How to Choose a Model Train Scale

How to Choose a Model Train Scale

model train scales and guageChoosing a model train scale can be fun, measuring how much room you have, and checking the number of different trains, scenery and other things you can buy on each scale. I have listed the steps I take when starting out with a new model train.

Things you’ll need:

  • Measuring Tape
  • Some idea of your train layout
  • Some idea of which train scale you would build

Step 1

Measure the area or table where the train set is going to go allowing for room to move around the area. Building your table from scratch can give you great satisfaction.

Step 2

Go to your favourite hobby shop and take a tape measure with you or go online, most online stores will give you sizes. You need to know the length of the track in the scale you would like to build.

Step 3

Measure the length of a few pieces of track in each scale.

The most common scales are O, S, HO and TT, listed from largest to smallest.

Step 4

If you have a layout in mind you can do the math from your track length measurements allowing for curves to work out a rough size of your layout, this will help to make sure you have the room for your model train set.

Sizes are as follows:

  • O (1:48) 75 mm (1.25 in)
  • HO (1:87) 5 mm (0.65 in)
  • N (1:160) 97 mm (0.353 in)
  • Z (1:220) 5 mm (0.256 in)
  • T (1:480) 3 mm (118 in)

Step 5

Decide how much detail you’d like to have on your trains if the room is not an issue. Detail is easier to see and reproduce on larger trains, whereas with smaller scales you can fit more detail in.

Step 6

Consider how extensive you intend your layout to be. HO scale is the most common and has the widest variety of accessories available. See whether the trains and accessories you like are available on every scale or only some scales, and choose accordingly.

Tips & Warnings

  • Bigger is not necessarily better. You can pack more into the scene on a smaller scale.
  • Lionel is synonymous with the O scale; American Flyer, with the S scale. Other popular train manufacturers are Bachmann, Marklin, Marx, K-Line, Kato and Athearn.
  • O trains take up a lot of room. HO or TT trains take up about half as much.
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