Scale Model Train Sizes

This is a major part of model trains and railroading. Knowing all about the different scales available to purchase and knowing which scale is best for you and where you are living. Something too big will not work for you, just like something too small might seem silly in the place that you are setting it up.

Every model of model trains has a letter associated with it. This scale lets you know exactly how much smaller it is to the real life object. For example if a scale says that its 1:100, that means the real life object is one hundred times bigger then the scale model that you are currently looking at.

If you are new, like I said above, the amount of space you have will come into play here. This will pretty much determine the scale model train that you will purchase. Unless of course you are lucky enough to have unlimited space!

The smallest scale model train is the Z scale model train. It is 1:220 in scale. Meaning the real life object is 220 times larger then the scale model in front of you. So this is pretty tiny. Smaller scales often mean less detail. These are perfect for people with a limited space or who are still unsure if this hobby is for them.

N scale is next and it's 1:160.in scale. Meaning that the real life object in the flesh would be 160 times larger. So we are moving up here. Again, there will not be a heck of a lot of detail on the train, so if you are the type who prefers to do the layouts of the track and scenery, then this is probably for you. It's quite a popular size as well.

HO scale is next and it's 1:80 in scale. Meaning that the real life object is 80 times bigger in person compared to this scale model train. This is the most popular scale these days as its pretty much right in the middle of the scaling sizes. You can use these model trains in an average sized space and the detailing on the train is pretty darn good.

O scale is next and probably my favorite as they tend to be very detailed and just feel like the real thing. You really get a sense of what running a train would be like with these. They are 1:48 in scale meaning that the real object in real life is 48 times larger then the scale model train in front of you. If you wanted to setup a small track you would need about 4 foot by 4 foot in space with this size.

There are larger scales, but for the recreational user, this is not going to apply to you.