What Is an H0 Scale Train?

Terminology

• H0 originally meant "half-zero," as in half the size of a 0-gauge train. The name is correctly spelled with a zero although it is commonly spelled with the letter O (i.e. "HO").

Definition

• An H0 model train is a train crafted to approximately 1:87 scale, or approximately one real foot per tenth of an inch of model size.

Origin

• H0 model trains were introduced in Europe in the 1930s by German manufacturers looking to compete against the similarly-sized 00 scale model trains.

History

• H0-scale trains became popular in the 1950s, due in part to the rise of model railroading as a hobby. The small size allowed for easier, more elaborate modeling and layout.

Fun Fact

• H0's 1:87 scale is popular with model hobbyists of all stripes, including those who build model trains, planes, automobiles and military craft.