| Ask any model railroader which scale to model, | | | | 14% selected O scale trains. The source for this |
| and you are likely to get a variety of opinions. | | | | research was the Model Train Help blog. |
| Most model railroaders have their preferences | | | | The scale you choose to model in will depend on |
| based on their own personal needs or | | | | what you want from a model railroad layout and |
| circumstances. For example; a model railroader | | | | the space you have available. |
| with arthritis might prefer larger trains that are | | | | If space is limited then an H0 scale (1:87) layout is |
| easy to handle, whereas someone in a tiny | | | | a possibility, but the smaller N scale (1:160) or Z |
| apartment might be influenced by the small space | | | | scale (1:220) layouts may be more feasible. |
| they have available for a train layout. | | | | So, think carefully, before you choose which train |
| Regardless of your reasons, creating a model | | | | scale you want to model, because depending on |
| train layout can be lots of fun. The important | | | | your available space (and budget), you can |
| thing is to select the right train scale based on | | | | achieve different things with each scale. |
| your own requirements. | | | | Always remember to allow for future expansion |
| There are several scale options to consider: HO | | | | of your model train layout. It is better to think of |
| scale (or, if you live in the UK OO gauge), N scale | | | | these things now, before you get too far down |
| trains, Z scale, or O scale trains. There are other | | | | the track (excuse the pun!). |
| train scales too, but the ones mentioned are the | | | | Based on the above survey findings, it seems HO |
| main options. | | | | and OO are the more common scales followed by |
| A recent survey of 954 model railroaders asked | | | | N scale trains. However, as I said earlier, what |
| "Which model train scale do you operate or | | | | you model depends on your own personal |
| prefer?" and the results were very interesting. | | | | circumstances and needs. Do not be pressured |
| 56% chose either HO scale or OO gauge. 18% of | | | | into choosing a model train scale that is not |
| the model railroaders chose N scale trains and | | | | suitable. |