January 11th, 2011 
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Special reasons to choose ho scale model trains
Author: Philip Redfearn
There are many reasons for choosing the HO model train scale. It is now the most popular of all the model train scales in the hobby. This means that you get a wide variety of choice from both model trains and accessories. This is often not allocated when you choose another model train scale, as they are not so popular. This is the first reason for choosing the HO scale.
The second reason is that the HO model train scales let you get maximum use from whatever space you have available at home. Whether you have a spare room or need to design your track layout in your garage, the HO scale can accommodate you. It is great as it gives you many options for establishing your model railroad, regardless of the limited space you have.
For many people the model train hobby was not an option before the HO scale was produced. The model trains used to be much larger which meant the tracks would take up a huge amount of space. Unless people had large homes, they were not able to construct the track and layouts. This was one of the reasons that the HO model train scale was created. It caters for people who have more reasonably sized homes and who have a strong interest in the hobby.
The next reason to choose HO scale model trains is that they measure 1/87th of the real thing. On top of this, the track size is 16.5 millimetres between the rails. This is a perfect scale for a model train and lets you customise a number of other features around the track.
The next reason for choosing the HO scale is that you can find a huge number of pre-built train sets that you can buy. This lets complete beginners get started in the hobby right away. It is much harder to find pre-built model train layouts in the other scales. You can find them, but the range of choice is very limited.
With the HO train scale, you can choose from many different designs and many different manufacturers. As I said above, the HO scale is very popular which brings in many different manufacturers. This means that the choice is wider and the costs get driven down.
As such, the HO scale is the perfect choice for someone completely new to the hobby. It is also perfect for experienced model train enthusiasts, as there is so much selection on offer. You can find a wide array of track sections and scenery that can be easily added to your current track.
Not only this, but the range of model train available on the HO is also very vast. You can choose from model steam trains, locomotive or electric model trains. There are also a large number of special edition model trains built for the HO model scale.
There is a lot of equipment that can be bought for the HO model scale. You can see that you have an endless set of options to choose from and can use the HO scales for a lifetime without ever needing to change.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/special-reasons-to-choose-ho-scale-model-trains-1386171.html
About the Author
Philip Redfearn is an avid model train enthusiast. For more great information on model trains, and to sign up for a free Ultimate Model Railway Secrets 11 lesson mini-course, visit http://www.ultimatemodelrailway.com
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Almost ALL the boxes / packages I have indicate the scale.
HO scale is 1:87 (one foot = 87 feet) and N scale is 1:160… so N is almost twice as small.
Visually… an HO locomotive or railcar will be roughly 3-4 inches TALL, and an N scale loco or car will be HALF that size. A normal door for humans (6’8″) will be JUST shy of one inch (.919 inch) in HO, and exactly one half inch in N Scale
You CAN buy a VERY inexpensive multi-scale RULER at any good model-hobby shop ( http://www.internettrains.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=MPT-H711&Category_Code=FTRDITEMS ). Then simply measure a normal door… if it measures to 7 ft, that’s your scale !!
It’s not hard.There are sources for stuff everywhere.As for how long there is no answer to that.If you really get into it it’s an ongoing thing that can last for years.Your only limited by your imagination and how much you have to spend on it.It can be very expensive.But there are all levels of quality in model train stuff.It all depends on what you want.You can buy ready made stuff,kits,or materials for scratch building stuff.I suggest you do an online search for some model railroading books(or even try your local library before you do anything.That will give you a better idea of what’s available and help you decide how far you want to go.It will also let you see some ideas of things you can do.Look for one that explains starting out into model railroading.Klambach Publishing has many such books.Another thing worth doing is look for some model railroad clubs where you live.That way you can go look and see what it’s all about.You might even want to join them!That way you can learn how to do it and also get the benefit of having a cool layout to run on without having to spend major bucks to build your own.http://www.kalmbachstore.com/modeltrains-railroading-model-railroading-books.html
I know you want to make your own, but if I were you I would just find some beat-up trains at a yard sale, or a thrift store and take the wheels off and throw the rest away. The other thing you can do is just buy the wheels from a train store or hobby store. Sorry, I haven’t answered your question directly. I have no idea how to make them.
There will be a WIDE price range on all that gear !! Locomotives alone will range from about $90 for a simple diesel to $300 for a steam 4-8-2 MT-4. And of course, there are brass locos that would run in excess of $1000.
I’ll give you a few links to some of the manufacturers I use:
http://www.athearn.com/Products/HO/Default.aspx
http://www.atlasrr.com/
http://www.katousa.com/
http://www.westerndepot.com/index.php?cPath=21_42_73_83
http://www.trains.com/mrr/
I’m sorry to hear your Dad passed, my condolences to you, your Mom, and your brother…
Okay, to get to TRUE Railroad lovers, you COULD contact a large model-railroad shop in your area… they MIGHT be willing to purchase them and sell them on consignment.
OR you could place an ad in Model Railroader magazine: http://www.trains.com/mrr/
You might also check with the National Model Railroad Association: http://www.nmra.com/
HO Scale model trains ?
Recently my dad passed away and my brother and i are in the process of cleaning out his house so we got all the up stairs cleaned so it was time to move to the basement we noticed that my dad had himself quite the model train collection we knew he was into it just did’nt know that into it on 3 tables 9 feet by 4 feet custom made . there was just all trains and tracks and villages all over well we carefully disassembled the tracks scenery and luckily for us my dad saved all the boxes to the trains Engines and Cars well we matched all the numbers on the box to the train in went to . My question is what in the world are my brother and i are going to do with all this . Without doing the E-bay thing what are other options my brother and i can do we know there is alot of money invested in these Trains just by looking at the price tags that were on the box and we just dont want to give them away either …..It’s mostly Boston to Maine R.R or Conrail with a few others …please if yah could help thank you .
what are average prices for HO scale model trains?
locomotives, passenger cars, box cars, hopper cars, automobiles, structures, everything.
any help is great
How to make HO scale model train wheels?
Help me!!! I have some HO scale model trains and I’m missing a lot of wheels. How can I make my own?
How can I tell by looking the difference of N scale/HO scale model trains?
I have a few boxes that were given to me of model cars and buildings. is there some place I can look or a way to measure properly so I know which scale I am dealing with? also which is actually better if I decide to buy more. N or HO
i want to get into ho scale model trains is it hard and expensive?
how hard and how long dose it take and how expensive?