Model Train Locomotive Article

HO Model Trains - The Most Popular Scale Model Trains

Many people love to collect model trains. It is a fascinating hobby with enthusiasts all over the world. In addition to the trains themselves, collectors also buy scenery, buildings, and even figures of people and animals. In order to standardize sizes, model train sets are sold according to scales which signifies the ratio of the model train against a real train.

HO model trains are currently the most popular choice scale for model train enthusiasts. HO means 'half zero', meaning it is one half the size of O scale trains which at one time were the preferred size for collectors. HO is 1:87 or 1/87th of the size of an actual train. A typical train box car is 6 inches in length and 1 1/2 inches in height. Minimum circle for the tracks are 39 inches across and 3.5 mm on the scale is equal to 1 ft.

The HO scale was introduced in the UK in the 1930s and soon came to America where they were an instant hit and continued to rise in popularity to become the favored scale for collectors today. They're widely available on the market and produced by a number of manufacturers. This is nice for collectors because there are many accessories available for building a layout for a HO scale model train.

When it comes to buying HO scale model trains and accessories, you need look no further than right here on the internet. You are sure to find whatever you are looking for and you can shop around for the best price. There are many online stores which specialize in selling model trains, and don't forget eBay which is a collectors dream for finding rare and unusual pieces or new ones at a great price. You can also order HO model train pieces from specialty catalogs. Wm. K. Walthers HO scale catalog is the largest in the US and has over 500 pieces for the HO scale alone.

If you are just starting out with model train collecting, then HO scale is a good choice. First of all it will be easy for you to find pieces to complete your collection. Also it is a good size, not so big that the track takes a lot of space, and yet not too small. This is good if you have young children since none of the parts are so small that they post a choking hazard. Plus, pieces for the HO scale are very affordable. Although some pieces are priced in the $1000s, you can often find basic train cars for $5 each.