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Model Trains vs. Toy Trains
There are critical differences between model trains and toy trains. Toy trains come in all sizes depending upon the manufacturer, with no standard sizes. So, fixtures like track, buildings and layout scenery, for example, are only usable with a particular series of trains available only at the store where the train was purchased. For toy trains, additional track is rarely available, and if repairs are necessary, it is likely that the toy train will be thrown away or replaced, rather than repaired
Gauge & Scale
On the other hand, model trains adhere to a standard gauge and scale. Gauge refers to the width of the track; Scale refers to the proportion of the model train when compared to a real train. There are approximately six different model train scales and Harrysrailyard.com. sells the most popular sizes; HO, O, and G. After the 1930s your grandfather’s Lionel model trains were probably O gauge. Before the 1920s, they might have been closer to standard gauge (more like the size of today’s G scale).
Model train collectors, more often than not, buy and sell in O scale. However, the most popular scale is HO. It is labeled HO because it is approximately half the size of O. HO scale enables one to build a layout in half the space required for O; and that has led to its popularity. G scale was pioneered by Lehmann, a German company often referred to as LGB. G scale is also commonly referred to as “Garden Railroading” - thus the common use of term “G Scale.” Aristocraft and Bachmann are G scale manufacturers in the United States. All G scale model trains will run on No. 1 gauge track. The best quality model railroading in this group is LGB. Railking (MTH) has entered the garden railway market with some stunning steam engines, and they are offered on Harrysrailyard.com.
Popular Model Railroading Scale Chart
Name
Proportion
Scale to foot
Track gauge
Minimum Radius
Feet to mile scale
Z
1:220
1.4 mm
6.5 mm
5.75" 24' - 0"
N
1:160
1.9 mm
9.0 mm
7.5" 33' - 0"
HO
1:87
3.5 mm
16.5 mm
15"
60' - 7.5"
S
1:64
3/16
7/8"
22.5" 82' - 6"
O
1:48
1/4"
1.25"
23" 110' - 6"
G
1:22.5
12.5 mm
1.75"
23 5/8" 234' - 8