H0 or HO scale trains are the most popular scales of model trains in the world, so it’s not a bad idea to know a little bit about them!
The term HO scale comes from half an O scale, so it’s built at 1:87 scale of a full-sized train.
HO was created initially to be more suitable and cheaper for manufacturers, and as a result, has become the leading scale of model trains in the world.
So what’s the whole point of model railroading at a HO scale then?
Well, for the enjoyment of course! That’s really the only answer for model trains in general, and HO is just the most cost-effective, detailed and readily available option there is.
Because the scale is 1:87, it means that a model train is 87 times smaller than a full-scale train and the ho scale tracks are normally only .625 inches or 16mm across.
This means they’re small enough to fit just about anywhere, so the everyday hobbyist can find room in their house.
What is HO Scale?
The term HO scale comes from half an O scale, so it’s built at 1:87 scale of a full-sized train. This means that a model train is 87 times smaller than a full-scale train.
So if you’re planning on running a train at HO scale, that means that everything needs to be approximately 1:87 scale of their real-world counterparts. Trees, cars, buildings, and even people all need to be shrunk down to help maintain that sense of real-world scale on your model railroad.
What is HO Gauge?
When we talk about gauge, what train hobbyists are talking about is how wide the two rails of the train tracks are from one another.
The standard gauge in HO scale train sets is .625 inches or 16mm as that is proportional to a ratio of 1:87. This means that in real life the gauge of a rail track is usually 4 feet across.
What voltage does HO scale run at?
HO trains usually run at 16 volts.
So, the wiring harness needs to be a minimum of 16 gauge wire to run 16 volts at maximum throttle. So, the voltage varies from zero which is when the train is stationary to a 16 where is at maximum speed.
There are many more electrical elements that you need to consider while you are designing your model. If you forget about the wires early, you will have problems with the design later in the production because you might need to rip up the scenery to run wires underneath.
Nothing is worse than spending time on a crossroads only to rip it up because you forgot to run wire for the stop-lights!
Lighting can be especially pleasing in the scenery, and often helps with the immersion, so it’s definitely something you should consider early on in your scene.
Will OO Gauge Trains Run on HO Track?
Yes, they can. OO Trains run on tracks with a gauge of 16.5 mm. UK trains have comparatively smaller loading gauges.
What you need to keep an eye out for is the rail. The depth of the metal varies. Older models use code 100 while newer ones use code 75. Some popular pieces are in between the two though, so you might just need a bridging piece of track to join them!
The History of HO Trains
In 1935 a new gauge was introduced to the hobby of model trains, called half nought gauge. A gauge is the distance between the rails and the tracks were made from a single sheet of metal.
Finally, in the 1950s, manufacturers had solidified a standard scale and gauge and HO scale entered the market to challenge the dominance of a traditional O scale model train.
In the 1960’s it skyrocketed in popularity to become the most commercially popular scale and has remained that way ever since.
Over the years, they’ve gone from being less of a kids toy to more of a collector’s item, with manufacturers taking the time to get details of all makes and models around the year 100% as accurate as possible.
What Types of HO Train Models are there?
Model railroads have been popular for decades. Train models initially did not have scales or gauges. Over time, standards were set for these model trains. Manufacturers now choose to abide by the standards to cater to hobbyists. Let’s take a look at the different types of HO model trains you can find.
- Ready-to-Run Kits
Model Trains are more than just toys. With Ready-to-Run kits, you can enjoy a fun family experience. Train enthusiasts of all ages can appreciate this. In modern-day society, these kits are the standard for hobbyists.
Ready-to-Run Kits include train engines, tracks, and cars. Everything can be easily put together once you take them out of the box. What makes it interesting is creating the layouts. Most of these kits have ready-made structures. However, you can build some elements from scratch.
- Shake-the-Box Kits
These are simple kits that take little effort to assemble. These kits usually include a freight car. You can even find trucks or couples. Some structures like windows, walls, or doors can be found as well.
The name tells you all there is to know about this kittle. It requires no added skill. You simply shake the boat and see everything come together.
- Craftsman Kits
Craftsman kits require the most level of skill to put together. These kits come with hundreds of parts that require keen attention to put together.
How to build HO scale train model Layouts
To build a model train layout, the first thing you have to do is work out what kind of setting or scenario you’re looking to create.
You can base this around 2 things; the kinds of trains you want to run or the kind of scenery you want to place.
These could be settings like an old west town, a modern-day British railway, an alpine mountain or even the age of the train model you’re trying to run, and keeping all the outlying scenery (houses, roads, cars etc) in the same year.
The one big thing you need to remember is that the backdrop can be a little tricky to work out. Some people like to not have it, others use a neutral blue or black colour and some people use bought backdrops that are picture perfect.
Other things to consider is the area and surface you have to work with. Are you building on a free-standing table, or something against a wall?
If it’s in a corner, maybe you’d like to put a mountain in the corner as seeing a train all the way in the back might be a bit hard.
One of the things you need to consider is that if the ho model train layout is primarily for public display, you need to add elements that are eye-catching and attractive to people. For example, adding details other than the train itself can help your scene be a standout!
It goes without saying that the better you design your model train layouts and the more details you use in your model train scenery the more your train model becomes life-like and realistic.
Another factor you need to consider while making your HO scale trains is to make sure that the setting, especially the buildings and landscapes, are sturdy. You don’t want your scenery to fall apart easily, especially if say a train goes over a bridge. As cool as it would look, it’ll be a costly mistake!
What is the Best Track for HO Scale Trains?
The gauge of a railway model system refers to the distance between the railheads. The term scale is interchangeable in this industry. However, scale refers to the size of the real model compared to the prototype. Code 100 is easy to find for these tracks. Code 83 helps you achieve a realistic appearance.
These prototypes use a multitude of track gauges to model different scales. The ones used for HO scale trains are standard or narrow gauges. These are defined similarly in America and Europe. However, there are minor differences worth looking out for.
HO scale Brands and Manufacturers
Lionel: Lionel Trains are definitely one of the most popular train manufacturers in the world, and as such provides one of the biggest ranges of HO trains on the market. If you’re going to get into model trains, or you’ve been into them for a while, chances are good you’ll end up with one of their trains in your collection in no time.
Athearn: Athearn trains were founded in 1946. At first, it was manufacturing supplies for O scale models but later on, it started the production of HO scale in 1948 along with other manufacturers. The company offers ready to run models made from plastic. They offer three types of HO trains; Genesis, ready to roll and roundhouse.
Atlas: Atlas HO trains are highly detailed trains that are recreating models down to the paint and rail track specifics. These great models are considered slightly high-end because of the high attention to detail they use in their train models. They too offer ready models to hobbyists and for public display. They offer three different types of trains; these include HO Master, HO Classic and HO Trainman.
HO Scale Classics are created from retooled moulds and although they are less detailed than the HO Master line, they are still considered very close to the prototype that was created to display. This is a great option for designers and modellers as they are enough detailed to look life-like and are super budget-friendly.
Fox Valley Models: Fox valley models are a supplier and manufacturer that produce different scale trains including HO scales. They offer different types of HO scale trains including locomotives, HO freight cars and HO passenger trains for people who want to craft their models.InterMountain Railway: InterMountain is another supplier where you know you’re going to get high-quality train models no matter what you purchase. They offer a huge selection of different models as well; something for everyone! The best thing about InterMountain is they have both budget-friendly options as well as higher-end models. If you’re looking to add to your trains, they also offer additional parts such as freight cars or more passenger cars to add to your trains.
Kato: Kato is one of the standards of the model train world. They are a great supplier who you can go to for highly detailed models that are going to make your scene that much better. They offer HO scale accessories, ready to run models, track plans and many other HO scale train-related options to make your modelling that much easier.
Are HO Trains Worth Anything?
The resale value for old HO trains is minimal.
There is a small collector’s market for them. So, unless you find the ideal buyer, your old HO train probably has little worth.
Do some research first. What type of HO trains do you own?
The price is closely entwined with demand. The condition and scarcity of your model come in second place.
However, everything has value. Even train parts.
So try to pinpoint the manufacturer’s part number on the different pieces you own. Check the sides or undercarriages. You can assign an approximate value by comparing the pieces to reference books.
Tips for a better HO train Layout
The base your train sits on is something you obviously need to think about early on, but it’s one of the more important steps to consider.
Is it big enough?
Can you easily expand in the future if you want to?
Will it hold up your layout forever?
Can you easily access all areas you need to?
If you don’t think about this stuff and have to remove portions of your layout at some point to get into other areas, you’re going to have a really bad time.
Another important thing while constructing the model is to make sure all the parts are correct and you fix any problem before putting it all together. If you put them all together and then find a problem it can ruin your whole model or mean you have to start all over again. But correcting problems as you go helps you spend less time on rebuilding and more time on the details of your layout and the train itself.
The material that you can use in crafting your scene includes things like aluminium, plastic, steel, wood, cardboard, paper or nearly anything else that you can think of to make it work and look good!
When fastening your parts together, make sure you use any glue, screws or nails carefully as they’re going to make your model appear unrealistic and will stop it from being so immersive.
Many people are attracted to model trains, whether it’s the actual trains, the scenery building, or just from a love of real-life trains!
If you are, you should definitely try modelling your own HO scale trains setup. The reason the HO scale is probably the best one to start with is that it’s already so popular, there are more options available at different price points for a beginner, or a veteran!
Check out our post here to learn more about other scales of model trains!
Or this one if you want to jump straight into the best brands of model trains!
Peter has been building model trains for longer than he can remember. An avid fan of HO and O scale this blog is a creative outlet to allow him to dive further into other scales and aspects of the model train community and hobby.
Wnhats the best type of track to use? Is lifelike track good ?
Information was helpful and insightful. I need information about lubricating oils and “smoke” fluids for my old HO scale Bachman locomotive. Thank you.