice all around. I will stick with ‘N’ Gauge now for a while but with the size being so small and me getting progressively older, it’s getting a tad difficult as I get older and the old eyesight gets worse – LOL! Thanks for a great site and some very good advice. Cheers!
hello there; i have built a model layout based on ho scale, why because its a good size for detail, and the options are there, and availability of products, are good, and the range of trains available is great, but size wise for a good layout can take up room depending on what you want to do, my layout is 1800 by 1200, and of cause you can go bigger, at present i am building a n scale, which is of cause smaller, not as popular as ho, the availability of products are good, but building this size is a challenge, been smaller been smaller well one needs good eye site, i wear glasses for reading, and tweezers are essentual, for those small objects for placing, but any one starting out should start ho scale, especially for younger people kids etc, as for n scale well you cram alot of detail scenery etc into a small layout, the one i am doing is 1200 by 1000.
as for patience, mmm one needs patience, for all kind of modelling, but the biggest thing i believe in is, imagination, that plays a huge part .
cheers for now david
I am building a oo gauge system and trying to run two locos and make a big shunting yard I am having trouble running short wheel base locos over insulated Hornby points can you help. Every thing I have is brand new only weeks old and I have spent a fortune on it.
I am busy reading your book and find it very good for me as a beginner. Do you have any good track plans? I have 12 feet by 4 feet board to use it on.
Any extra info you have I would appreciate it
Thanks for all the emails
Thanks Alan
I model in OO or HO rail. I was going to try the N gauge but my son gave a number of OO trains and cars, also my wife gave me a set of HO train. I am trying to build an English scene because I come from England and I love the country side there in Devon and Sussex. I am trying to adopt the Ntrack to HO and so build a number of units to put together.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
The article is informative and concise. The only thing I can think of that might be addressed is lighting and moving accessories like crossing gates, etc. in smaller scales.
I am sticking with HO for three main reasons: (1) It’s what I started with a million years ago, so perhaps it’s a Ford/Chevy thing; (2) I already have a fair amount of rolling stock and some track in HO, and space is not a major issue (I know layouts take on a life of their own and tend to grow to the maximum space available plus some); and (3) my primary interest is electronics, followed closely by scenic realism. Sensors are easier to hide in HO than in smaller scales, and motors inside locos are larger – I have the fat finger syndrome you mentioned and sometimes I think my bi-focals need bi-focals. As you mentioned in the web page, smaller is harder to weather and detail, and although I have plenty of fiber optics laying around, I’m not excited about making working lighting for small scale with it. Bottom line is there has never been a question in my mind over the years I would work in HO; and as you stated, being the most popular there is more to readily choose from.
If I have questions as I go along that I can’t find an answer to on the web or locally, is it ok to ask you? I don’t want to be a pest, and I’m sure your two books on your web page that I will get next week will answer my dumb ones, but I know as time goes along things will come up that just aren’t “in the books” – any books!
Thanks. – Bob -
I am at the very beginning stage. I have 1 HO Bachman (Challenger) train set. I chose HO because I thought that there were lots of scale accessories that would go IE; Matchbox. I also have a very limited space issue, the most I will be able to have is 4 X 8 ft, and believe I can have a nice layout with that. I am thinking of starting with 4 X 4 ft. to get my feet wet so to speak with the idea of expanding to 4X8 in future. I would like to have 1 passenger line, and 1 freight line incorporated in the same layout. I have a lot to learn so any advice would be helpful.
Bill
I use oo gauge or ho scale, the parts are workable and not to fiddly. and there’s plenty of off the shelf ready to run locos and a vast amount of stock to choose from. the size and speed of the locos is what i think is correct to scale. n gauge seems to be ran to fast and the locos for what ever reason don’t seem to run as well. not so pleasing on the eye. o gauge rquires vast amount of space and the loco’s and parts are very expensive. I chose oo /ho for the attic space and money and time are what i think are the three big decisions in starting out.
Interesting, I have chosen HO because of size and space. I like N Scale but with getting older and not seeing as well as I did and a little arthritis possible starting in the hands I figured I could handle this scale better. I am thinking starting with a 4 X 8 and go from there. A dumb question though I am confused about 100 gauge verses 83 gauge. I know it is the height but which is more common ? Thank You for any advise.
Steve
About 30 years age I had an HO layout and I enjoyed that scale.I am getting back into model railroading and I think I will stay with HO.
William
Hi I am from Malta
I am modelling in HO using DCC. my new projected layout is 20′ X 12′.
I have chosen HO because the best DCC controllers and proffesional tracks are in HO. the turning circle of the trains make a big difference from the british OO
The problem is that my first love are british trains from the time I spent in the UK. I love old trains and nostalgia dictates that i have anglia, bedford vehicles and british scenery in my layout but cannot find a manufacturer of BR trains in HO. Can anyone help?
Hi, great site with some good helpful info, thanks!
Ive recently returned to model railroading after 35yr break. Use to have a layout with my Dad back then that was J shaped 12′x12×8 in HO scale. Returning to HO seemed like the natural choice. As the article mentions, ton of HO supplies, I have limited space available & like many, N scale is just too small for my tired eyes & big clumsy hands.
Layout room is multi use(bedroom/family) that is 21×12. Since August Ive been building progressively larger temp layouts as I got more equipment. That way I could get reaquainted with modelroading(reading as many books as I could find) and the changes since Ive been gone. (DCC/gotta love it!) Also allowed me time to get the hang of RTS8 software and to work out the details of the big plan.(around the room) As I type this, Im just about to pull down the 3rd temp layout (11×7 folded dogbone w/6 extra spurs) so I can finish painting/repairing the room.(2/3 of room finished). With any luck Ill be starting benchwork next weekend.
Cheers to all & happy model railroading
Blair
i think this sight is verg good and usful tips, i was reading some of the letters , the one from henry from Malta i have been to malta around twelve times over the past few years and would be interested in meeting him, i am going to Malta 0n the 18th April. would like to discuse ho and oo guage
best wishes
john
To Herny from Malta: if you didn’t find it already, this site may be of help: http://www.british-ho.com/
But in general, you’ll find it difficult to do British railway modelling in H0, because practically everything is in 00 or N (British, 1:148 rather than 1:160) scale. I’m a Dutch national living in Malta, but I have it a lot easier getting Dutch models in H0.
Regards,
- Peter
“The ladies seem to prefer the intricate smaller scales, while the men tend to go with the HO scale and larger scales.”
You’re kidding, right? That’s why I chose N scale, the chicks?
You missed one consideration when choosing scale versus space available. N scale (and its smaller cousins) offers more realism of scenery to train ratio. Like in the real world, there’s more room for scenery to take in, and greater distance from track to the point where you fall off the edge of the world.
In N scale too, one does not have to selectively compress industries (as much), which offers greater realism. Parking a boxcar on a siding next to an industry it dwarfs just looks ridiculous, especially when the real industry normally has numerous cars in its siding. Larger scales are for ham handed modelers.
“Ham handed” sure sounds like a derogatory comment and I am not sure I want to associate myself with people who put others down for their lack of manual skills. Is the hobby so overloaded that we need to turn others away or should we actively try to bring more to model railroading??
your choice..
I’m looking at starting into model railroading. I’ve set up a basic foundation of a 4′ x 8′ track, and from the comments I’m leaning toward working in N scale. As I get sections done, I’ll post photos on the listed website. At this time there’s NOTHING there related to trains, so check back later.
The scenery portion is what interests me, so anyone with ideas on where to find some layouts to serve as ideas I’d appreciate hearing from them. I’ll probably take it very slow, as budget is very limited. If anyone is around in the Middleton, Idaho area, I’d especially be interested in hearing from them. Also would be useful knowing where good places for buying supplies is, and what reference books would you recommend for one just getting started?
Thanks.
Got started with O scale, & for me. It’s the perfect size. Built a 8×4 table & couldn’t be more pleased. For me, it just works…
oops! Sorry everyone, didn’t realize this was a HO blog site.
Hi, I’m new to the site, but not to model railroading. I don’t spend all my time at it and therefore don’t consider myself as “pro”. I model HO, Canadian Pacific. I’m currently working on a 3 x 8 metre (10 x 24 foot) layout and am toying with the idea of going DCC. My question is which one? Right now I split between Lenz and Digitrack.
Open to comments,
Ron
During my youth I dealt with the typical Lionel set ups in the 50’s. During college and my early adult life I was fascinated by the HO’s. Now, being retired, I beginning with N scale because you seem to get the most for each square foot of space available and I’m short on space. Even though my eyes are not what they use to be, there are great lighted magnification tools out there to assist with detailed work.
as atotal train novice, i wanted to know which manufacterers were the highest performance rated in both n scale andho scale, FORGETABOUTIT, THE CLERKS didnot know anything more about trains thani know about the man in the moon., they just stock the shelves. Certainly a rolls royce isdifferent than a cadillac which is different than a plymouth -and soforth. is it some world secret which locomotive(s) arethe best built? I want to purchase only the best (steam) in order to avoid aggravating troubles. I would truely appreciate some assistance in this matter. HAPPY NEW YEAR |||
At 6, my first train was a Lionel Santa Fe Super Chief (O gauge). Oddly, it was Dad who ran it off the elevated 4×8 table at a curve. It busted into a million pieces. I remember it way too vividly. Over the years, all of the parts and pieces were tossed.
Lionel has re-released the old Santa Fe with the red war bonnet…and I now have one on order. Wanting to ‘recapture’ that look and feel, I am doing O gauge. I also have a long list of all the different ones I want to acquire. Most of these will probably never see any hard action – but you can bet at least one of them will always find their way around the tree at Christmas.
Once I retire (only 10 years to go!!!!) …and I have a bit more space and time out in the shop…I am sure many endless hours of enjoyment will ensue.