Model Train – HO

Model train hobbyists want their model trains for many different reasons. Some may want to show off their train in the garden. Others may want to show off their train inside.

And some may wish to take their train to model train expos and show them off to model train enthusiasts from all over the world. There are different sizes of model trains on the market to ensure that the needs and wants of model train enthusiasts are met.

A larger-scale train that proves to be very popular is the O-sized train. The O sized train is 1:48 of the size of a real train. The model train gauge for an O-train is 1 ¼ inches. You can choose to use your O sized train outside if you desire – it is durable enough, but of course it works just as well indoors if this is your preference.

We go down another notch when we talk about the HO scale train – this can be described as half the size of the O-scale train. HO train tracks work on a gauge of 16.5mm. You will find that many model train enthusiasts use HO size trains in model train layouts, and they are small enough to add all sorts of creative scenery to complete the model train outlook – if you don’t have a lot of space in which to keep your model train railroad you may also find that HO-scale trains fit in nicely in smaller spaces and are much easier to transport than larger models. Many train hobbyists start out with a HO-scale train. They like the ability to add lots of little tiny components to give the train a realistic feel.

The history of HO sized model trains dates back to the UK in the 1930s when these trains came out as a model train alternative to the OO-scale model train. Many model train enthusiasts, however, already had an OO train, and tracks and scenery to suit the OO size – so it took some time for the HO to catch on. In the 1950s USA train hobbyists demanded that their model trains were more realistic, and the HO began to take off in earnest then. Even today, you will find that a lot of model train hobbyists prefer to use HO trains only.

A lot of different model-train making companies developed trains in the HO rollingstock – this means they also developed the scenery and track required to carry these trains and create a full model railroad. It is easy to find plenty of HO stock that dates way back to the 1950s, because HO stock was so popular and widely sold. You will find that HO-scale model train enthusiasts can easily find HO pieces that they are looking for in local hobby shops, or by shopping online with global suppliers who can ship the pieces out to them.

HO trains are great for model train hobbyists who dream of having a model train railroad that sees the train rolling through lush rolling hills, landscape and through tunnels and past trees and rivers and lakes. The HO model train really is one of the prettiest model train railroad tracks you can build.