Two popular and widely available model train scale choices are the O scale and the 0-27 scale, both of which are admired by model train enthusiasts of all ages.
For years, the O scale trains have been affordable, durable, and easy to handle for model train hobbyists.
In fact, many beginners to the world of model trains have launched their hobby with an O scale railroad starter kit, available from any of the well-known train set manufacturers such as Lionel, American Flyer, MTH, and others.
The O scale was created by German toy manufacturer Marklin in about 1900.
The early model trains were used more for play than as sought-after items for hobbyists.
Soon after it was introduced, the O scale quickly became one of the most popular among model railroaders.
In the years after America's Great Depression, the O scale model trains became the accepted standard.
The first O scale tracks were made using three rails.
Today's O scale train sets come in both two-track and three-track formations.
The third rail is used as an inside rail for added power.
Over the years, as hobbyists began to focus more on the realism and operational quality of their trains, the HO scale and N scale became more widely sought after than the O scale.
But the O scale retains its place as a favorite for model train newcomers.
What does "O scale" refer to in model train terminology? It is the ratio between the size of an actual train and the size of the model.
It's important to note that the scales are different from region to region.
In the U.
S.
, O scale models trains are 1:48 in scale to actual rail trains.
In England, however, each O scale train is manufactured at 1:43:5.
And elsewhere in Europe, the O scale comes in yet a different size, at 1:45.
As a result, thetrains don't have a consistent scale and gauge around the world.
These differences in compatibility are something to be aware of when you're buying O scale model trains and equipment.
What are the particular variations in the O-27 scale? There are actually a number of similar O scale track choices.
When the standard O scale train track is put down in a circle, it has a diameter of 31 inches.
So the ordinary O scale track is sometimes called O-31 track.
Meanwhile, the O-27 scale track will produce a smaller, 27-inch diameter when laid in a circle.
The O scale track is made in several sizes, including O-27, O-31 (standard), O-42, O-54, and O-72.
The differences have to do with the various diameters of the circular track.
If you prefer to set up your railroad in a smaller space, you will be able to fit in more track with closer curves, but the overall effect is less realistic and sometimes full-sized O cars have trouble successfully negotiating the curves.
Fortunately, model train hobbyists have the advantage of mixing and matching different scales of track to produce the layout they want.
Though the O scale model trains aren't as popular as the HO scale and N scale, more and more train lovers are trying out O scale trains and equipment.
This has caused many major manufacturers to produce a range of O scale pieces, including complete starter sets.
And of course, the past 100 years of development have added significantly to the realism of O scale model trains.
The persistent confusion that surrounds this scale has to do with the regional inconsistencies in O scale standards.
Hobbyists are advised to remember these regional variations in model scale as well as the two-rail track and three-rail track options.
Nevertheless, O scale and O-27 scale model trains continue to be the favorites of hobbyists who enjoy the simple joys of operating their model trains.
For years, the O scale trains have been affordable, durable, and easy to handle for model train hobbyists.
In fact, many beginners to the world of model trains have launched their hobby with an O scale railroad starter kit, available from any of the well-known train set manufacturers such as Lionel, American Flyer, MTH, and others.
The O scale was created by German toy manufacturer Marklin in about 1900.
The early model trains were used more for play than as sought-after items for hobbyists.
Soon after it was introduced, the O scale quickly became one of the most popular among model railroaders.
In the years after America's Great Depression, the O scale model trains became the accepted standard.
The first O scale tracks were made using three rails.
Today's O scale train sets come in both two-track and three-track formations.
The third rail is used as an inside rail for added power.
Over the years, as hobbyists began to focus more on the realism and operational quality of their trains, the HO scale and N scale became more widely sought after than the O scale.
But the O scale retains its place as a favorite for model train newcomers.
What does "O scale" refer to in model train terminology? It is the ratio between the size of an actual train and the size of the model.
It's important to note that the scales are different from region to region.
In the U.
S.
, O scale models trains are 1:48 in scale to actual rail trains.
In England, however, each O scale train is manufactured at 1:43:5.
And elsewhere in Europe, the O scale comes in yet a different size, at 1:45.
As a result, thetrains don't have a consistent scale and gauge around the world.
These differences in compatibility are something to be aware of when you're buying O scale model trains and equipment.
What are the particular variations in the O-27 scale? There are actually a number of similar O scale track choices.
When the standard O scale train track is put down in a circle, it has a diameter of 31 inches.
So the ordinary O scale track is sometimes called O-31 track.
Meanwhile, the O-27 scale track will produce a smaller, 27-inch diameter when laid in a circle.
The O scale track is made in several sizes, including O-27, O-31 (standard), O-42, O-54, and O-72.
The differences have to do with the various diameters of the circular track.
If you prefer to set up your railroad in a smaller space, you will be able to fit in more track with closer curves, but the overall effect is less realistic and sometimes full-sized O cars have trouble successfully negotiating the curves.
Fortunately, model train hobbyists have the advantage of mixing and matching different scales of track to produce the layout they want.
Though the O scale model trains aren't as popular as the HO scale and N scale, more and more train lovers are trying out O scale trains and equipment.
This has caused many major manufacturers to produce a range of O scale pieces, including complete starter sets.
And of course, the past 100 years of development have added significantly to the realism of O scale model trains.
The persistent confusion that surrounds this scale has to do with the regional inconsistencies in O scale standards.
Hobbyists are advised to remember these regional variations in model scale as well as the two-rail track and three-rail track options.
Nevertheless, O scale and O-27 scale model trains continue to be the favorites of hobbyists who enjoy the simple joys of operating their model trains.