Real Trains | O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum (2024)

FAQs

What scale is O gauge railroad? ›

In the United States, O gauge is defined as 1:48 (0.25 inches to the foot, "quarter inch scale" - 1/4 inch equals one foot). This is also a common dollhouse scale, giving more options for buildings, figures, and accessories. Many O gauge layouts are also accessorized with 1:43.5 scale model cars.

The distance between the rails is called the gauge. In the real world, “standard gauge” is four feet, eight and a half inches inside-to-inside between the rails. In the model world, HO trains run on track gauge that is only . 625″ wide, scaled down from the real thing.

The sharpest O-27 curve measures 27" in diameter compared to the sharpest O Gauge curve which is 31" in diameter. Each track system also has wider curves though a greater variety of the wider curve sizes lies in the O Gauge systems.

"HO" means "half - o;" models are half the size of O Scale. HO is the most popular scale with the greatest selection of sets and accessories, as it allows lots of railroad action in a small area. Children may need adult help to set up or take down the set.

O and O-27 use the same width straight track so O-27 trains can run on O Gauge track and in some cases O Gauge trains can run on O-27 track. The primary difference between the track from an appearance standpoint is the height of O Gauge track compared to that of O-27.

Because of its small size, the HO Scale has become one of the most popular scales for model trains. This is the perfect scale for the hobbyist looking to build their own layouts in a small space. Many well-known manufacturers make HO scale trains, leaving you with endless possibilities for design, and themes.

A: Lionel trains run on 3-rail O gauge track.

T gauge (1:450 or 1:480) is a model railway scale with a track gauge of 3 mm (0.118 in), referred to as "three-millimeter gauge" or "third of N scale." It was introduced at the Tokyo Toy Show in 2006 by KK Eishindo of Japan and went on sale in 2007. It is the smallest commercial model train scale in the world.

O-27 is the tightest curve available and has a diameter of 27 inches. O-27 can also be used to identify the profile of the rail which is higher than scale to better accommodate the needs of model trains. The term is also sometimes applied to all trains and tracks that operate on anything other than true O scale.

1:43 scale is a popular size of die-cast model cars in Europe, Asia and the US. It has its origins in the British / European O scale for model trains and the rise of certain accessories made for that scale which since have become popular in their own right. Models in this scale are 10–13 cm length (3.93–5.11 inches).

What is the difference between O Scale and S scale? ›

S scale refers to those trains and displays that are smaller than O scale at a 1:64 ratio. S scale trains are uncommon. Lionel's American Flyer brand is among the few remaining S scale train sources. Z scale is often the smallest commercially available model train scale.

HO or 1:64 Scale

HO slot cars can range from 1:87 to 1:64 scales, but the 1:64 scale is the traditional size in the world of slot cars today. The tracks for HO scale vehicles will accommodate all slot cars within the range of 1:87 to 1:64, though the 1:64 scale will fit more tightly together.