Barry Melek Electric Train Sets

Model Train Figures

Model Train Scale Tips: A Beginners Guide

Model train scales are a measurement of how large the train is, compared to the real thing. For beginners this can be the most confusing part of this hobby, and often the mistakenly mix up scale for gauge.

While this is a common misunderstanding, many train buffs will get quite angry if you mix up the two. Gauge is the distance between the rails on a track, not size.

First for the facts about model train scales. It is measured like this.

First thing you will notice when looking at a model train scales is a letter. Here are the most common lettering system, in order from largest to smallest.

While there are some others that can be larger or smaller, they are hard to find and some smaller sizes are difficult to work with, especially if you have large hands, or have arthritis. HO is probably the easiest to work with, find parts and accessories easily, and is one of the most common train scales.

In order from largest is G scale. These trains are 1:24, meaning they are only one twenty-fourth the size of a real train.

While you may think of these trains as the ones you may have seen circling a tree at Christmas time, they are larger than that. You would most often find this scale in a outside setting, intermingled in a garden or landscaping scene.

They are made to be rugged and durable and will take the stress of weather fairly well. The size commonly associated with Christmas trains are the 'O' model train scales, which are 1:48, meaning that they are 1 48th the size of a real train.

You mostly see these in the hands of smaller children, because of their size, they are easily handled by small ones. You will probably not see many of these train layouts indoors, because of the space they use.

HO is as mentioned earlier, the most common used and easily found. HO scale is 1:87, which is small enough to handle well, performs the best and is large enough to show case very well.

You will see these model train scales in most layouts, because of the accessibility of parts and miniatures that are available. This train size is ideal for the beginner, because it has many basic sets, and can be expanded as the user becomes more experienced.

The next two are N, which stands for nine, which is the space between the tracks for this model, 9mm. This scale is 1:160, and is small enough to display in a bedroom, or a garage setting.

Z scale is the smallest, 1:220, and a whole basic layout for this size can fit on a office or home desk top. However, this size is not advised for children of people with vision problems, etc. because it's so small.

Again gauge is the measured distance between the track, and there are many different gauges. Usually when you buy a set, you really don't have to worry about this, since the train and tracks always match.

When you are buying extra track, then you need to know what the gauge is, so you won't buy tracks that are too wide or narrow to match with the ones you have. With this information about model train scales, it should help you figure out which model trains are going to be right for you.

About the Author

Clint Spille is a model trains enthusiast who enjoys blogging about the World's Greatest Hobby. Stop by his blog where you can read his many articles on the model railroading hobby or watch the videos he provides on topics such as model railway trains, n model railroad and much more!

Boy with Model Train $49.99 Boy with Model Train - Giclee Print

Scale People Standing Figures (Pack of 6) $35.32 These hand-painted standing figures add action and detail to any O or G scale train layout. This package features six figures in action poses standing on clear bases.People Standing FiguresHand-paintedPerfect for any O or G scale train layoutSix figures in action poses stand on clear basesRecommended for ages 14 years and olderModel: 433-1855Sizes are approximate.

Cut-out Model of Train $39.99 Cut-out Model of Train - Giclee Print

Children Playing with Model Train $79.99 Children Playing with Model Train - Premium Photographic Print

Illinois Belle with Model Train $49.99 Illinois Belle with Model Train - Giclee Print

Model Train Locomotive, Outdoors $19.99 George Marks Model Train Locomotive, Outdoors - Photographic Print

Cut-out Model of Train Station $39.99 Cut-out Model of Train Station - Giclee Print

An Advertisement for Hornby Model Train Sets $49.99 An Advertisement for Hornby Model Train Sets - Giclee Print

Bachmann BAC42341 Ho Figures Train Crew $18.38 Designed for use with HO scale railroad layouts and diorama settings. Hand painted plastic figures. Train Work Crew (each has its own flat base). Figure 1: Blue jeans, Red shirt (carrying an axe). Figure 2: Green jeans, Yellow shirt (turning wheel). Figure 3: Yellow outfit, Red bandana (carrying bag). Figure 4: Blue suit and hat. Figure 5: Gray coveralls. Figure 6: Gray coveralls, Red bandana (holding a shovel).

Dinosaur Train Tank Collectible Figure & Train Car $6.99 *Train car matches the dinosaur! *Figure fits securely inside the train car *Works with all dinosaur train sets and figures *Figure 3 Inch & Train Car 4.5 Inch *Brand new Type: Novelties & Gifts

Dinosaur Train Ned Collectible Figure & Train Car $6.99 *Train car matches the dinosaur! *Figure fits securely inside the train car *Works with all dinosaur train sets and figures *Figure 3 Inch & Train Car 4.5 Inch *Brand new Type: Novelties & Gifts

Dinosaur Train Conductor Collectible Figure & Train Car $6.99 *Train car matches the dinosaur! *Figure fits securely inside the train car *Works with all dinosaur train sets and figures *Figure 3 Inch & Train Car 4.5 Inch *Brand new Type: Novelties & Gifts

Dinosaur Train Tiny Collectible Figure & Train Car $6.99 *Train car matches the dinosaur! *Figure fits securely inside the train car *Works with all dinosaur train sets and figures *Figure 3 Inch & Train Car 4.5 Inch *Brand new Type: Novelties & Gifts

Dinosaur Train Morris Collectible Figure & Train Car $6.99 *Train car matches the dinosaur! *Figure fits securely inside the train car *Works with all dinosaur train sets and figures *Figure 3 Inch & Train Car 4.5 Inch *Brand new Type: Novelties & Gifts

Wee Scapes Miniature Female White Figures (Pack of 5) $12.46 These Wee Scapes human figurines are the perfect finishing touch for any miniature setting including model train displays, dollhouses, dioramas, school projects and more. Each piece is made of plain white styrene and can be painted to match any scene. Item: Miniature female figuresBrand: SCPColors: WhiteMaterials: StyreneQuantity: One (1) pack of five (5) female figuresDimensions: 1.5 inches highImported

My Model Train Gold $10 You always wanted to become a train driver, but never had the space or the money for your own model railway in your hobby room? Then download My Model Train, the first highly detailed mobile train-simulation, to your handset! It’s your task to solve logistic problems as fast as possible by operating switches, signals and reversal-tracks. Transport colourful toy-passengers and boxes from station to station, select the ideal route and avoid unnecessary shunting! You should always collect enough coal and water to keep your engine going. Keep an eye on other trains and avoid collisions while driving over crossings, through tunnels or over bridges! Realise your dream and fill the role of an experienced engine driver in My Model Train!

Dinosaur Train Paulie With Train Collectible $8.29 *Train car matches the dinosaur! *Figure fits securely inside the train car *Works with all dinosaur train sets and figures *Train Car measures approximately 4.5 inches long *Brand new Dinosaur Train is an American animated series created by Craig Bartlett and produced by The Jim Henson Company for PBS Kids. The series features a curious young T. rex named Buddy who, together with his adopted Pteranodon family, takes the Dinosaur Train to meet, explore, and have adventures with all kinds of dinosaurs.

Dinosaur Train Buddy With Train Car Collectible Figure $7.99 Train car matches the dinosaur!,Figure fits securely inside the train car,Works with all dinosaur train sets and figures,Figure 3 Inch & Train Car 4.5 Inch,Brand new Type: Action Figures Gender: Unisex Age: Adult

Crash Test Dummies Figures For 1/18 Diecast Model Cars by Acme $28.99 Crash Test Dummies Figures For 1/18 Diecast Model Cars. Car is not included.

A Tlingit Wood Model Totem Pole Depicting Figures with Woodworms $39.99 A Tlingit Wood Model Totem Pole Depicting Figures with Woodworms - Giclee Print

Pack of 4 Take Time to Play Baby Elephant with Train Figures 4.5 $74.99 From the Baby Gifts - Take Time For Fun CollectionItem #62411An adorable elephant plays with a pastel train set on a base that reads "Take time to play"Figures come individually gift boxedDimensions: 4.5"H x 3.94"W x 3.94"DMaterial(s): resin/stone mixPack includes 4 of the item shown Type: Statues and Sculptures

Model Train Speeding Past the Christmas Presents $39.99 Greg Dale Model Train Speeding Past the Christmas Presents - Photographic Print

Two Blond Boys are Absorbed by Their Model Train Set $49.99 Two Blond Boys are Absorbed by Their Model Train Set - Giclee Print

Cut-out Model of Train, Great Western $39.99 Cut-out Model of Train, Great Western - Giclee Print

Train $10 Train