New to model trains and not sure what scale to choose? Thinking about changing scales? Read on to learn more about the options available.
Choosing a model train scale can be a difficult thing! How much space do you have available? Are you an operator or a collector? What kind of layout do you dream of?
Asking these questions early can help save you time and money in the long run. If you're living in an apartment, a G Scale garden railroad probably isn't right for you! Likewise, if you're settling into retirement and would like something to keep you busy and also entertain the grandkids, tiny Z Scale might not be the best choice.
G Scale is the largest scale commonly available. Manufacturer LGB brought G scale to life in 1968, intended for use indoors and out. If you’ve seen a garden railroad, chances are good it was G scale. Track is a fixed width of 45mm between the rails, and manufacturers will use different ratios to represent narrow gauge (1:13), meter gauge (1:22.5), and standard gauge (1:29-1:32) prototypes.
O Gauge is our most popular option here at Trainz, made famous by Lionel and MTH. These trains run on three rail track and use alternating current, rather than the more common two rail direct current used by other scales. Depending on the product, O Gauge can be simple and durable for children or extremely detailed and delicate for collectors.
We also offer O Scale 2-Rail products, which adhere to a strict 1:48 scale and use prototypical two-rail track for greater realism. This means more prototypical diameter curves, which will eat up space quickly.
On30 Narrow Gauge is a great choice of model train scale for modelers that like the size and heft of O Scale rolling stock, but find themselves constrained by a small layout area. These smaller, narrow gauge engines run on HO track, letting them handle tight curves and elevation changes that would bring a Hudson to its knees.
They've also got character for days. If you think tugboats, old trucks, and workaday cargo planes are awesome, you'll enjoy On30.
S Gauge, sometimes known as S Scale, offers two rail track and 1:64 scale rolling stock. American Flyer is the best known manufacturer. It takes up less space than O Gauge and offers a more prototypical appearance. There are fewer manufacturers for S Gauge, which can be a blessing (fewer choices to worry over) and a curse (fewer choices to worry over)!
HO Scale is an excellent choice for many modelers. It’s small enough to make an interesting layout in limited space, while large enough to interact with without breaking things. HO is also popular with manufacturers, giving the buyer a wide selection to choose from. Bachmann, Broadway Limited, Kato, and more all produce trains across a wide price range with various features to match any desire.
HO was long the domain of two rail direct current track, but Digital Command Control has given operators far greater control over their fleet and made multi-engine lashups a cinch. For ease of assembly, look for HO track that snaps together like Kato’s excellent Unitrack line.
N Scale has significantly improved in quality and detail over the past decade. These little trains can be had with great detail and increasingly sophisticated operation, but price tags rarely reflect their miniscule size.
If you love big modern diesels like the GE ES44AC, enormous steam engines like Big Boy and Challenger, and long rolling stock, N Scale gives you a chance to model it in a reasonable space.
Z Scale is when you want to build a railroad empire and have a space the size of a postage stamp to do it in. Marklin brought Z Scale to life in 1972, choosing the last letter of the alphabet to emphasise just how tiny their products were. At 1:220 scale an EMD SD40-2 diesel locomotive would be just three and a half inches in length.
Although a switching layout could be done, a continuously running layout might be a lower stress option for you. Make sure that trackwork is immaculate to keep your running sessions free of frustration.
So what’s the best model train scale for me?
Like so many things in life, the best scale for you will be a personal choice. Ask questions, visit model train shows, watch videos online and enjoy figuring it out!