Bachmann Trains & Accessories

Ho Scale Building Kits
what does 31 1/2 scale feet mean in ho model railway building kits ?

Each foot equals 3.5 millimeters so 31.5 feet x 3.5 millimeters per foot =110.25 millimeters and there are 10 millimeters per centimeter so 11.025 cm.

Ho Scale Building Kits

Ho Model Trains – Popular Scale For Authentic Detail

The model railway engineer who lives on a large suburban or rural property may want a large-scale (O, G, or larger) train setup that meanders through his acreage.  The largest scale trains can even carry passengers.  Another hobbyist must deal with space restrictions, so he opts for a smaller scale indoor layout.  This is why the model train manufacturers make trains in several sizes.

Today the most popular large size model train is the O scale.  The scale for O is 1:48, which means that the model is 1/48 of the size of a real-world, prototype train.  The track gauge for O is 1 ¼ inches.  

For many model railroaders, especially those who want large layouts with impressive scenery, towns, vehicles, people, and other features, the O scale is too large for indoor use.  For them, the HO model train is the best.

The HO scale is half the size of O.  Think of HO meaning “half of O”.  The HO scale is 1:87.  HO trains use the standard size track gauge of 16.5 mm.  The HO scale is a very popular size for use in layouts because it is small enough to accommodate the use of a large amount of scenery, along with a well-designed track plan, in a reasonable amount of space.  

At the same time, the HO scale is large enough to allow a high degree of detail in finer models.  HO models are big enough for children to handle without the risk of damage.

The HO scale achieves a balance between the detail of larger scales and the lower space requirements of smaller scales; it is very popular railroad line with train hobbyists compared to other scales.

HO model trains first appeared in the UK during the 1930s and were introduced as an alternative to the OO scale.  But the OO scale was already well established and therefore the HO scale had difficulty making any real commercial headway there.  Luckily, during the late 1950s realistic toys were in high demand with hobbyists in the United States.  This high demand allowed the HO scale model trains to succeed throughout the 1960s and their popularity continues up to today.  More than two-thirds of model railroaders rank HO as their favorite scale.

Due to the growing popularity of the HO scale, many companies produce a great many locomotives, train sets, accessories, and rolling stock in that scale.  Hobbyists can find HO scale sets with ready-to-run trains and modular track, high grade kits, supplies for building models from scratch, and even limited-edition locomotive models.

Whoever wants to own a landscape with rolling hills or a small town with all the details, then HO scale model trains are for you.

About the Author

C.W. Crawford is a model train enthusiast. For more great tips on  HO model trains, visit http://www.modeltrainupdate.com.

Sicken Tire Company – HO Scale – Pre-Fab™ Building Kits | Woodland Scenics®