The HO Scale train is The Preferred Train Scale

Posted: Aug 25, 2010 |Comments: 0 |

The HO scale train has become the most popular train scale in the world. The HO stands for half of O, which is 1:87 scale and having a track gauge of 16.5 mm (0.650 in). The HO scale was born out of the Great Depression. The scale first appeared in the United Kingdom. The train being half the size of O could be produced for less allowing more people to purchase the train than that of O scale. The HO scale became very popular in the United States in the 1950s when modelers became more interested in true scale and realism.

The HO scale train is a perfect size for most train modelers.  The train is half the size of an O scale, which allows the modeler to incorporate twice the scenery and detail into the same size layout as the O scale. This size train is also large enough to be handled very easily and also allows for a great deal of detail to be modeled into the locomotive and rolling stock. The HO scale is also twice the size as the N scale trains, which is the second most popular scale. Even though the N scale is smaller and allows for more detail on a layout it is small and not as easy to handle as the HO scale train. Therefore the HO scale is probably the best scale for the beginner and also the expert.

Most modern HO scale trains come from the factory DCC equipped. DCC (Digital Command Control) allows for more than one train to be operated on the same track, and be controlled separately from each other. The simplest way to explain DCC is that basically each locomotive has a built in power pack that takes power from the rail and delivers this power to the train motor while controlling the speed and direction as a regular power pack would do. The built in power pack is controlled by another unit by using infrared, the same way that your TV remote controls your TV. Another advantage of DCC is that you can control switches, lighting, and other thins on your layout from one hand held device. Also it allows for easier wiring of the track because you can do away with block wiring system where you had a control panel with switches to control direction and speed of your train, which could become very complicated at times.

The HO scale train, being the most popular scale has the advantage of having more products produced in the scale than any other. You can find any type locomotive or rolling stock in almost any road name. The locomotives can be found representing the first steam locomotives all the way through to the modern diesel electrics. The amount of rolling stock on the market is enormous, allowing you to model the first train, an old west train, early 1900s trains, or modern trains, including passenger and freight trains. Also it is amazing at the amount of track side building, and accessories that are available. You can also find building to model towns and city or almost any type of industry that enables you train to keep running. This is just a small sample of what exist for HO trains.

Keep modeling,

Steve Barnett

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/crafts-articles/the-ho-scale-train-is-the-preferred-train-scale-3123784.html

    Article Tags:

    ho model train

    ,

    model trains

    ,

    train modeling

    ,

    train modeling book

    ,

    model train layouts

    ,

    model train accessories

    All you need to know about n scale model railroad.

    By: Matt Blairl Hobbiesl Nov 10, 2009 lViews: 112

    Over the many years, most people have grown up around model train sets. They may have first become interested in watching the trains chugging by their homes or through their towns. This fascination can lead into a fun hobby, when they start collecting them, then designing and creating train tracks and finally maneuvering their HO model trains around from point A to point B.

    By: Joshua Ingraml Hobbiesl Mar 30, 2012

    There have been model railway trains almost since real railway trains began operating. This fascinating hobby continues to grow, with hobbyists focusing on collecting, operations, or even creative benchwork.

    By: Mike Fosterl Hobbiesl Oct 29, 2009

    Product Railroading is really a passion that has been around for generations. I personally picked up on my love of trains and their miniature planet from my grandfather who opted for his garage to home his HO train set format, as opposed to his Ford truck. I had layouts as a kid and loved watching my engines pick up cars and move them up and down the track to pass the time. The hobby has dwindled in recent decades though as a lot more instant hobbies have taken more than in comic b...

    By: Ron Glennl Businessl Oct 18, 2010

    In england the hottest scale to get model trains prepare layouts is definitely 'OO' that is built in 1/76th associated with actual sizing. Almost the entire starter sets that you can get from suppliers for instance Hornby are made to 'OO'. This weighing machine is very similar to 4mm regarding track equals to you foot within a decimal/imperial conversion process. In the usa the most usual scale is usually 'HO' which often gives a bit smaller ...

    By: hefmanl Hobbiesl Nov 29, 2010

    Discover coconut oil benefits! Coconut oil is used in many ways. Some use it for making homemade soap. It has outstanding skin care properties. Learn different types of coconut oil and choose the best for you. Homemade skin care products made with coconut oil differ, greatly, from commercial products with harsh foaming agents. Don't miss this important skin care and soap making information!

    By: Susan Katchurl Hobbies> Craftsl Jun 01, 2012

    Ever since I was a child, it has always bothered me why certain disparities between men and women exist when it has long ago been established by the Almighty that every human being has been created equal.

    By: Jo Ellenl Hobbies> Craftsl May 28, 2012

    In my hometown, the natives of the land and the Malays would usually engage in trading and sell goods that are considered homegrown in their respective places. This is made possible because it would only take a ferry-ride to reach their destination. Hence, the bartering of goods usually happens on the shore; and, most of the time these goods would include textiles. They were not just ordinary textiles, though. They were first class cloths interwoven by the very hands of man.

    By: Jo Ellenl Hobbies> Craftsl May 28, 2012

    While origami is native to the Japanese, the reach of this paper craft has gone globally, even to us Americans who find the sequences of folding paper almost intoxicating. Of particular importance is how to follow the easy origami crane paper folding process; a treasured tradition that is almost considered holy in Japan.

    By: Alyssa Hendricksl Hobbies> Craftsl May 24, 2012

    In the event you like arts and crafts and choose to decorate your stuff at household then all you'll need is a computer, a printer and some specific waterslide decal paper. This short article explains the kind of tasks you could do and explains the way to do it. This article will explain to you concerning the four kinds of waterslide paper, their differences, how to use them and some well-known tasks.

    By: irfanuddin38l Hobbies> Craftsl May 23, 2012
    Steve Barnett

    How to Grow Grape Vines Successfully is information on how to plant grape vines for a successful vineyard.

    By: Steve Barnettl Home Improvement> Gardeningl Nov 11, 2010
    Steve Barnett

    Great Grape Growing Information is information on planting and growing your own grapes for making you own wine.

    By: Steve Barnettl Home Improvement> Gardeningl Nov 03, 2010
    Steve Barnett

    Growing Grapes from the Chardonnay Vine is information on the history of Chardonnay and how to grow Chardonnay grapes.

    By: Steve Barnettl Home Improvement> Gardeningl Oct 27, 2010 lViews: 127
    Steve Barnett

    Planting and Growing Grapes to Make Wine is information on planting, growing, and making wine from you grapes.

    By: Steve Barnettl Home Improvement> Gardeningl Oct 12, 2010
    Steve Barnett

    Growing Concord Grapes for Your Own Use is information on concord grapes. Also tells how to plant and where to plant.

    By: Steve Barnettl Home Improvement> Gardeningl Oct 12, 2010

    Discuss this Article

    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast