Ho Model Train
The Most Popular .
Some model train hobbyists prefer to have their model train chugging away in the garden, while others may have devoted their entire attic or basement to an enormous layout of tracks and scenery for their model trains. Yet other hobbyists may have only a small room to use for their model trains but still want to include several different train layouts in this area. Because of the diversity of model train hobbyists space and their requirements, the companies who manufacture model trains have created trains and tracks in different sizes so that model train hobbyists can enjoy their very own model railroads, whether they have a large backyard to use for their trains or just half of a bedroom in a small apartment.
Out of the larger scale model trains available, O scale is probably the most popular size. These trains are one forty eighth the size of the real trains (a 1:48 ratio). O scale trains use 1 ¼” gauge tracks and like G scale trains, these larger model trains are often used outdoors. However, not every hobbyist is looking for a garden railroad.
For those seeking something a bit smaller, there are HO scale trains, which are about half the size (1:87)of O scale trains. HO is actually an abbreviation for “half O”. These trains use standard gauge tracks (16.5 mm) and are one of the more popular sizes of model train for indoor layouts. Their size makes them well suited for creative layouts with a lot of track without taking up an excessive amount of room in the home. However, they are not so small as to prevent them from having fine details, something which can be drawback with the smallest sizes of model trains.
HO scale trains offer the durability and detail of larger sizes while sharing the smaller space requirement of the smaller scale trains and it is this balance which has made this scale one of the most popular. This scale was first introduced to the UK market in the 1930s, but due to the overwhelming popularity of the OO scale to which HO was presented as an alternative, it didn’t catch on at the time.
However, HO scale trans became a hit in the US when they came out in that country in the 1950s and the test is history. At present, over 65% of model train hobbyists claim that HO is their favorite scale.
Since the HO scale is so popular, it is very easy to find locomotives, rolling stock, premade layouts and accessories for these trains from a variety of manufacturers. Hobbyists have an easy time finding HO scale sets, modular track, kits and other supplies. Limited edition trains aimed at collectors are also most often found in HO scale.
If you’re looking for a scale which will allow you to easily create elaborate layouts and offers readily available accessories without compromising on detail or durability, HO scale model trains are the size you’ll most likely want.
