Model Train Scales

The following is a list of some of the most popular model train scales used in model railroading:

G scale: (1:22.5) commonly used for garden layouts. Also called LGB scale. If you like working outdoors, doing real landscaping and gardening, this is the most likely model train scale you'll want to use.

L Gauge: (1:40 ish) The unofficial standard of Lego Trains (the 9V Line), also known as Brick Model Railroading, uses a gauge of 37.5mm for track width. Extra track is now available from FX Bricks, called FX Track. Other brands include Trixbricks, Bricktracks and ME Models.

O Scale: (1:48) The locomotives are big and impressive and are a favorite of young and old "kids" alike. The 2-rail version runs on DC current. The O scale trains tend to dwarf the scenery unless you have a very large room for the layout, but they sure are fun to run!

O27 Scale: This is also 1:48 scale, but the difference is in the tighter curves. (O27 track sections will make a 27" circle compared to the standard O scale track sections which will form a 31" circle.) Also, O27 rail is a little shorter and thinner than standard O scale. Lionel is the primary, or at least the most famous, manufacturer of O27 these days - most, if not all, produced in the 3-rail version running on AC current. Lots of accessories are available with working parts (circuses, sawmills, etc).

S scale: 1:64) Not as popular as some of the others but definitely growing as a home for a lot of followers and offspring from the American Flyer era. This was my first model train as is the case for a lot of "baby boomers", and permanently instilled my passion for model railroading.

British OO Scale: (1:74) Primarily used by British railroad modelers. Most manufacturers of OO scale will fudge a little on the gauge so that the locomotives and rolling stock will run on HO track. The British also use 4mm finescale standards of EM gauge (18.2mm) and P4 (18.83mm), which is an attempt to be more prototypical and less toy-like, but requires more skill to model. Check out the British Railway Modellers of North America for more information.

American OO Scale: A model railroad standard gauge with a scale of 4mm=1 foot (1:76), slightly larger than HO scale. It utilizes 19mm (0.748 in) for the standard gauge track. It will not run on HO track like the British OO will. It will usually run on On30 track, since the difference is gauge is minimal.

HO Scale: the most popular scale - 3.5mm=1 foot, or (1:87) or 1/87th the size of the real thing. The rails are 16.5mm apart. Not too big. Not too little. Fits on a 4x8 foot piece of plywood fairly well for a nice small layout. Also you'll find more supplies, equipment and accessories made for this model train scale than for any other.

TT Scale (1:120) has only a very small following in this country but available if that size meets your needs the best. Might be difficult to find suppliers.

N Scale: smaller than HO scale - (1:160) or 1/160th the size of the prototype. Also very popular because you can create a greater model railroad empire in a smaller space than with HO. If you like a lot of scenery with long trains curving around inside an interesting landscape, this is the model railroad scale for you.

Z Scale: even smaller than N Scale (1:220). This scale is great for coffee tables, a nice addition to your executive desk - good for any "large" layout in a very small space. Easy to transport if you like. At least one person I know created an entire Z scale model railroad empire inside a suitcase and displayed it at various train shows! This model train scale can also be used effectively in the background of an N scale or HO scale layout for forced perspective so that it looks like you have trains or structures way off in the distance when viewed from eye level. This makes your HO or N scale layout look even bigger than it really is.

Narrow Gauge:

HOn30, or HOe, or HOn2-1/2): a narrow gauge designation (with a scale of 1:87) indicating basically that you have HO equipment running on track that measures only 2-1/2 scale-feet (30") between the rails instead of the usual 4ft 8-1/2in. Track is 9mm wide in this scale. The prototypes for narrow gauge railways are usually logging railroads where sharp turns around rocky, mountainous terrain are required. It is often used to model railroads in Maine. The term HOe is used for European prototypes, whereas HOn30 is applied to American prototypes in the same gauge.
HOn3-1/2: 12mm (0.472") wide track. Basically, this involves running HO equipment on 12mm (3'6") scale track rather than the usual 16.5mm.
On30 (also called On2-1/2, and Oe) gauge: another narrow gauge (1/4"=1') designation, which for practical purposes allows O scale equipment to run on HO track. The scale ratio is 1:48 for American and Australian model railroaders, 1:43.5 for English and French, and 1:45 for the rest of Europe.
3 ft Gauge: HOn3 is the most popular of these in the U.S. often used to model railroads in Colorado and California (like the Denver and Rio Grande). this involves running HO scale equipment on 10.5mm (3ft scale) track instead of the usual 16.5mm (4' 8.5" scale). Other 3 ft scales include Nn3 (N scale equipment on Z scale track), Sn3 (S scale using 14.3mm track), On3 (O Scale using 19.05mm track), and F scale (G scale on 45mm track).

There are other model railroad scales that have been used, but these are probably the best ones to use for the purposes and scope of this site. The tools and techniques described herein can be applied to any of the above scales with minor modifications.

For more detailed information and track gauge measurements for all scales, please refer to NMRA Standards for Scale Models.

From "Model Train Scales" to "Homepage"

From "Model Train Scales" to "The Basics of Model Railroading"

Facebook X Pinterest

Facebook X Pinterest

Train Station on the Blue Ridge and Southern Model Railroad

[?]Subscribe To This Site

Model Railroad Layout Design
Model railroad layout design: establishing a theme and purpose for your railroad
Basic Electronics
A brief tutorial on basic electronics that every model railroader should know.
Model Railroad Backdrop for the BR&S
The model railroad backdrop for the BR&S is fairly simple using extruded foam sheeting.
The Basics of Model Railroading: Getting Started
The basics of model railroading, including descriptions of model train scales, types of model train displays, and how to get started in the "World's Greatest Hobby".
Model Railroad Layout: Overview
Overview of how to build a model railroad layout - step by step.
Model Train Layout and Your Children
Engaging your children in building a model train layout can teach them some basic skills, enhance their imaginations and creativity, and bring your family together.
Model Railroad Books
How did I learn so much about model railroading? From other hobbyists, of course, and from BOOKS. Here's a list of some of my favorites.
Model Railroad Backdrop
How to make a model railroad backdrop.
Model Train Displays
Model train displays: various ways of showing off and operating your trains
Train Room and Lighting
Having a nice air conditioned, heated, finished train room with adequate lighting has greatly enhanced the pleasure and process of building my model railroad.
Model Railroad Concept
Developing a model railroad concept isn't always easy. You have to think about it for a while and it eventually grows on you. Here's how I put it together for my railroad.
Essential Considerations in Designing a Custom Model Railroad
Things to consider when designing a custom model railroad
Build Organized Railroad With Model Railway Layout Planning Software
Using the model railway layout planning software you can develop your basic plan and design until you have the capability of going ahead with physically building the layout.
Model Railroad Terms
Definitions of model railroad terms
Narrow Gauge Model Railroads
Narrow gauge model railroading is becoming increasingly popular in the hobby. This page will give you some basic information about this gauge and why it's catching on.
Model Railroad Lighting
Various aspects of model railroad lighting, including overhead lighting, sunset lighting, illuminating buildings, street lamps, etc.