HO Model Train

By Bill Andrew


One train enthusiast might want a model train that runs through a garden outside. Another train enthusiast might have extensive space for spreading out a large set of train tracks and someone else might have a smaller space but wants to fill it with a couple of different train tracks. To fulfill all of these different needs, model train makers have made several different sizes of trains.

One of the most commonly used larger-scale of the model trains winds up being the O. This O has a scale for 1:48. This is just representing the fact that the O is one forty-eighth of the size that a real-size train is. The O's gauge is only 1 inches. A lot of times these trains because of their larger size are placed in people's garden outdoors. Not all people have a desire to do this though, but that is okay they will find a train that fits their needs too. Numerous individuals love the HO Model Train.

This HO is about half of the dimensions of the bigger O train. HO is said to mean half of O. The scale of the HO is that of 1/87. They use the standard track size of 16.5mm. HO is easy to use for layouts and is quite popular. These are small scaled enough to be fit into some very creative landscaped settings, that have track layouts that are well planned, and fit into a moderate space. These trains are also big enough to include some of the design features in good detail at least in the better models. These are big enough that they can be played with by kids without any danger of them damaging small parts or other components. Really the HO train is a good mix of the larger train's detail with the smaller train's space requirements; this is why the hobbyist loves to have them in their collections more than other sizes.

The HO trains came on the scene first in the 1930s in the United Kingdom. These trains were meant to be a substitute for the OO scale. However the OO scale had been around for so long in the United Kingdom that the HO scale was very slow to catch on. Good thing was that over in the USA hobbyists wanted the realty-based train in the 1950s. This helped the HO trains to become quite popular during the 1960s and even still today. Over 66% of model train enthusiasts state that the HO scale is their preferred choice.

Because HO is so popular you can find plenty of not just the locomotives but also sets, rolling stock, accessories from numerous manufacturers. Train enthusiasts are able to see a big assortment of the HO train sets that come with trains ready to go along with the tracks, materials for constructing various models, craftsmen-quality kits, and highly-detailed locomotives in limited-edition models created using brass. Enthusiasts can go to great lengths searching in the hobby shops near them for supplies, foreign manufacturers, the global suppliers to find the desired item to complete the setup they have made.

So if you have dreams of seeing a vast landscape with rolling hills or a small town and all of the things you think the towns people of your landscape will enjoy, the HO scale model trains are for you. Awe your friends with watching your magnificent locomotive chugging down the track, winding through the hills and through a tunnel. The HO scale model trains can make all of your dreams come true.




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