NMRA popular railway scales
| Scale | Ratio | Model gauge |
|---|---|---|
| HO or 3.5 mm | 1:87.1 | 0.65 in (16.5 mm) |
| OO or 4 mm | 1:76.2 | 16.5 mm (0.65 in) |
| Sn3 or 3/16″ | 1:64 | 0.563 in (14.3 mm) |
| S or 3/16″ | 1:64 | 0.883 in (22.43 mm) |
What is the smallest model railroad scale?
T gauge
T gauge (1:450 or 1:480) is a model railway scale with a track gauge of 3 mm (0.118 in), referred from “Three-millimeter gauge” or “Third of N scale”. It was introduced at the Tokyo Toy Show in 2006 by KK Eishindo of Japan, and went on sale in 2007. It is the smallest commercial model train scale in the world.
Are HO and OO scale the same?
HO and OO gauge is 16.5mm between the rails. Scale is a different matter altogether, OO scale is 1/76th of true size or 76 times the model length equals one life size item. Another way of referring to OO scale is 4mm to the foot. HO on the other hand is 1/87th of true size or 3.5mm to the foot.
What scale is HO closest to?
HO or H0 is a rail transport modelling scale using a 1:87 scale (3.5 mm to 1 foot). It is the most popular scale of model railway in the world. The rails are spaced 16.5 mm (0.650 in) apart for modelling 1,435 mm (4 ft 81⁄2 in) standard gauge tracks and trains in HO.
What does HO scale stand for?
half-O
The abbreviation “HO” stands for “half-O.” The smaller trains were less expensive and took up less space than their larger O scale cousins, which became popular with people who were moving into small homes and apartments in the 1940s.
Does HO work on OO?
FAQ: CAN I USE HO AND OO SCALE TRACK TOGETHER? Yes, you can. Both use the same Gauge, which is 16.5mm.
Will Oo run on HO track?
The short answer is yes – ‘OO’ models run on track with a gauge (the distance between the rails) of 16.5mm. So do the HO scale ones on sale in the US. The reasons why ‘OO’ models built to 4mm:1ft and HO model at 3.5mm:1ft share a gauge are historical.
Which model train scale is the best?
HO scale
The HO scale is the most popular for model trains. Other considerations when choosing the best size model train for your needs include the radius the curves have to be in the layout you want to build, the availability of stock and accessories in the size you’re interested in, and personal preference.
Why does Lionel Use 3 rails?
Lionel used the center rail for power and the two outer rails for ground. For example, with a three-rail system, the track can loop back on itself without any issues. A two-rail system has to reverse the polarity in order to avoid a short circuit in that situation. In 1906, there was no good, easy way to do that.
