N Scale Train Accessories
What Size Model Train Fits Your Needs?
The first decision anyone beginning the model railroading hobby has to make is what size train fits their budget and available space. You might think that the largest size model would be the first choice of everyone, but that isn't the case at all. A small model train allows for much more scenery in a smaller space and opens up the creative process that is such a huge part of the modeling hobby.
If you are not a student of model train history, you might be surprised to learn of how many different sizes have been produced over the years. When we talk of size, there is always the question of scale and gauge. Scale is the relative size of the model to the real prototype, while gauge is based on the sizing of the track. Gauge does not always match scale for differing reasons.
Some scales were not well received nor standardized, so they don't bear mentioning in the selection process. Concentrating on the more common sizes of trains, here are the usual choices:
G Scale
Often referred to as the "garden" size, G is the largest of the true Model Trains. It has some variations between manufacturers and country of origin. The most standard scale for the G is 1:22.5, but there are variations between 1:19 and 1:32. Unless a person has a very large area inside to accommodate this size train, it is doubtful that it will be the first choice. Although G does not stand for garden, it is often called that because that is where many trains of this scale are placed.
O Scale
Approximately 1/2 the size of the G, O scale models also have a disparity in actual scale based on where the train is marketed. In the U.S., the scale is 1:48, but two other scales are produced. In the United Kingdom, the scale is 1:43, but the rest of Europe uses 1:45. O scale is also more popular in Europe than in America.
HO Scale
As you might guess, if you look at the scale of 1:87, this classification is for half the O scale. Technically it isn't exactly 1/2, but that is why it is so designated. This size gets the model down to a size that can fit comfortably in the home, and there are many more of these sold than the larger O and G Scale Trains.
N Scale
The most popular scale of model train is the N, which is about 1/2 the size of the HO at a ratio that is variable between 1:148 and 1:160. This is number one in the U.S. and most of Europe except for Great Britain.
OO Scale
The favorite in Great Britain, the OO scale has a ratio of 1:76.2.
What all of this means is that you should see the different scales of trains personally before deciding on one or the other scale. A visit to a model train show is an excellent way to see a variety of scales and sizes and decide which train scale is best for you. Obviously, the more common and popular sizes will be easier to find and collect. Scenery items and train accessories for popular scales will also be more easily found. When you choose a scale, keep in mind that each has some variations, especially in gauge. Sometimes sizes are shown with trailing numerical dimensions that indicate the track gauge.
Every other decision you make on model trains depends on the scale and gauge you choose in the beginning. You do not want to change scales after you begin building a set because every item you buy is designed for a standard size.
About the Author
Thomas R. Anderson's love for model railroading started when he was 7 years old, from a train under the Christmas tree. Now, all grown up and a full-fledged hobbyist, he loves sharing his knowledge of the Model Train Hobby. He is a writer for the Model Train Hobbyist website, where hobbyists like himself can find Scale Model Trains and brand names such as Bachmann Model Trains.
Rocky Mountains Rio Grande N Scale Layout #2
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 HUGE Lot of N SCALE Curved Track Accessories 42 Pieces $29.95 Time Remaining: 28d 23h 54m Buy It Now for only: $29.95 Buy It Now |
 N Scale Train accessories $15.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 3h 33m |
 Park Station square Accessories Tomytec 012 2 013 2 014 2 1 150 N scale $28.80 Time Remaining: 29d 8h 41m Buy It Now for only: $28.80 Buy It Now |
 Stacked Bags 6 pack N Scale 1160 Model Railroad Train Detail Accessory $8.99 Time Remaining: 20d 20h 56m Buy It Now for only: $8.99 Buy It Now |
 Bachman N Scale Atlas Long Star Silvine Trains and Accessories 120 pieces $12.05 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 12h 58m |
 Woodland Scenics 2203 Family Fishing w Accessories 3 N Scale $17.24 Time Remaining: 22d 16h 57m Buy It Now for only: $17.24 Buy It Now |
 N SCALE ROOF TOP STREET ACCESSORIES BY IHC 14408 NEW $3.99 Time Remaining: 9d 8h 26m Buy It Now for only: $3.99 Buy It Now |
 36 PIECE LOT OF KATO N UNITRACK W ACCESSORIES NICE USED NO RESERVE $5.50 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 10h 56m |
 Rail side Accessories Set Greenmax No2181 1 150 N scale $7.80 Time Remaining: 27d 8h 32m Buy It Now for only: $7.80 Buy It Now |
 Boxed Crate Loads 10 pack N Scale 1160 Model Railroad Train Detail Accessory $9.99 Time Remaining: 20d 20h 56m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now |
 N Scale Train Lot of Misc parts accessories buildings switches lights trees ++ $24.99 Time Remaining: 3d 14h 27m |
 NEW Model Power Tracksider Accessory Assorted N 1331 NIB $10.49 Time Remaining: 5d 18h 6m Buy It Now for only: $10.49 Buy It Now |
 Tent Campfire Log Pile Red N Scale 1160 Model Railroad Train Detail Accessory $9.99 Time Remaining: 20d 20h 58m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now |
 N Scale Pennsy engine with six cars Tech II train controller accessories $14.75 Time Remaining: 3d 20h 36m |
 Movie Theater Marquee Animated Neon Sign N Scale HO Scale Model Train Accessory $40.49 Time Remaining: 19d 21h 16m Buy It Now for only: $40.49 Buy It Now |
 N Scale A2157 Welders Accessories Woodland Scenics $13.85 Time Remaining: 8d 11h 35m Buy It Now for only: $13.85 Buy It Now |
 Preiser Cows Train Accessories N Scale 79155 $4.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 2d 20h 22m |
 Checker Cab Kit N Scale 1160 GHQ 100 Brittania Pewter Model Train Accessories $8.49 Time Remaining: 29d 22h 39m Buy It Now for only: $8.49 Buy It Now |
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 N scale train accessories Life Like 7406 General Store Atlas Bachmann track $9.95 Time Remaining: 2d 20h 21m |
 WOODLAND SCENICS WELDERS ACCESSORIES N SCALE FIGURES $13.49 Time Remaining: 20h 44m Buy It Now for only: $13.49 Buy It Now |
 Propane Tanks 2 pack N Scale 1160 Model Railroad Train Detail Accessory $9.99 Time Remaining: 20d 21h 2m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now |
 Model railroad Accessories Posts Signs Cars $9.99 Time Remaining: 19h 41m |
 Tarped Loads Red N Scale 1160 Model Railroad Train Freight Detail Accessory $8.50 Time Remaining: 20d 21h 5m Buy It Now for only: $8.50 Buy It Now |
 Platform Accessory Set Kato 23 118 $16.80 Time Remaining: 26d 8h 47m Buy It Now for only: $16.80 Buy It Now |
 Model Railroad Accessories Brickpaper Street Curve $9.99 Time Remaining: 19h 50m |
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 N scale THREE Campers Figures with Tent Fire Pit Accessories $14.50 Time Remaining: 18d 14h 19m Buy It Now for only: $14.50 Buy It Now |
 Banded Pipe Loads 2 Pack N Scale 1160 Model Railroad Train Detail Accessory $10.99 Time Remaining: 20d 21h 8m Buy It Now for only: $10.99 Buy It Now |
 45 PLUS PIECES N Scale Track Accessories SIGNS CROSSINGS TELEPHONE POLES ETC $9.99 Time Remaining: 6d 12h 19m |
 3 Z Scale Hand Painted Metal car truck accessories $6.99 Time Remaining: 4d 23h 4m Buy It Now for only: $6.99 Buy It Now |
 Stacked Boxes 8 pk N Scale 1160 Model Railroad Train Detail Accessory Finished $8.99 Time Remaining: 24d 22h 12m Buy It Now for only: $8.99 Buy It Now |
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 Rural Platform Accessory Set Kato 23 132 $14.80 Time Remaining: 28d 8h 47m Buy It Now for only: $14.80 Buy It Now |
 Town Accessories Set Kato 23 421 $15.80 Time Remaining: 1d 1h 20m Buy It Now for only: $15.80 Buy It Now |
 N SCALE ROOF TOP STREET ACCESSORIES BY IHC 14408 NEW $3.99 Time Remaining: 3d 21h 50m |
 N HELJAN T 701 Telephone Poles TILBEHOR ZUBEHOR ACCESSORIES NOS New Old Sto HO $8.00 Time Remaining: 9d 10h 9m Buy It Now for only: $8.00 Buy It Now |
 Vintage Bachmann N Scale Railroad Accessories Construction Set MOC Hong Kong $6.00 Time Remaining: 25d 15h 30m Buy It Now for only: $6.00 Buy It Now |
 VOLLMER VAMPIRE VILLA 770 7679 N SCALE HAUNTED HOUSE + ACCESSORIES $39.99 Time Remaining: 4d 19h 52m |
 NEW Model Power Freight Station w Accessories B UP N 2611 NIB $27.99 Time Remaining: 24d 14h 35m Buy It Now for only: $27.99 Buy It Now |
 Tarped Machine Loads N Scale 1160 Model Railroad Train Freight Detail Accessory $12.99 Time Remaining: 20d 21h 3m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 Buy It Now |
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 HUGE LOT OF TYCO HO SCALE BUILDINGS AND ACCESSORIES SET $49.99 Time Remaining: 14d 21h 58m Buy It Now for only: $49.99 Buy It Now |
 Heljan Accessories Telephone Power Poles T 701 About 28 NIP N Scale $4.99 Time Remaining: 6d 14h 33m Buy It Now for only: $4.99 Buy It Now |
 N Scale Tracks ATLAS LIONEL THROTTLE PACK MODEL 501 RAILROAD TRAIN ACCESSORIES $9.95 Time Remaining: 4d 19h 43m |
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 Kato 24818 N HO UNITRACK TERMINAL UNIJOINER 35 Wire Train Track Accessory New I $4.99 Time Remaining: 17d 4h 3m Buy It Now for only: $4.99 Buy It Now |
 N scale School Bus detailed model train accessory 1150 $7.99 Time Remaining: 4d 20h 37m Buy It Now for only: $8.99 Buy It Now | Bid now |
 Modelscene N Accessories Station Nameboards Modern 5186 $5.37 Time Remaining: 27d 4h 17m Buy It Now for only: $5.37 Buy It Now |
 WOODLAND SCENICS DEPOT WORKERS ACCESSORIES N SCALE $16.49 Time Remaining: 23d 12h 5m Buy It Now for only: $16.49 Buy It Now |
 Deluxe Innovations Fine N Scale Rolling Stock And Accessories C500A 1160 $2.99 Time Remaining: 5d 19h 5m Buy It Now for only: $4.99 Buy It Now | Bid now |
 Bachman 45902 Factory w Accessories Figures N MIB $15.00 Time Remaining: 27d 17h 3m Buy It Now for only: $15.00 Buy It Now |
 Haystack Bales Baled Hay N Scale 1160 Model Railroad Train Detail Accessory $8.99 Time Remaining: 20d 20h 57m Buy It Now for only: $8.99 Buy It Now |
 Life Like HO Scenics Model Railroad Accessories No 1125 Crates and Barrels $7.99 Time Remaining: 6d 12h 51m |
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