Which Scale to consider HO or N ?

The most used term, while constructing a model train layout is “scale”. Determining the exact model train layout depends mostly on the scale to be used in a rail road model. Selection of scale also affects of the size of model train stuffs that you need. Sometimes the terms, gauge and scales, are considered same. But they are somewhat different and cannot be interchanged.

Gauge means the breadth between rail heads of the track, while the term scale stands for the ratio of size between the model and realistic layout. Initially there were no scales i.e. any exact measurements. This lack of dimension leads to many confusion and difficulties in building model train layout.

The most important thing in preparing a realistic model train layout is getting the right scales. Before deciding, we need to understand that scale is the reduced form of what the original will look like. There are different scales for different types of model train layout. Scales such as HO, N, Z, O etc are used for model rail road.

Among all the HO scale is the most commonly used scale. The reason behind using HO scale is that, these are the forms of narrow gauge. By narrow gauge, I mean distance between rail tracks is very less. The fairly accurate ratio of HO scale is 1:87. The HO scale is most used by model rail roaders.

HO scale is best suited for big model layouts. This scale is most popular because other scales become too small for large model rail road. The other usually scale considered is N scale. N scale has roughly similar ratio to HO scale i.e. 1: 160.  N scale refers to narrower rail tracks but is very useful for huge rail road models.

Prior to making any decision, it is necessary to know what is needed for your track plan. First know the total space available with you for your entire layout. The HO scale requires more radius than N scale for rail tracks. After proper comparison on a graph paper, you can decide which scale is more suitable for your project.

If your budget is limited, then go for N scale as it requires small model train materials and so is cheaper. While Ho scale, is helpful to those who are not much skillful. As the parts taken, for HO scales are bigger & one can easily set them. N scale requires much expertise and concentration as the elements used are very small.

Moreover, if your layout includes a variety of terrains N scale is better as the size as its rail tracks is less and so can easily pass through various landscapes. While, if you want only one train passing through single scenery go for HO scale. The other scales are much narrow to use in large model train layouts.

The size of your scale depends on your budget, the space available with you, and the model train scenery of your model train layout.

>> Learn more about scales and other model train materials <<