How Do You Choose Which Model Train Scale to Model?

model train

How Do You Choose Which Scale You Model?

There are 3 major factors to help you decide:

1) How much room you have available for your model train plan,
2) The physical size of model train equipment you prefer working with, and
3) The accessories available. Let's go into more detail...

1 - How Much Space Do You Have Available?

Building a layout in HO will be almost half the size of the similar layout in O. Turning radius's in HO will be tighter; tunnels will be smaller and, most importantly, it is easier to hide mistakes in a smaller scale. Larger scales require more detail and it can often be very hard to create a realistic looking design. HO has become very popular because it is "middle-of-the-road" and easier to make look authentic. An HO switching design can be created on a 4 x 1 foot table, while a continuous loop railroad will need a 3 feet 6 inch x 4 feet table.

A layout space of 6 feet x 4 feet would be enough to have an interesting HO layout with a continuous loop.

Still need more room for an HO layout? Then consider an N scale railroad which can be built in 30% of the area required by a similar model train layout in HO.

2 - Which Scale Do You Prefer Working With?

Fat finger syndrome or bad eyesight can sometimes force us to consider the larger scales. It can be very tiresome attempting to airbrush a Z carriage or manipulating N rolling stock. They can be very fiddly! Children will find it easier operating and manipulating the bigger scales, from HO scale upwards. Bigger rolling stock tends to be heavier and less likely to derail. The ladies seem to have a preference the intricate smaller scales, while the men tend to go with the HO and larger scales.

3 - What Accessories Are Available?

Over the years the HO has become the most popular model train scale and the manufacturers have responded to the demand by producing more accessories and rolling stock for HO. HO is just the right size for most people to recognize the value of the detail and running performance without being too cramped. If you decide to run digital controllers and have lots of switching operations then HO is usually the preferred choice. Check with your local hobby shop to see which scale they have the most accessories for. It is often easier to buy from your local hobby shop initially... or at least until you know exactly what you want. Mixing Scales

Scales that are similar are very tricky to tell apart with the naked eye. A 1:43 model car next to a 1:48 scale model train will probably never be noticed. Another great modeling trick is to use different scales of models together to create a false sense of depth - a "forced perspective".

Some common examples of mixing scales are:

• Using N (1:160) model trains in the background (distance) with H0 (1:87) in the foreground. This gives the illusion of the N scale train being further away than what it is.

• Mixing 1:43 scale, 1:48 scale and 1:50 scale die-cast models with O scale model trains. The scale differences are negligible, so nobody will ever notice the difference.

• Using Matchbox cars (1:64 to 1:100) with H0. Veteran modelers may frown on this but for beginners it is a great economical mix.

• Using 1:144 scale die-cast models with N scale.

model train