Scale Model
Scale Model
Scale Model Trains: What Does That Mean?
Model trains are available in a variety of different sizes that are denoted as scales. This spectrum of sizes ranges from miniature train sets to large models that designed to be set up outdoors. There are two terms used in association of collecting model trains, they are gauge and scale. Scale is used to describe the ratio of a model to the actual train that it depicts and gauge refers to the track width.
When it comes to Model Railroad collecting the choice of scale is usually the most important aspect that needs to be decided before the collection can start. It is a matter of personal preference as well as experience and don't forget what may be the most important part of the equation, which is your budget. Although there are many different scales available for you to choose from the HO is one of the most popular.
The HO Model Train scale is by far the most common amongst the scales. The approximate ratio of HO model trains is 1:87. You will also be able to find variations in the HO scales. The HO is popular since it comes in various gauges and is very easy to work with. The detail is outstanding and the size of the train is somewhat like a popular fairytale. It's size is not to small, it's not to big.....it's just right!
Not only will you be able to find HO model trains with utmost ease but also one of the biggest advantages of sticking to this scale is that you will easily be able to find a wide variety of accessories with which You Can enhance Your Model Train Display.
Next in line on the popularity chart is the N scale model trains. The N scale has the ratio of 1:160 that makes them considerably smaller than the HO. For my taste the N scale is to small and the detailing on the locomotives and cars is not as intricate as on the HO scale. One other detail that should be mentioned is that accessories for the N scale are much less available than for the HO and other model trains because their small size makes them complex and difficult to work with and the number of units sold has reduced worldwide demand therefore making this a difficult train to collect. However there is one big benefit with this standard and that is the fact that you can set up an extensive railroading track in a relatively small space. The N scale tends to be more popular with kids and individuals that have limited space to work with and are not interested in large detailed railroad layouts.
The other three scales in the fab five list are the O (1:48), the Z (1:220) and the big daddy himself, the G (1:24). There are other scales available but are not considered to be big collector items since their popularity is so small. The fewer retail units sold means fewer accessories. Collectors tend to lean toward the fab five and then it is the individual's personal taste in scale that seems to be the determining factor in their collection. So spend some time and consider your space, your budget and your personal taste and come on aboard.
About the Author
Michael Weston is a Model Train Expert with over 25 years of collecting experience. For great information on
scale model trains
, visit
http://www.modeltrainsexpert.com
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N scale Bachmann Spirit of 76 Ben Franklin Bicentenial Condition C 8 |  |
2 Bids | US $5.00 | 17m |
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WRENN MODEL RAILWAYS X2 ROLLING STOCK SAXA SALT BLUE SPOT FISH VAN MINT BOXED | |
10 Bids | US $29.00 | 17m |
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N SCALE 4 BOX CARS TRFX RPCX WWDX AND URTX LK LK | |
1 Bid | US $12.00 | 17m |
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100 Model People passenger HOUSE BUILDING Layout 1100 | |
0 Bid | US $.99 | 17m |
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NMJ SUPERLINE NORWAY NSB BM6405 MODIFIED VER MOTOR COACH POWERED N LEMACO | |
0 Bid | US $1,350.00 | 19m |
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1962 1963 ATHEARN HO SCALE CATALOG TRAINS IN MINIATURE MODEL RAILROAD FULL COLOR | |
0 Bid | US $6.99 | 20m |
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Aristo Craft ART 31707 COMBINE Heavyweight Passenger Car NYC 6 Wheel Trucks | |
10 Bids | US $124.72 | 21m |
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D5020 50pcs Scale Train Layout Set Model Trees N Z 5cm | |
0 Bid | US $9.44 | 21m |
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D5027 40pcs Scale Train Layout Set Model Trees N HO 5cm | |
1 Bid | US $9.44 | 21m |
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N SCALE 3 BOX CARS USLX NRCX RPRX LK LK | |
1 Bid | US $9.00 | 21m |
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Large lot of LIONEL MTH Buildings Model Trains | |
4 Bids | US $32.99 | 21m |
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HO SCALE VINTAGE NIB UNION 76 OIL MODERN TANKER VERY NICE | |
0 Bid | US $9.99 | 22m |
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Baltimore Ohio B O Passenger Car Set N Scale | |
12 Bids | US $36.00 | 22m |
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DEL PRADO N GAUGE STATIC TRAIN USA UNION PACIFIC FP 7 MINT SEALED | |
0 Bid | US $7.48 | 23m |
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GREEN LOCOMOTIVE KING JOHN FOR RESTORATION | |
4 Bids | US $22.82 | 23m |
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DEL PRADO N GAUGE STATIC TRAIN SWISS SBB Re 4 4 11 MINT SEALED | |
1 Bid | US $7.48 | 23m |
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Cox Boxed HO Scale 6150 7 US ARMY Flat Car With Road Grader 1980s NICE | |
7 Bids | US $20.50 | 24m |
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D3813 100pcs Scale Train Layout Set Model Trees HO 38mm | |
0 Bid | US $9.44 | 25m |
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Hornby Series O Gauge 0 CW No 1 Loco Tender LMS number 5600 1936 1938 | |
11 Bids | US $63.01 | 25m |
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DEL PRADO N GAUGE STATIC TRAIN SPANISH RENFE AVE 100 MINT SEALED | |
0 Bid | US $7.48 | 25m |
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DEL PRADO N GAUGE STATIC TRAIN FRENCH SNCF CC 72000 MINT SEALED | |
0 Bid | US $7.48 | 26m |
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N SCALE 3 BOX CARS ONT LK LK | |
1 Bid | US $9.00 | 26m |
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Bachmann Electric Train Lot of CarsTracksPower Pack | |
4 Bids | US $12.49 | 26m |
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BACHMANN MODEL RAILWAYS GWR MATCH TRUCK AND INSULATED CONTAINER MINT BOXED | |
1 Bid | US $7.86 | 26m |
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DEL PRADO N GAUGE STATIC TRAIN SPANISH RENFE ETR 490 ALARIS MINT SEALED | |
4 Bids | US $16.54 | 27m |
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4X New Light Green Model Tree Park Railway Scene Make | |
0 Bid | US $.99 | 27m |
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On2 SRRL STRONG Maine FREIGHT HOUSE KIT B13 Sandy River Car Shops | |
0 Bid | US $55.95 | 29m |
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Aristo Craft ART 31507 DINER Heavyweight Passenger Car NYC 6 Wheel Trucks | |
13 Bids | US $124.72 | 30m |
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NEW O Scale Canadian Pacific Hudson 4 6 4 Locomotive BACHMANN 40209 | |
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US $550.00 | 30m |
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Mantua Model Railroad Engine and Tender Small Scale | |
4 Bids | US $10.99 | 30m |
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HO Athearn GP38 2 Canadian Pacific CP Rail Twin Flags RTR when Assembled | |
8 Bids | US $81.00 | 31m |
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D7035 20pcs Scale Train Layout Set Model Trees N HO 7cm | |
0 Bid | US $9.44 | 31m |
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Vintage HO 1 87 sc Athearn KANSAS CITY SOUTHERN 50 Auto Freight Car KIT AS IS | |
1 Bid | US $16.99 | 31m |
![G Scale Grandt Line 8 Pane Double Hung Windows 3930 w Glazing 2 BAGS]](http://www.leavintrain.com/images/e/260953543613_0.jpg) |
G Scale Grandt Line 8 Pane Double Hung Windows 3930 w Glazing 2 BAGS] | |
1 Bid | US $9.99 | 31m |
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N SCALE 4 BOX CARS PC AND RDG LK LK | |
1 Bid | US $12.00 | 31m |
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Barn Silo Chicken Coop | |
14 Bids | US $15.53 | 32m |
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6307 2 Atlas O ACF 3 Bay Cylindrical Hopper Kerr McGee ACFX 62014 3rl O Scale | |
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US $34.99 | 32m |
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Atlas 41412 40 Wood Reefer Santa Fe SFRD 17599 | |
0 Bid | US $10.00 | 32m |
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N SCALE 5 BOX CARS CNJ PRR AND CR LK LK | |
3 Bids | US $18.00 | 33m |
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UP MT Hood Wood Caboose HO Scale | |
4 Bids | US $134.50 | 34m |
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N SCALE 2 BOX CARS NKP LK LK | |
1 Bid | US $6.00 | 34m |
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6307 1 Atlas O ACF 3 Bay Cylindrical Hopper Kerr McGee ACFX 62012 3rl O Scale | |
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US $34.99 | 35m |
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N SCALE 3 BOX CARS EL AND CV LK LK | |
0 Bid | US $9.00 | 35m |
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Aristo Craft ART 31407 OBSERVATION Heavyweight Passenger Car NYC 6 Wheel Trucks | |
15 Bids | US $124.72 | 38m |
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HO SCALE VINTAGE DIE CAST MODEL COLLECTION PORCHE CAYMAN NIP AWESOME DETAIL | |
0 Bid | US $7.99 | 38m |
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Six Atlas Controller Selector Lot HO or N scale | |
10 Bids | US $21.99 | 38m |
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HO SCALE VINTAGE DIE CAST MODEL POWER SHELBY COBRA NIP AWESOME DETAIL | |
0 Bid | US $7.99 | 38m |
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HO SCALE VINTAGE MODEL POWER FIRE CHIEF CAR NIP AWESOME DETAIL | |
0 Bid | US $7.99 | 39m |
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EXCELLENTLY DETAILED FALLER VILLAGE WITH CHURCH HO | |
2 Bids | US $9.44 | 40m |
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Atlas HO Scale Trailer Train 976119 ACF 894 Flat Car | |
0 Bid | US $32.81 | 40m |
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3 X LOCO BODIES 4 LOCO ENGINES FOR RESTORATION | |
13 Bids | US $16.95 | 40m |
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BACHMAN N SCALE EXPLORER ELECTRIC TRAIN SET WITH ACCESSORIES | |
17 Bids | US $66.99 | 41m |
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NGAUGE GRAHAM FARISH DIESEL COACHES TRACK | |
8 Bids | US $61.62 | 41m |
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Lionel Large Scale Milwaukee Road 971 GP 20 Diesel Engine G Scale | |
1 Bid | US $180.00 | 41m |
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HO SCALE VINTAGE MODEL POWER CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL CAR NIP AWESOME DETAIL | |
1 Bid | US $9.99 | 41m |
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Backyard Railways DVD Large Scale Model Trains in Action for Kids | |
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US $12.99 | 41m |
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D7040 20pcs Scale Train Layout Set Model Trees N HO 7cm | |
0 Bid | US $9.44 | 41m |
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24 Freight Car Walkways Cast Metal Train Craft S Scale | |
0 Bid | US $3.49 | 42m |
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Train Sounds CD Background for G Scale Model Railroads | |
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US $14.99 | 42m |
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Train Sounds CD Background for HO Model Railroads | |
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US $14.99 | 42m |
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Train Sounds CD Background for O Gauge Model Railroads | |
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US $14.99 | 42m |
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Vimtage Lionel 2383 Santa Fe F3 Diesel AA Units NICE but horn needs TLC | |
19 Bids | US $256.66 | 43m |
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LGB 4071 White Pass Caboose with Lights and Metal Wheels and | |
16 Bids | US $52.00 | 43m |
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HO SCALE MODEL RAILROAD TRAINS LAYOUT ENGINE SANTA FE F7 DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE L8689 | |
4 Bids | US $13.05 | 43m |
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100 Painted Model Passenger O Scale Bus Station Layout | |
0 Bid | US $5.99 | 44m |
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O Gauge Lionel Train Compatible 16pc x 10 CYPRESS PINE Evergreen Tree Standard | |
0 Bid | US $54.95 | 45m |
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