Model Train HO Railroad HO Scale

Although Lionel offers several kinds of model trains and track, most of their sales come from O gauge trains. What’s an O gauge train? To better understand that, you first need to know a few things about scale and gauge.

Let’s start with scale. Model trains are scaled down trains–that is, smaller versions of real trains. A model train’s scale tells us its proportion in relation to the real train version. For example, a Lionel train is an O27 train, with a scale of 1:48 . This means that the Lionel train is 48 times smaller than its real train counterpart, with one-quarter inch equal to one scale foot. Due to their larger size, Lionel trains are easy to work with, especially for beginners–but they may not be the best choice as the available product line is smaller than that of standard gauge trains, or HO (half-zero).

Gauge–gauge is the distance between the rails of a railroad track. Standard track gauge is 4’ 8.5”. O gauge tracks are 1.25” apart. Something to be aware of, though, is that gauge and class specifications can vary internationally, so always check the exact measurements before buying internationally.

As O27 trains, Lionel trains are a bit different from standard O gauge trains. They run on O27 track, which is a bit shorter and narrower than standard O track. The difference can be seen when O27 track is laid out in a circle–an 8 piece circle of O27 track will be 27” across (an 8 piece circle of standard O track is 31” across). Love Lionel trains but have a lot of O track from other set-ups? That’s okay because you can use O track and O27 track together without any problem. Raise your track a little by using a shim, widely available at hobby shops.

Some companies, like Conrad, NZG, and Corgi manufacture die-cast, or metal, model trains that are also compatible with O scale track. This can lead to some interesting track set-ups, and die-cast trucks, cars, buses and construction equipment are popular with collectors.

Lionel trains are a good choice for many reasons. Beyond the ease of running an O27 train, they are also great for modelers looking to perfect model and replica trains. Their size is easy to work with (unlike the smaller N and Z gauge trains), and a great choice for children interested in railroading.

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Bachmann HO Scale EZ Train Track Steel Rails w Black Roadbed 12 Curve 2 Straight

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OCT 1938 MODEL CRAFTSMAN model train magazine

US $12.00 End Date: Monday Feb-06-2012 18:33:36 PST Buy It Now for only: US $12.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

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Community Calendar
Brookfield Zoo Holiday Magic will take place form 4-9 p.m. Dec. 31 at Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road. This year’s Holiday Magic will feature new elements including the Wild Lights Spectacular light show at Roosevelt Fountain and an indoor model railroad candyland-theme display that can simultaneously run up to 13 trains. The festival will also include professional ice-carving demonstrations, the …

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Model Train Talk Calendar, community

HO model trains are probably the most popular model train scale in the model train industry. There are many reasons why this scale is popular, one of them being its size.

For beginning hobbyists, it has the most available accessories, and replacement parts. Its scale is just right for depth, so you can create a great number of different layouts, and as far as space goes, the sky is the limit.

You won’t have any trouble finding a HO sets either. There are basic sets, with standard oval track, and an engine, even a few different cars can be provided, a hopper, and a tanker for example.

Some may even include a caboose, and there are several options. You also will find that many basic track sets are very reasonably priced.

For example, Athearn has an excellent beginner train, the HO Warbonnet Express Train Set, Santa Fe. It includes the power supply, a classic F7 style locomotive, as well as three freight cars and a matching caboose.

It also comes with enough E-Z track for a 36″x45″ oval layout, with a gray roadbed. It has a brand new packaging design with a carry handle for easy transportation.

It is recommended for children over 8, is a beginner’s set, and can be erected in less than an hour. Because it is an electrical hazard, and has small parts, it should only be used in a parent’s supervision.

This set lists at only about $110, but can easily be purchased for well under this price. You can also pick up many different kinds of track layouts, complete with switchbacks, and all the track you need for many large designs.

When it comes to scenery, HO model train scale can’t be beat. Makers of HO scenery take lots of time and effort recreating scale models of all sorts of items, from vehicles, people, buildings, and any kind of other city or town like settings.

But they don’t stop there either, and can recreate just about any kind of setting you can think of. If your focus is on trains that haul logs in a mountain setting, then you can find all kinds of mill buildings, lumberjack figurines, and enough vehicles and equipment to rival a real setting.

There are a number of sets of scenery for HO model trains, and depending on the setting, you can get all kinds of prefabricated buildings, train crossings, trestles, and all sorts of other important items.

All you have to do is follow the directions and you can say you made it yourself. There are lighting sets holiday items and novelties, the list goes on. Some of these sets include real working clock towers, lampposts, buildings that play holiday music, all that just plug in or that take batteries.

If you are interested in HO model trains as a hobby, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of the terms associated with model training, and go to your local hobby shop to get some hands on experience. Because HO is such a common scale, chances are they will have a quality beginners set right in the store.

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The Lord Westwood Model Train - by Hornby Train

US $99.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Monday Feb-06-2012 17:19:57 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

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• 1:87 scale
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Product Description
1:87 Cat 966G Forest Machine… More >>

Norscot Cat CP-563 Padfoot Drum Vibratory Soil Compactor 1:87 scale

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