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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Vintage N scale by Bachmannn SIDE SPLIT HOUSE w Garage |  |
1 Bid | US $.99 | 18m |
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100 Model People passenger HOUSE BUILDING Layout 1100 | |
2 Bids | US $1.04 | 20m |
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Z06 6 pcs model signals 12VDCHOOO Scalesignal | |
0 Bid | US $34.17 | 22m |
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Z28 3 model signalsflash12VO scale signal | |
0 Bid | US $30.15 | 22m |
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Z12 6 pcs model signals12VO scale signal | |
0 Bid | US $37.18 | 22m |
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Bachmann Trains Norfolk southern Thoroughbred Ready to Run HO Scale Train Set | |
7 Bids | US $35.00 | 22m |
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HO SCALE 6 STEEL TRAIN TRACK W JOINERS 40 PIECES NEW | |
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US $26.40 | 23m |
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20 SPRING Pink Green Flowers Dollhouse Scenery Landscape Layout Train Model Tree | |
0 Bid | US $.99 | 26m |
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Vintage N scale by Bachmannn WATER TOWER for Steam Era RR n layout | |
6 Bids | US $8.16 | 26m |
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Yorkshire Co scale model replicas of Ford trucks from the standard gauge era | |
2 Bids | US $26.00 | 27m |
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N Scale Business Vehicle Flat Bed Truck | |
0 Bid | US $6.00 | 28m |
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HO Scale Sawmill Building Kit by E Suydam Co | |
6 Bids | US $13.34 | 28m |
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Vintage N scale by Bachmannn COALING TOWER for Steam Era RR n layout w figures | |
7 Bids | US $7.16 | 29m |
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BACHMANN DURANGO SILVERTON RED CABOOSE W ALL METAL WHEELS KNUCKLE COUPLERS | |
9 Bids | US $11.51 | 31m |
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HO SCALE MODEL RAILROAD TRAINS LAYOUT RIO GRANDE OPEN HOPPER FREIGHT CAR M98069 | |
13 Bids | US $9.51 | 31m |
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Lot 20 Train Layout Set Model Trees 7cm Yellow Flower | |
0 Bid | US $.96 | 32m |
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20PC Model Tree Train Garden layout Scene Pink Flower | |
0 Bid | US $.99 | 32m |
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20 Train Garden Scenery Landscape Model Flower Tree New | |
0 Bid | US $.99 | 32m |
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KATO C44 9W BNSF Warbonnet 741 | |
2 Bids | US $60.99 | 33m |
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Vintage N scale by HELJAN FACTORY BUILDING w loading docks | |
3 Bids | US $3.25 | 35m |
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20 SPRING Scene WHITE YELLOW Flower FRUIT Model Tree Train Garden PARK layout | |
0 Bid | US $.99 | 35m |
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4 FALL WINTER FOREST Trees GARDEN PARK Road Scene Landscape Model Light Green | |
0 Bid | US $.99 | 35m |
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N Scale PRR F9 AB Tuscan Diesels by Minitrix Without Reserve | |
9 Bids | US $31.00 | 37m |
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Vintage HO Scale United Scale Models Japan Brass 2 Truck Climax Locomotive exc | |
27 Bids | US $405.00 | 38m |
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KATO EMD SD70ACe | |
7 Bids | US $69.89 | 38m |
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16 Lot Model Pine Tree Train Set SCENE Layout HO Scale | |
1 Bid | US $.79 | 40m |
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K LINE O SCALE PRR N5C RAILROAD TRAIN CABOOSE 477954 MIB K615 1896 | |
6 Bids | US $21.20 | 48m |
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Vintage N scale by POLA Large TRAIN STATION 2 12 x 7 SWITCH TOWER w figures | |
2 Bids | US $5.25 | 49m |
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Con Cor HO Scale PS 2 1989 Christmas Covered Hopper | |
3 Bids | US $5.55 | 50m |
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MRC Modelpack Transformer for HO N Scale trains Output 12 volts DC trains16 AC | |
11 Bids | US $18.50 | 51m |
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N Scale N Gauge Farm Machinery COMBINE Corn Head GREEN | |
0 Bid | US $8.00 | 52m |
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HO Scale lumber for Lionel Bachman all train layouts 500pc set of new parts | |
0 Bid | US $8.75 | 53m |
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20pcs White Scale 1 75 Model Single Head Street Lights Lamppost w Billboard NEW | |
0 Bid | US $.99 | 55m |
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O gauge live steam Flying Scotsman parts Norman Dewist design | |
2 Bids | US $280.00 | 57m |
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Walthers Coke Service Cars 3 Pack Kit HO Scale Brand New In Box | |
10 Bids | US $26.00 | 1h 1m |
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Walthers Slag Car 3 Pack Kit HO Scale Brand New In Box | |
12 Bids | US $39.00 | 1h 2m |
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2 WILLIAMS ELECTRIC TRAIN BOX FREIGHT STOCK CAR O SCALE RIO GRANDE 11 SOO LINE | |
2 Bids | US $15.50 | 1h 3m |
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HO Scale Gas Doodlebug New York Central by Spectrum Without Reserve | |
16 Bids | US $39.99 | 1h 4m |
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Walthers Slag Car 3 Pack Kit HO Scale | |
9 Bids | US $36.00 | 1h 4m |
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lot 20pc White Scale 1 75 Model Single Head Street Lights Lamppost w Billboard | |
0 Bid | US $.99 | 1h 5m |
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Walthers Coke Service Cars 3 Pack Kit HO Scale | |
9 Bids | US $30.00 | 1h 5m |
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Walthers Hot Metal Car 3 Pack Kit HO Scale Brand New In Box | |
8 Bids | US $31.00 | 1h 6m |
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Walthers Hot Metal Car 3 Pack Kit HO Scale | |
7 Bids | US $31.00 | 1h 7m |
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4pcs Park Scenery Making Model Trees w Peach Flowers | |
0 Bid | US $.99 | 1h 10m |
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Con Cor N Scale ATSF Santa Fe E7 B Unit Dummy Locomotive MIB | |
8 Bids | US $15.50 | 1h 12m |
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9pc Green Train Scenery Landscape Model Tree O HO Scale | |
0 Bid | US $.99 | 1h 15m |
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Vintage N scale Single Track TUNNEL PORTALs x 2 for N scale mountain layout | |
0 Bid | US $1.99 | 1h 17m |
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Vintage N scale Lot of Three 3 Trackside Structures for n layout | |
4 Bids | US $10.50 | 1h 20m |
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D4316 50pcs Scale Train Layout Set Model Trees N 43mm | |
0 Bid | US $9.51 | 1h 20m |
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2 Tyco Mantua HO Scale Cars AT SF Flat Transport Container Gondola | |
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US $14.95 | 1h 26m |
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D6524 30pcs Scale Train Layout Set Model Trees N Z 65mm | |
0 Bid | US $9.51 | 1h 27m |
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187 HO SCALE DIECAST PORSCHE CAYENNE TURBO DK GREEN | |
3 Bids | US $3.75 | 1h 28m |
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Vintage N scale WATER TOWER w Figure for Steam Era N scale layout | |
8 Bids | US $10.50 | 1h 28m |
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2 RAIL KING MTH TRAINS BOX CAR BALTIMORE OHIO 30 74033 BAY WINDOW CABOOSE 307719 | |
6 Bids | US $16.50 | 1h 29m |
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50 Wholesale Tree War Scene Train Model N Z Scale 1350 | |
0 Bid | US $.96 | 1h 30m |
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HO SCALE LARGE VARIETY LOT KITS PARTS SCENERY MORE | |
9 Bids | US $22.00 | 1h 30m |
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D5020 50pcs Scale Train Layout Set Model Trees N Z 5cm | |
0 Bid | US $9.51 | 1h 31m |
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HO SCALE MODEL RAILROAD TRAINS LAYOUT ENGINE SANTA FE F 2 LOCOMOTIVE M96800 | |
4 Bids | US $13.39 | 1h 32m |
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N Scale Architect HO Scale CNJ Two Story Station NEW FSM Fine Miniatures FOS | |
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US $99.95 | 1h 32m |
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D3517 100pcs Scale Train Layout Set Model Trees TT 35mm | |
0 Bid | US $9.51 | 1h 34m |
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Athearn Genesis HO Trailer Train KTTX 153079 1991 Logo | |
1 Bid | US $25.81 | 1h 35m |
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D3813 100pcs Scale Train Layout Set Model Trees HO 38mm | |
1 Bid | US $9.51 | 1h 37m |
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LARGE LOT of O scale Train BUILDINGS VEHICLES Accessories | |
4 Bids | US $7.75 | 1h 37m |
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187 HO SCALE DIECAST 1957 CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE RED | |
5 Bids | US $4.84 | 1h 37m |
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D3513 100pcs Scale Train Layout Set Model Trees N 35mm | |
0 Bid | US $9.51 | 1h 39m |
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100 Model Train People Passengers Figures Set HO Scale | |
0 Bid | US $.99 | 1h 40m |
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