Locomotive Train

Locomotive Train

Ho Model Trains - Popular Scale For Authentic Detail

The model railway engineer who lives on a large suburban or rural property may want a large-scale (O, G, or larger) train setup that meanders through his acreage.  The largest scale trains can even carry passengers.  Another hobbyist must deal with space restrictions, so he opts for a smaller scale indoor layout.  This is why the model train manufacturers make trains in several sizes.

Today the most popular large size model train is the O scale.  The scale for O is 1:48, which means that the model is 1/48 of the size of a real-world, prototype train.  The track gauge for O is 1 ¼ inches.  

For many model railroaders, especially those who want large layouts with impressive scenery, towns, vehicles, people, and other features, the O scale is too large for indoor use.  For them, the HO model train is the best.

The HO scale is half the size of O.  Think of HO meaning "half of O".  The HO scale is 1:87.  HO trains use the standard size track gauge of 16.5 mm.  The HO scale is a very popular size for use in layouts because it is small enough to accommodate the use of a large amount of scenery, along with a well-designed track plan, in a reasonable amount of space.  

At the same time, the HO scale is large enough to allow a high degree of detail in finer models.  HO models are big enough for children to handle without the risk of damage.

The HO scale achieves a balance between the detail of larger scales and the lower space requirements of smaller scales; it is very popular railroad line with train hobbyists compared to other scales.

HO model trains first appeared in the UK during the 1930s and were introduced as an alternative to the OO scale.  But the OO scale was already well established and therefore the HO scale had difficulty making any real commercial headway there.  Luckily, during the late 1950s realistic toys were in high demand with hobbyists in the United States.  This high demand allowed the HO scale model trains to succeed throughout the 1960s and their popularity continues up to today.  More than two-thirds of model railroaders rank HO as their favorite scale.

Due to the growing popularity of the HO scale, many companies produce a great many locomotives, train sets, accessories, and rolling stock in that scale.  Hobbyists can find HO scale sets with ready-to-run trains and modular track, high grade kits, supplies for building models from scratch, and even limited-edition locomotive models.

Whoever wants to own a landscape with rolling hills or a small town with all the details, then HO scale model trains are for you.

About the Author

C.W. Crawford is a model train enthusiast. For more great tips on  HO model trains, visit http://www.modeltrainupdate.com.

Locomotive and Streamlined Train $39.99 Locomotive and Streamlined Train - Giclee Print

Evolution Locomotive Bullet Train $334.99 Evolution Locomotive Bullet Train - Framed Giclee Print

Monument to a Train Locomotive $79.99 Monument to a Train Locomotive - Premium Photographic Print

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

Towins TWC02 Locomotive and Train Cabin $28.52 Locomotive and train cabin. Made with the Best Quality Material with your child in mind. Top Quality Children s Item.

Goods Train Hauled by a Beyer-Garratt Locomotive $49.99 Goods Train Hauled by a Beyer-Garratt Locomotive - Giclee Print

Coal Train Hauled by a 4-4-2 Tank Locomotive at the Harbourside $49.99 Coal Train Hauled by a 4-4-2 Tank Locomotive at the Harbourside - Giclee Print

The Flying Scotsman Steam Train Locomotive, 1969 $24.99 The Flying Scotsman Steam Train Locomotive, 1969 - Photographic Print

A Mile a Minute Big Locomotive Train Theatre Poster $19.99 "A Mile a Minute" Big Locomotive Train Theatre Poster - Premium Poster

The Locomotive that Pulled the Funeral Train of Abraham Lincoln $49.99 The Locomotive that Pulled the Funeral Train of Abraham Lincoln - Giclee Print

Train of the Santa Fe Railroad Drawn by a Diesel- Electric Locomotive $34.99 Train of the Santa Fe Railroad Drawn by a Diesel- Electric Locomotive - Giclee Print

Train of the Pennsylvania Railroad is Hauled by Their Class T-1 Passenger Locomotive $34.99 Train of the Pennsylvania Railroad is Hauled by Their Class T-1 Passenger Locomotive - Giclee Print

Classic Blue Electronic Train Locomotive Toy with Fragrance Puffing Smoke $26.99 Description:Realistic train sound, classic stylish locomotive model.This Classic Train Toy is the best gift choice for kidsAuthentic puffing smokeElectronic Toy Train with real working headlightBlue Train Locomotive Toy powered by 6AA batteries(not included)Size of the Fragrance Smoke Train: 25.5 x 6.9 x 13cmWeight: 436g

Steam Locomotive Train Wall Clock by CafePress $15 Susquehanna Steam Locomotive Train Wall Clock Decorate any room in your home or office with our 10 inch wall clock. Black plastic case. Requires 1 AA battery included.

Pickfords Transport a Diesel Electric Locomotive Train Engine to the Festival of Britain Site $24.99 Pickfords Transport a Diesel Electric Locomotive Train Engine to the Festival of Britain Site - Photographic Print

In India, an Ancient Tank Locomotive Struggles to Great Heights Pulling a Suburban Train $49.99 John S. Smith In India, an Ancient Tank Locomotive Struggles to Great Heights Pulling a Suburban Train - Giclee Print

Rusting Locomotive at Train Graveyard, Uyuni, Bolivia, South America $19.99 Mark Chivers Rusting Locomotive at Train Graveyard, Uyuni, Bolivia, South America - Photographic Print

London Midland and Scottish Railway Goods Train Hauled by a 4-6-0 Patriot Locomotive $49.99 London Midland and Scottish Railway Goods Train Hauled by a 4-6-0 "Patriot" Locomotive - Giclee Print

Locomotive Fireman in Coal Car Waving to an Oncoming Train, Early 1900s $39.99 Locomotive Fireman in Coal Car Waving to an Oncoming Train, Early 1900s - Giclee Print

New York Central Passenger Train with a Streamlined Locomotive Leaving Chicago Station $69.99 Andreas Feininger New York Central Passenger Train with a Streamlined Locomotive Leaving Chicago Station - Photographic Print

Steam Locomotive $108.33 Steam locomotive.Locomotive, Steamroller, Electric locomotive, History of rail transport, Locomotive frame, Andr Chapelon, Railway brake, Mechanical lubricator, Train whistle, Traction engine, Internal combustion engine, John Fitch (inventor), Superheater. Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 142 Publication Date: 2009/10/25 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.33 inches

Fashion Classic Electronical Train Locomotive Toy $12.99 Description:Classic Toy newly invention toy.classic stylish locomotive model.Toy Train red and silver golden appearance,abound with noble temperament and entertainment function.Classic Toy Train classic locomotive emulation model.rotary roller 360degree rotating function.Fashion Electronical Toy real working headlight,authentic puffing smoke,4 realistic train sound.Train Toy bump & go action.suitable for childern's enjoyment.dimensions:220*95*57mm.weight:~300g.Speacial Notification:Chocking hazard-small parts.not for childern under 3 years.Requires 4x"AA" size batteries.Non-rechargable battery is not to be recharged.Do not mix old and new batteries.Do not mix alkaline standard(carbon zinc)or rechagebale(nickel cadmium)batteries.

Red Classic Electronic Train Locomotive Toy with Fragrance Puffing Smoke $18.99 Description:Realistic train sound, classic stylish locomotive model.This Classic Train Toy is the best gift choice for kids.Authentic puffing smoke.Electronic Toy Train with real working headlight.Red Train Locomotive Toy powered by 6AA batteries (not included).Size of the Fragrance Smoke Train: 25.5 x 6.9 x 13cmWeight: 436gWarning: Choking hazard-small parts. Not for children under 6 years.