Wrenn Railways -- "The OO Gauge Experience"
OO Scale - A Brief Overview
Ever go on a hunt for an HO model train, and realize something may be off about this model? You scan the train up and down looking for clues, and then you see it! This train is bigger than the HO models you have at home!
Chances are you may have just come across a OO scale model. And, while aspects of both HO and OO gauge models are very similar, there are some small differences that separate the two. The popularity of OO scale model trains hit its peak during the 20th century with manufacturers like Wrenn Railways coming to the forefront with their own versions OO scale locomotives, most of which were inspired by historic English locomotives.
Before we delve into all things OO scale, let's visit the history and inception of the popular British scale. The OO scale classification actually falls under the umbrella of MM-Scale standards where it shares a classification with 2 other MM gauges (EM, and P4 "Protofour").
First introduced by Bing in 1921, OO refers to the size and track gauge of the model train. In the case of OO scale models the track gauge measures 16.5mm or .65in, a trait that HO models also share. With a scale of 1:76, the OO models were also slightly bigger than their HO counterparts.
The first commercial roll-out of mass quantities of OO scale model trains would hit shelves in 1922, all of which at the time featured a clockwork motor. It wouldn't take long for manufactures to catch on to the growing popularity of electric motors with Bing capitalizing on the popularity, and unveiling the first series of OO gauge trains with electric motors in 1923. By the 1930s OO Scale would become the standard in England and the preferred scale of choice throughout much of Europe. The popularity of OO Scale would eventually hit North America as well with industry giants Lionel even taking their own crack at OO gauge models in 1938. The run would be short-lived however, and by 1942 most North American manufactures would abandon the OO scale standard, opting to stick with HO scale models instead. Despite this, OO scale would see continued development in Europe with design and mechanical standards both heavily raised by the 1950s and 60s.
Wrenn Railways Enters the Mix
Inspired by the growing popularity of OO scale trains and coupled with the spirit of Engineering, brothers George and Richard Wrenn would officially start their run of OO scale model trains in 1950. Originally starting in Lee, a small suburb in Southeast London, the Wrenn brothers would pick up where manufacturers like Bing and Meccano left off, first starting with slot cars and small die-cast vehicles before eventually starting on their own line-up of die-cast OO scale locomotives during the late 50s and throughout much of the 60s.
The 1960s would prove to be a tough decade for the Wrenn brothers and Wrenn Railways. The addition of a third brother would eventually prove to be a big game-changer, and by the late 60s and early 70s, Wrenn would begin to produce dome of their finer OO scale locomotives. Branding themselves as a company that supports "Universal Trackwork" Wrenn Railways was able to gain a strong brand appeal with the ability to support various locomotives and accessories from Hornby, Trix, Marklin, and a variety of other European Manufacturers. The move would prove to be piece of marketing genius with the company expanding further, and moving to a new location in the Essex district of England to accommodate their growth. By the 1980s and 1990s Wrenn Railways would see changes in ownership a couple of times before eventually being dissolved in 2015. Despite the production coming to an end in 2015 officially, the spirit of Wrenn Railways is still strong and lives through wrennrailways.co.uk/ -- a website dedicated to cataloging and sharing various Wrenn Railways model trains.
Because of the limited production that Wrenn Railways locomotives saw during their run, many surviving model locomotives today have become a rare commodity, with collectors searching all over the globe for a gem. Trainz.com happens to be amongst those searching for those coveted OO scale models, wasting little time adding some of the rarest models Wrenn Railways has ever made to our inventory -- no, that's not an exaggeration either.
Just to name a coupe for example; The "Blue Coronation" (W2301A) is a beautiful 4-6-2 steam locomotive of which only 80 were ever made. And not to be outdone, we also have a beautiful “Duchess Of Rutland" another OO scale 4-6-2 model of which only 90 are reported to exist today!
OO Scale vs HO Scale
If you are doing some research on OO scale models, you may have noticed that most of the OO models are popular in Europe. If you're in in North America, you may find yourself asking "can I run these models on my layout?" -- The answer is yes. I previously mentioned that there are a great number of similarities between HO scale and OO scale models. One of those big similarities is that they both share a track gauge of 16.5mm. This allows for the OO scale models to be operational on HO track. For collectors in the United States and throughout the world where OO scale models weren't as popular, this ensures that they'd be able to fully enjoy their OO models on their HO layouts. The table below is just a brief look at the comparison between the scales.
So if you were hesitant to try running that OO model on your HO layout, I hope this quells your worries.
Both HO and OO scale models may share plenty of commonalities, but there are still a few differences -- from design to their appearance on a layout. For starters let's start with the scale to foot ration -- HO models will have a 3.5mm to foot ratio while OO models will have a 4mm to foot ratio.
The scale of both OO and HO differ just a bit with HO models coming in at a 1:87 scale and OO models coming in just slightly larger at 1:76 scale. If you're a stickler for detail, you may notice that the OO models may slightly dwarf some of your accessories on your HO layout.
One of the last and the biggest differences that could present a problem to operators and collectors are couplers. Most of the OO scale models you come across will feature European couplers, and will often require the user to buy match couplings to connect the cars. Fortunately for collectors, Trainz.com has plenty of couplers both traditional knuckle and European hook-style couplers all of which can be found at our Parts department.
Whoa, I'm thinking OO-Scale
Expanding your collection is always a blast, and breaking away from your normal routine is a great way to keep things fresh on your adventures. While not as common, OO-Scale locomotives are fun, reliable, and the models from Wrenn Railways boast tons of detail drawing tons of inspiration from their real life inspirations. Whether it's Lionel or Wrenn Railways, you can't go wrong with trying something new, and an OO scale model is definitely a great way to do just that! So if you're looking to operate, or just admire on your mantle -- be sure to check out or complete collection of Wrenn Railways locomotives and other great OO scale models at Trainz.com