Hobbies And Interests
Z Scale
Z scale trains are the smallest model trains with a size ratio of 1 to 220. A 50-foot Z scale boxcar would be about 2 3/4 inches in length. Because of their diminutive size, Z scale trains might be an attractive model railroad choice for individuals with limited layout space.
N Scale
N scale trains are next up the size spectrum, with a proportion of 1 to 160. A 50-foot N scale boxcar is about 3 3/4 inches in length. Like their Z scale counterparts, an N scale train enthusiast can construct an intricate layout using only a single 4-foot-by-8-foot plywood topped train table. Their small size and somewhat delicate nature makes N scale trains better suited for adults who will treat them more gently. In model railroading, little trains are better suited for big hands, and big trains are better suited for little hands.
HO Scale
Next on the scale size hierarchy is HO scale. According to an article published in "Model Railroader" magazine in 2010, HO scale is the most popular scale with model railroad enthusiasts. HO scale is 1 to 87. A 50-foot HO scale boxcar is 7 inches in length. HO scale trains are sometimes referred to as HO gauge, however this terminology is somewhat incorrect. In railroading, track gauge refers to the distance between a pair of railroad rails. Because of their nearly 1-to-2 size relationship with O scale trains, HO scale trains are sometimes referred to as "Half-O."
S Scale
Another popular and very realistic looking model railroad scale is S scale, with a size ratio of 1-to-64. A 50-foot S scale boxcar is slightly more than 9 inches in length. According to the National Model Railroad Association, S scale trains were developed by A.C. Gilbert, the company that manufactured "American Flyer" model trains.
O Scale
According to the National Model Railroad Association, of the five train scales normally installed indoors, O scale trains are the largest, with a size ratio of 1 to 48. A 50-foot O scale boxcar is 12 1/2 inches in length. O scale trains are manufactured by a number of companies including Atlas, MTH, Bachmann Williams and Lionel. Large O scale layouts are a normal feature at most train shows, because their larger size make them more visually appealing.
Gn3 Scale
Gn3 trains are sometimes referred to as garden trains because model railroad enthusiasts often install them outdoors. Their proportions are 1 to 22.5. A 50-foot Gn3 scale boxcar is 19 inches in length.