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.
O is one of the most popular sizes of model trains, at about a 1:48 scale ratio in relation to real trains. These use 1 1/4" gauge tracks. Just like G scale trains, O models are often used for outdoor displays. But not everyone has the space for a garden railroad, or the time to maintain it.
Ho Train is a good choice for hobbyists who are looking for something not quite as large as O scale, but still large enough to have plenty of detail. HO (or half O) scale models are made at a ratio of 1:87, roughly half the size of O scale. These are the most popular size of model trains and are great for floor layouts since you can make some very unconventional layouts without having to dedicate a great deal of space to your tracks.
With much of the detail of the larger sizes in a much smaller footprint, HO scale trains have earned a lot of popularity. Surprisingly, HO trains took a while to catch on. When they were first produced in the 1930s, UK model train hobbyists did not take to them due to the already popular OO scale.
Once they were introduced to the US market in the 1950s, they quickly became a favorite. As of now, this is the scale of choice for around 65% of model train hobbyists.
As the most popular model train scale, HO scale trains are the easiest to find in shops. There are also a wider range of tracks and accessories as well as kits and layouts available for these trains, since just about every model train manufacturer makes trains and accessories in this size.
For the hobbyist who wants model trains which offer plenty of detail, are easy to find and easy to build creative layouts for in a reasonable amount of space, HO scale trains are the way to go. *For more information CLICK HERE !*
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