Ho Model Train - The Most Popular Scale in Model Railroading, and for Good Reason



Posted: Monday, December 21, 2009

by Jimmy Hardwick
Model Train Mastery

The HO model train is the most popular size in the based on Google internet searches with a 31% margin of all searches. On a worldwide basis, HO is even more popular with a 49% search share. In the , the O scale runs a close second, however it is so large that few people can afford the price or allocate sufficient space.

The reason for the popularity is simple enough: price and space. If you are only going to have one scale of model train, the HO is probably the way to go. Almost all manufacturers make this size, and there are many suppliers of scenery and accessory items in this scale. It is a large enough train to make it easy to work with. A single sheet of 4' x 8' plywood will suffice for your benchwork.

O scale trains require considerably more space to operate, and they cost more, too. The cars are 12"-16" inches long, and a layout needs to be more in the neighborhood of 8' x 16' to be worthwhile. The larger trains are more like the real thing, but the tradeoff in money and space does not make them realistic for most hobbyists.

What brand of model train is the best? That is a tricky question to answer. The most expensive trains are not always the best choices. Some lesser expensive brands provide a lot of quality for the money.

In , a well-established manufacturer is Fleischmann, a strong rival of Mrklin until Mrklin filed for bankruptcy in 2009. Fleischmann manufactures a good train product you will be proud to own. If you live in the , these trains might be harder to obtain within the budget you have allocated. The majority of Fleischmann HO products are designed for a 2-rail system; however, they do manufacture a limited quantity of 3-rail locomotives.

In the United States, most of the larger names of trains are imports. Bachmann is made in and is one of the largest suppliers to the American market. Lionel Trains, Accucraft, and Atlas are also top sellers.

The quality between models, for the most part, doesn't vary tremendously, and the choice comes down to preferences. A person might like the couplers on one brand better than those on another, or the train replicas offered in one line might be more appealing than the other manufacturers.

It is usually a good idea to stick with the brand supplier you choose initially when purchasing additional accessory items. That way there will be no compatibility problems with tracks, boxcars, power sources, crossings, scenery, etc.

From the beginner railroad enthusiast to the experienced modeler, the HO model train is a great choice. There is no lack of support materials for this scale, and a person can build just about any layout imaginable. A nice setup can fit into a modest sized area and still deliver exceptional results.

Jimmy Hardwick is a model train enthusiast, author, and owner of ModelTrainMastery.com. Be sure to check out his site for more great insights on the popular ho model train.

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