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 Gulf Mobile Ohio Box Car |  |
3 Bids | US $2.56 | 15m |
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6 HO Train Hopper cars made in Austria Southern Pacific | |
4 Bids | US $17.55 | 15m |
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N scale Southern Box Car | |
2 Bids | US $1.04 | 17m |
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N scale Chessie System Safety Caboose | |
3 Bids | US $4.25 | 19m |
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t11560 20pcs Scale Scenery Layout Set Model Trees HO N | |
0 Bid | US $15.69 | 19m |
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HO SCALE TRAINS MODEL RAILROAD FLAT CAR W SEARCHLIGHT | |
8 Bids | US $9.06 | 19m |
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100 Model Train RR Green Fir Trees War Scene Scale N Z | |
0 Bid | US $.99 | 21m |
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N scale Southern Pacific Covered Hopper | |
2 Bids | US $2.24 | 21m |
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N scale Simpson Lee Paper Co Tank Car | |
3 Bids | US $3.26 | 25m |
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50x Building Train Layout Set Z Scale 1 220 Model Car | |
0 Bid | US $9.90 | 26m |
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N scale Rock Island Box Car | |
3 Bids | US $3.32 | 26m |
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Union Pacific UP SD40 2 Overland O Scale Brass Train | |
11 Bids | US $710.00 | 27m |
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N scale CBQ Caboose | |
7 Bids | US $10.50 | 28m |
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ModelPower HO Freight Car Mystery Box 30 Pc New NE | |
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US $85.00 | 28m |
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N scale Maine Central Box Car | |
0 Bid | US $.99 | 30m |
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N scale MKT 2 Bay Covered Hopper | |
5 Bids | US $5.70 | 33m |
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HO SCALE DIE CAST CARS CHEVY EL CAMINO PICK UP TRUCK RD | |
4 Bids | US $2.42 | 33m |
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NS85B 20 pcs Scale Train Layout Set Model Trees N HO | |
0 Bid | US $14.57 | 34m |
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10Pcs Model Tree Train Set Scenery Landscape Scale HO N | |
0 Bid | US $.99 | 40m |
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WILLIAMS 21197 VIRGINIAN FM blue roof w horn bell | |
0 Bid | US $119.00 | 43m |
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WILLIAMS 21113 WABASH FM TRAINMASTER w horn bell | |
0 Bid | US $119.00 | 43m |
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WILLIAMS 21196 VIRGINIAN FM black roof w horn bell | |
0 Bid | US $119.00 | 43m |
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4PCS PAINTED FIGURE 130 Model Train People Scale G new | |
0 Bid | US $.99 | 44m |
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WILLIAMS 21105 NYC FM TRAINMASTER w horn bell | |
0 Bid | US $125.00 | 46m |
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HORNBY RAILWAYS OO BR 1st SLEEPER COACH R4182 | |
0 Bid | US $23.40 | 48m |
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Atlas Selector for N or HO Gauge | |
0 Bid | US $1.49 | 48m |
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HO SCALE TRAINS MODEL RAILROAD LAYOUT CAR AUTO CARRIER | |
3 Bids | US $3.05 | 48m |
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NC90D 20 pcs Scale Train Layout Set Model Trees N HO | |
0 Bid | US $15.98 | 49m |
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PENNSYLVANIA SCALE MODELS PCC Streamlined Trolley | |
3 Bids | US $13.49 | 53m |
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8 pcs Head Light Train Scenery HO Scale 1 87 Model Car | |
0 Bid | US $22.70 | 55m |
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N Scale Farm Machinery DRAG | |
0 Bid | US $4.99 | 59m |
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HUGE Train Set Over 7 Ft Long Control Switches Tunnel | |
0 Bid | US $400.00 | 1h |
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HO SCALE TRAINS SANTA FE MODEL RAILROAD FLAT CAR W RAIL | |
3 Bids | US $2.82 | 1h 3m |
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N17055 4pcs Scale Train Layout Set Model Trees O HO | |
0 Bid | US $16.07 | 1h 4m |
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EIGHT assorted HO CARS RIVAROSSI ITALY | |
1 Bid | US $3.99 | 1h 9m |
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HO SILVER STREAK GOLDEN SPIKE Model Railroad CAR KIT | |
2 Bids | US $5.53 | 1h 10m |
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100pcs Model Train 1160 N Scale Painted Figure 19style | |
0 Bid | US $10.80 | 1h 11m |
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HO Great Northern SILVER STREAK WOOD Model CAR KIT | |
2 Bids | US $4.75 | 1h 12m |
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HO vintage ROUNDHOUSE METAL REEFER R 1 ASSEMBLED | |
0 Bid | US $3.99 | 1h 13m |
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Union Pacific UP Dash 8 40C Overland O Scale Brass | |
3 Bids | US $413.00 | 1h 14m |
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HO vintage BINKLEY WOOD Model Railroad CAR KIT | |
2 Bids | US $5.62 | 1h 14m |
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Custom painted U 25B Burlington Northern rd no BN 5417 | |
0 Bid | US $40.00 | 1h 15m |
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HO vintage ROUNDHOUSE FISHBELLY VT BOX CAR KIT | |
0 Bid | US $3.99 | 1h 16m |
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N Scale Farm Machinery GRAIN DRILL | |
0 Bid | US $4.99 | 1h 18m |
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LT15 10pcs Scale Train Layout Model Lamppost Lamp HO TT | |
0 Bid | US $8.72 | 1h 19m |
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N Scale Building Church 1 | |
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US $10.00 | 1h 24m |
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Custom painted GP 40G Burlington Northern rd no BN 3079 | |
0 Bid | US $40.00 | 1h 25m |
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100pcs Model Train 187 HO Scale Painted Figure 19style | |
0 Bid | US $10.80 | 1h 26m |
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DETAILED VOLLMER 7775 FIRE STATION N SCALE | |
1 Bid | US $12.47 | 1h 29m |
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DETAILED FALLER POLA BLACK FOREST FARMHOUSE N SCALE | |
5 Bids | US $23.81 | 1h 31m |
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N GAUGE MODEL RAILROADING PICTORIAL BOOKJAPAN | |
0 Bid | US $15.99 | 1h 32m |
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HO SCALE DIE CAST CARS ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE | |
7 Bids | US $4.01 | 1h 33m |
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LR18 10pcs Scale Train Layout Set Model Wall Lamp HO N | |
0 Bid | US $13.45 | 1h 34m |
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WALTHERS HO RTR UP BAY WINDOW CABOOSE 24501 | |
0 Bid | US $19.00 | 1h 35m |
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ATLAS MP 15DC CSX 1141 DCC READY | |
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US $105.99 | 1h 35m |
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Roco 42522 HO RocoLine DC CURVED TRACK 6 R 2 | |
0 Bid | US $9.99 | 1h 40m |
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1941 Plymouth Pick Up Truck 1 43 Scale | |
4 Bids | US $6.38 | 1h 42m |
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50x Building Train Layout Set N Scale 1 150 Model Car | |
0 Bid | US $.99 | 1h 49m |
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WALTHERS HO RTR CONRAIL BAY WINDOW CABOOSE 21303 | |
0 Bid | US $19.00 | 1h 50m |
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16 Mixed Model Pine Tree RR Train Scene Landscape HO | |
0 Bid | US $.99 | 1h 50m |
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Roundhouse MDC Union Pacific 50 boxcar metal base MWKD | |
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US $11.74 | 1h 51m |
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ATLAS MP 15DC CSX 1146 DCC READY | |
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US $105.99 | 1h 51m |
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Mantua New Haven 40 boxcar with a metal base MWKD | |
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US $9.99 | 1h 51m |
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10 x Model Tree Train Set Scenery Layout Landscape HO N | |
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US $1.99 | 1h 52m |
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Life Like Amtrak lighted dome passenger car w people KD | |
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US $11.49 | 1h 54m |
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100 Lot 175 hand painted figures model train people | |
0 Bid | US $.99 | 1h 56m |
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