| One great way to spend your time and express the | | | | on the other hand, has a ratio of 1:220, much smaller |
| artist in you is by building model trains. There is so | | | | than the common N scale. |
| much more to model train information than just | | | | The term gauge is refers to the spacing between the |
| collecting the locomotives and laying out your track. It | | | | rails on a train track. There are many manufacturers |
| can also include making the scenery around your track | | | | of model trains and tracks. To ensure compatibility, |
| more interesting and somewhat realistic. This hobby | | | | manufacturers have agreed on certain measurements. |
| also allows you to learn more about everything that | | | | The standard gauge usually measures four feet and |
| comes with model trains, including the scales and | | | | eight and a half inches. Some manufacturers offer |
| gauges that are in use. | | | | other sizes though. Some of these are narrow gauges, |
| The scales are used to describe the size of the | | | | which measure around three feet. |
| miniature train in comparison to the actual model. There | | | | One great aspect of model trains is that you also get |
| are four common scales that are used for model | | | | to design the scenery to go with the train and tracks. |
| trains. These are the G, O, HO, and N scales. The G | | | | You could make the tracks quite simple, or you could |
| and O scales are classified into the larger category. | | | | go all out and design fantastic landscape layouts. |
| These trains are designed to run on a No. 1 track. The | | | | Mountains, valleys, hills and trees can all be added to |
| G scale as a ratio of 1:22. The O scale on the other | | | | your scenery. You could even include lakes, rivers and |
| hand, has a ratio of 1:48. | | | | waterfalls. All of it is limited by your imagination. |
| The HO and N scales are some of the smaller scales | | | | You could also push your creativity with your track |
| for model trains. The HO has a 1:87 scale. It is aptly | | | | layouts. You can try a simple oval track, a figure eight, |
| termed as HO because the size of the model is | | | | or a dogbone. It is even possible to design complex |
| exactly half of the O scale. Another smaller scale is | | | | tracks with many turns, inclines, and bridges. You just |
| the N scale. It has a ratio of 1:160, which puts it about | | | | need to make sure that your tracks go at a wide |
| half a size of the HO scale. | | | | curve so that your train would not derail. |
| There are also some less common scales such as the | | | | People, young or old, will surely enjoy building model |
| S, the TT, and the Z scales. The S scale's ratio is 1:64 | | | | trains. It is an exciting and creative way to express |
| and the TT scale has a ratio of 1:120. Both of these | | | | your talents and skills. |
| scales are slightly larger than the N scale. The Z scale, | | | | |