Article by Elliot Davenport
Starting out as a model railroader is the beginning of a great adventure that will at times seem quite daunting, because there are so many new things to learn which relate to this hobby. The model train hobbyist will discover that there is a new language to learn, and an abundance of technical information which also has to be mastered if the new hobbyist expects his or her trains to run smoothly. However, all of the time invested in this hobby will always be considered as time well spent.
One of the first challenges any new model railroader faces is selecting a scale for their trains. It is not uncommon for the hobbyist to be confused about the difference between scale and gauge. This can be simplified by remembering that scale is the comparable size of the model in direct relationship to the it's life prototype. This size is demonstrated in fraction form, and as an example, the HO model train is 1/87th the actual size of the real life version.
On the other hand, gauge is the measurement from the inside of the rail of the track to the inside of the opposite rail. Simple enough, but many new model railroaders, and on occasion, some who have been involved in the hobby for a while, confuse the difference in these two model train terms.
Although this model scale is miniature in size compared to it's counterpart, this in no way detracts from it's ability to operate in the same manner as do the full size trains, including tracks, couplers, locomotive, and railroad cars. Even more important to the hobbyist is the fact that this scale mirrors the appearance of it's prototype in exacting detail. This perfection in detail, of course, is something that all hobbyist can give thanks to the various manufacturers for, and for their efforts to make model railroading the enjoyable experience that it is.
One of the reasons that model HO scale trains are the number one choice among hobbyist, is their ability to fit into small spaces. This resolves the problem of limited space for many model railroaders, and this characteristic allows the hobbyist to have the opportunity to build elaborate layouts.
Choosing a model train that is suitable and safe for children is another reason why model HO scale trains are the first consideration by parents. The realistic representation of the real life train easily captures the imagination of children, and the fact that it accommodates the smaller hands of children is another reason parents make this model train scale their first choice.
The chief reason the HO model train is number one in choice by model railroaders is because it offers the widest range of prices, and the widest selection of accessories. Affordability in price allows the hobbyist to begin his or her collection at whatever level they would like with the freedom to expand they're layout at a later time. The large and versatile selection of accessories certainly allows the collector to actualize their goal of building the model train layout they've always dreamed of!