To better understand the model train hobby, it would be helpful to familiarize yourself with the common scales of model trains. Among the most commonly used scales are the N Scale, the O Scale, the HO Scale and the Standard Scale.

The scales usually ranging between 1:148 and 1:160. The distance notable between the rails used is 9mm. Many serious collectors choose N scale model trains because of its space efficiency.

The O scale of model trains was developed and introduced by the German toy manufacturer, Marklin.

O scale model trains can be considered as toy sizes and are the smallest in the group. The scale has a 1:43 size ratio and has a 32mm distance in between its rails.

Most Popular Model Train Scale

The most popular scale of model trains is the HO scale. This model scale has a 1:87 scale that is almost half the size of the typical O scale. The rails are 16.5 millimeters apart from each other. Collectors in the United Kingdom initially used this scale during the early 1900s.