Model Train Information
Model trains have enthralled their train enthusiasts for decades; and who can blame them for it is a wonderful hobby to pursue with the opportunity for lots of inventive flair and endless scope for collecting new models. There is far more to this hobby than first meets the eye. It involved more than the mere gathering of locomotives! The model train enthusiast needs to acquire understanding of scales and gauges along with track layout, knowledge of the scenery and other invaluable model train information.
Model Train Scale
The first term to get to grip with in the model train hobby is scale. The scale of the model train refers to the size of the model train in relation to the full size locomotive. There are four main scales used for model trains: G, O, HO and N. Here’s a list of the ratios of the model train compared to the life size train:
G scale – ratio 1:22
O scale – ratio 1:48
HO scale – ratio 1:87
N scale – ratio 1:160
The G and O scale are grouped together as a larger scale category. They run on a No. 1 track.
HO scale has a ratio which is half a size smaller than O scale – hence the name HO meaning half O.
N scale is smaller still and is half a size smaller than HO.
Some less popular scales in use are:
S scale – ratio 1:64
TT scale – ratio 1:120
Z scale – ratio 1:220
You will note that TT scale is slightly larger than N scale and Z scale is smaller than N scale.
Model Train Gauge
Our next term is gauge which refers to the size of the track between the two rails of track. There are many different manufacturers producing trains and train tracks but they make the tracks to fit standard sizes. Those are as follows:
Standard gauge is 4 feet and 8 ½ inches long.
Narrow gauge is usually around 3 feet to 3 ½ feet long.
The rails on narrow gauge are normally closer together then on standard gauge track.
Model Train Scenery
This is where you can let your creativity run wild! You can lay out you track in anyway you please, as long as you use wide curves to avoid any derailments! Your location for the layout could be in a loft or a basement, but you choose the shape of the layout to fit around the workspace you have. You may choose a figure of eight, a basic oval shape, a dogbone shape or maybe something more adventurous like a twice around (2 loops).
Then you can bring your imagination to reality by designing and creating a myriad of landscape features such as fields, meadows, rocks, mountains and maybe you’d like to include water features like streams, rivers and maybe even a coastal seaside feature.
The model train hobby is a thriving hobby across the world. It appeals to young and old. And as a bonus, it can wonderfully combine the interests of two different generations as grandfathers share their joy of model trains with their kids and grandkids.
