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.

HO is popular very quite a few reasons. First off, its size lends it to most home layouts without being too tiny to work with. For space considerations and expandability HO serves well as just the perfect size for most model railroad enthusiasts as the bare minimum for a decent layout seems to be about 4' X 8'. The size of HO model trains can operate well and show nicely. The HO scale also has by far the most available and ready to roll kits, parts and accessories of any scale.

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.

As for Z scale, the above applies in even more importance, as this scale of model train is another third smaller, thus providing even more challenges for those of us with either large hands, failing eyesight or any other physical issues. (This size is personally way too small for me) I will admit though, that this micro-size does lend itself to placement where you might not ordinarily see a model train. I saw one in someone's office once that fit neatly around his desktop! You're only limited by your imagination when it comes to placing a layout in Z scale!

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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