| People who love building model trains often have | | | | HO scale. |
| different purposes for building one. Some might want | | | | The first HO scale trains were introduced in the UK in |
| to have the train run outside on the garden. Some, | | | | the 1930's. It was positioned as an alternative to the |
| however, want to run the train indoors in a very tight | | | | OO scales. HO model trains had a hard time gaining |
| space. If the space is big enough, there are even | | | | ground in the UK because the OO models were firmly |
| others that want to run their model trains on different | | | | established and they were fairly common. Fortunately, |
| kinds of tracks. That is why the manufacturers make | | | | the train enthusiasts in the United States want a |
| their trains in different sizes to cater to these needs. | | | | realistic toy in the 1950's. The HO scale model trains |
| For the larger size trains, the O scale is probably the | | | | addressed these needs, and they have since picked |
| most common size. It has a ratio of 1:48, which means | | | | up in popularity. |
| the model is 1/48th the size of a full size train. These | | | | Many people rank the HO scale as one of their |
| trains run in 1 1/4 inch tracks, which are preferably | | | | favorite train model scales. And because of this |
| placed in large open spaces like gardens. Though it is | | | | popularity, there are now a huge selection of model |
| relatively small, this size does not fulfill everyone's | | | | trains to choose from. Today, train lovers can find |
| needs. | | | | many locomotive and train car models for the HO |
| The HO scale is appropriately named because it is half | | | | scale. You could also find an assortment of |
| the size of an O scale model train. The HO scale is 1 | | | | accessories that go with the locomotive and track like |
| 87. These trains use a track which has a gauge of | | | | scenery and buildings. |
| 16.5 mm. The HO size is quite small and flexible, making | | | | For those who really want to complete the look of |
| them a great choice for lay-outing. The trains are small | | | | their layout, local hobby shops can have the supplies |
| enough to use scenery in a relatively limited space. | | | | for the trains. There are also global suppliers that can |
| Even though they are quite small, they can still include | | | | provide rare and finely detailed items for the train track. |
| enough detail for more intricately designed models. The | | | | If you want to express your creativity in designing your |
| HO model trains, though small, are still large enough for | | | | dream train track, the toy trains can be a practical |
| children. Kids can handle this without the risk of | | | | choice. You could decorate your track with hills, plains, |
| damaging small parts. The HO models really strike the | | | | mountains and even water streams. Your friends will |
| delicate balance between the details found in the | | | | surely love the creativity you put in with your HO |
| bigger scales with less required space. Because of this, | | | | model train track. |
| many railroad enthusiasts often seek models of the | | | | |