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If you have decided that you want to design and build a truly elaborate and intricate model train set, you will also need to work to determine just what scale size you would be most interested in building it to. There are some things to take into consideration before deciding what scale to use so that you can pick the one that best works with your needs and wishes. To begin with, the word scale quite simply refers to the reduced sized of something which is related to the original from which it is being copied. The HO model railroad scale is the most popular one. It is a 1:87 scale. Roughly seventy percent of people who design and build model trains use this scale in their constructions. The HO has some variations such as the Nn3 and the Hon3. These variations only change the space between the tracks, making it narrower than that of the HO scale. The HO scale has become popular because it can fit into most homes but is not so small that it is difficult to work with. The minimum size for an HO model railroad is 4' by 8'. HO model trains are easy to operate and look great when displayed in shows. It is also easy to find new pieces for HO scale model trains. Some other scales that are commonly used but a little less easy to find parts for are the G(1:24), O(1:48), N(1:160), and Z(1:220). N scale, is the next logical step down in size from HO, being roughly half its size. Part of both the charm and difficulty of N scale trains and layouts relates to their size. While it's undeniably cool to have a "tiny" layout and you can definitely cover more "ground" as far as having a representation of a large area in a small space, working with models and scenery this small takes a lot of patience and some darn fine motor skills. (Watchmakers leap to mind) This is due to the detail work on this particular scale. Z scale model railroads are another third smaller than even the N scale, which means that people with bad eyesight, big hands, or other difficulties simply cannot work with this scale of model train. One distinct advantage of Z scale trains, however, is that they can be positioned in places that you would normally not expect to see a model train, such as a businessman's office desk. Even though they are no longer as popular as they once were, many model train enthusiasts still like O scale trains. These were designed to make realistic noises as they crossed the tracks. Children's toys were traditionally made in this size since they were large and easy to play with.
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