All the Basics you need to know about HO Model Trains

Model railroading is one of the fastest growing hobbies today. You will not only enjoy the spectacle these models create, but also your creativity would be developed. You will be designing and arranging different materials to form a layout that is exactly the replica of the actual railway system that we see.

However, it is not just easy as that. First and foremost, you should have knowledge of the modeling ratio available. All the materials that you will be using both in landscaping and arranging the said materials will be dependent on the scale that you will be using to portray the scenery you want to show.

There are numerous options that you can consider, but this article will focus the discussion on one of the most popular scales used in railroad modeling—the HO model.

What is this HO stuff? How does it apply in the trains and railways that you will be building?

HO refers to two things: First, it refers to the scale or modeling ratio. It is measured to be 3.5 millimeters equals 1 foot. In proportion, it is has a ratio of 1:87, or 1/87th as big as the actual train.

Second, it also refers to the track gauge, or the distance between the inner edges of the rails. These rails are spaced 16.5 millimeters apart, corresponding to the standard gauge of 4 feet and 8.5 inches used by most railroads in North America.

HO model trains were first introduced in the United Kingdom in 1930. It is made as an alternative to the existing OO scale before. Although unsuitable for modeling trains in UK, it became popular in the United States when it is first introduced in the late 1950’s. Its smaller size permits the modelers to provide more details and more scale miles into a comparable area.

Just like other train models, HO model train is operating on a 12-volt direct current (DC) source. Either the conventional control or the Digital Command Control (DCC) runs its motor.

Since its introduction, it has gained popularity in the recent years. An estimated 100,000 model railroaders have this HO model trains, and it leads to scaling different components of railroad modeling (cars, figures, and others) to HO.

Are you planning to start you HO model train railway system? First, you must have your HO model train set; it includes the locomotives, rail track, cars, and others. Although, you will find it a bit expensive to purchase such set. It is recommended that you purchase high-quality model trains and accessories, which you can start with.

You can also consult other railroad hobbyist with regards in choosing the best HO model train layout. With wide selection to choose from, you will be having hard time choosing the finest piece. Let them guide you.

Try visiting the nearest hobby shop in your area. Aside from a shopping place for your HO model train, you get also to meet others that have the same interest with you. There are also informal forums and gatherings conducted there.

Be also aware of the National Model Railroad Month every November of the year, where different shops and hobby shops are opening different HO and other model train scale to railroad enthusiasts.

The best way to start your HO model train layout is to build a small one from start to finish. You will be able to start your new hobby in building something that is less ambitious and yet you can be proud of. So get aboard in your HO model train.

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