| The 00 model train scale is also known as the OO | | | | The 00 scale trains are not exact prototypes as the |
| gauge and it’s the most popular standard gauge | | | | differences in scale are noticeable on the track. It |
| model railway track in the UK. The gauge is 16.5mm | | | | means that much bigger clearances are needed on |
| and has a scale of 1:76. This scale was first created | | | | pointwork. The scale really represents the narrow |
| by Bing in 1921. At that time I t was called the “the | | | | gauge railways built to 4 feet gauge. Some examples |
| table railways” and ran on a 16.5mm track, with a | | | | are Padman Railway, Saundersfoot Railway in Wales |
| scale of 4mm for one foot. | | | | and the Glasgow Subway in Scotland. |
| | | | | |
| The next year in 1922, the first model locomotives | | | | Although it is possible to run 00 scale trains and HO |
| were created but they were powered by clockwork. It | | | | scales trains on the same track they don’t sit well |
| was not until 1923 that the first electric powered | | | | together. The reason for this is that the British models |
| locomotive was created. | | | | are much larger that the European or American ones. |
| | | | | In fact, the opposite would really be the case. |
| The 00 gauge trains use the same track gauge as the | | | | |
| very popular HO scale. This is the scale most popular | | | | Even with the inaccuracies, the 00 gauge is still the |
| in modern times, and especially in America. The HO | | | | most popular in the UK. This is because of a number |
| scale is half of the 00 scale. In 1932 the Bing Company | | | | of factors. Firstly the rich history is a key point. Next |
| went bust but the table railway survived as it was | | | | there is far more standard tack and locamotives |
| continued by a company called Trix. Later in 1938, the | | | | available for people in the 00 gauge. There are also |
| Meccano Company created their new range of 00 | | | | many starter kits available for people who want to get |
| scale model trains under the name of Hornby Dublo. | | | | started with the hobby. |
| Since this time, the 00 gauge has been the most | | | | |
| popular in the UK. | | | | The market in the UK is also dominated by Hornby |
| | | | | Railways and Bachmann Branchline. These things |
| The 00 gauge was tried out in the USA but it did not | | | | mean that the 00 gauge will continue to be the most |
| prove to be very popular. The company that tired to | | | | popular in the UK for some time to come. There are |
| introduce the 00 scale was called Lionel Corporation. | | | | certainly other gauges that can be used and they are |
| There were also other companies that tired to launch | | | | available, but the lack of ready to run track section and |
| this scale but the trains only stayed on the market until | | | | locomotives, make these choices less favorable. |
| 1942. This was because the HO scale was so much | | | | |
| more popular in America. | | | | The 00 gauge can achieve some great designs even |
| | | | | with the small inaccuracies and is worth pursuing. |