HO Model Train

HO or H0 scale is the most popular scale for model trains in the world, at least outside of Great Britain and Japan. HO is 1/87th scale, where 3.5mm on the model is equal to a foot on the real train. This provides a gauge where the tracks are 16.5mm apart. The name comes from the scale, half of the old Zero Scale in size.

HO scale was created in Britain in the 30s but failed to supplant the popular OO scale. In the US, HO was a much bigger success, and ironically the loss of popularity of railroading in the 50s increased the popularity of HO scale. The smaller size required more skill, but allows the hobbyist to show a larger diorama or layout in the same footprint.

Since there are a variety of real gauges, or distances between tracks, in use in the real world, there is also a variety available for modeling. In the case of HO scale, there are gauges that are the same scale to allow layouts with meter gauge, 3’6” gauge, 36”, 30” and 15” gauge. These trains all look pretty much in scale to a layman and even an expert can find it difficult to tell them apart by eye.

Most run on a realistic two track system powered by alternating current, varying the power to control the speed of the train. Curved HO track sections have much sharper curves than their real life equivalents, simply because the shallow curves would require too much space to properly replicate.

As many HO scale models and supplements exist as all other scales combined. This ensures there is tremendous variety available to HO scale enthusiasts. This is largely due to economy of scale, and the middle of the road size. Smaller sizes exist, but the smaller models are more expensive and fragile due to the manufacturing difficulties. Larger sizes exist, but require more space. In terms of realistic railroad modeling, HO is relatively child friendly with a minimum of swallow-able components.

HO supports all budgets. A simple railroad car kit can be purchased for $5, while a high end imported brass engine might fetch thousands of dollars.

There is a more realistic Proto:87 scale. HO scale is a compromise between accuracy and convenience, with certain details allowed to be oversized to reduce breakage and other issues. Proto:87 refuses to make these compromises and requires a higher degree of skill to use and generally costs more as the scale of the market is smaller.

Copyright 2007 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

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