Toy trains have been around almost as long as locomotives and trains. This is a great way to spend time and express your creativity. It is a hobby that you can share with your children or grandchildren. Everyone in the family can enjoy it!

There is more to model trains and railroading than just collecting locomotives. Model train enthusiasts also enjoy building interesting scenery and layouts that provide room to operate the trains and add to the interest and fun.

The scale of the train refers to the size of the model train compared to a real train. Each scale is referred to by a letter or number The most common scales are G, O, HO and N.

G and O are large scales. G scale, or “Garden” trains are 1:22, or just under 1/20 the size of a real train. These trains are usually found outdoors, and are big enough to carry a passenger. G trains vary in actual size, but they all run on Gauge 1 track.

O trains are 1:48, roughly half the size of a G train. An O scale model of a 50 foot locomotive is about 12 inches long. The “O” originally stood for “zero”. This meant that the “O” model was smaller than other trains that were graded as “1″, “2″, or “3″. Over time, people began to think of the “O” as a letter.

HO is 1:87, less than half the size of an O train. HO stands for “half O”. HO is the most popular size. It is small enough to have an interesting layout indoors, without taking up too much space.

N trains are 1:160, about half the size of HO. These trains are small enough to fit into a matchbox!

Other sizes that are not found so often are S, TT, and Z scales. S scale is 1:64, halfway between O and HO. TT is 1:120, between HO and N. And Z scale is the smallest scale, only 1:220. Z scale is small enough to fit into the most cramped apartment!

When model train enthusiasts talk about gauge, they are referring to the distance between the two rails. Since there are so many manufacturers of model trains, it made sense to have standard track widths. That way people would know what size trains to buy for their tracks.

Here is a quick guide to gauge. Model train enthusiasts refer to real train tracks as the “prototype”. A real train track is 4 feet, 8 1/2 inches. Narrow gauge track, the kind you see in mining railroads or scenic tourist trains, is 3 feet to 3 1/2 feet.

Model train gauges are described in term of the real “prototype” size. G train track is 1.75″ between the rails. HO track is 0.65″ or 16.5mm. That is equivalent to 1:48 ratio to real train track. N track is .354″ or 9 mm, a 1:160 ratio.

O train track is the maverick. It is measured differently from the other gauges. Other gauges are measured as the distance between the insides of the two rails. The O track is measured as the distance between the center of the two rails. O train track is 1.25″ or 32 mm from the center of the two outer rails.

Another major aspect of model railroading is creating the scenery. The sky is the limit as you decide what kind of country you want your train to run through – the city, the desert, mountains, the seashore, along a river – the choice is yours. You can create dramatic effects with waterfalls, cliffs, tunnels, and bridges.

The layout is also important for keeping the hobby interesting. The layout is the way that the track is laid out. The simplest layout is the familiar circle. Laying the track in a loop allows the train to run continuously. Having more than one track keeps the engineer busy deciding where to send the train next!

Model train railroading is a popular hobby shared by millions. Both young and old are caught up in its thrill and excitement. It’s a great way to spend time with your children or grandchildren, and will give them endless hours of entertainment.

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