MODEL RAILROADING DEPOT
Compare the major model railroad scales so you can choose one that fits your room, eyesight, handling preferences, and the kind of trains you want to run.
HO is approximately 1:87 scale and is the most common choice for serious model railroading in North America. It offers a huge variety of locomotives, rolling stock, structures, track, scenery, and electronics.
N scale is approximately 1:160 in North America. Its smaller size allows broader scenes and longer trains in the same room, although tiny details can be harder to handle.
O scale equipment is much larger. Three-rail O is especially popular for traditional layouts and dramatic trains. The larger size is easy to see and handle but requires wider curves and more space.
Z scale is approximately 1:220. It makes railroading possible in very small spaces, but equipment is delicate and the small size demands careful trackwork.
If you have moderate space and want the widest selection, start by looking at HO. If space is tight or long trains are important, consider N. If large trains and easy handling matter more than space, consider O.
Scale is a compromise between train size and railroad size. Smaller models allow longer mainlines and broader scenery in the same room, while larger models are easier to see and handle.
Do not choose only by popularity. Think about eyesight, hand dexterity, available space, desired train length and whether the locomotives you like are readily available in that scale.
INTERACTIVE TOOL
Enter a real-world measurement and choose a model railroad scale. The calculator converts the real measurement into the size it should be on your model railroad.
*G scale uses several ratios. 1:22.5 is provided here as a common reference; always check the scale of your specific equipment.