HO scale model trains are 1/87 the size of real trains and 1/2 the size of O scale model trains (HO stands for "half O"). As with O scale trains, the letter "O" in HO is a misnomer since the designation was initially conceived as a zero to identify trains that were smaller in scale than 1. But the use of the letter O rather than the numeral 0 crept into everyday speech among model-train buffs and remains the standard way to refer to HO scale today.
Though first invented in the 1930s, HO scale model trains didn’t become popular in the U.S. and Europe until the 1950s when the scale was heavily promoted by Märklin, Lionel, Athearn, and others. HO never quite gained acceptance in England, though, where larger 00 scale trains still predominate.
HO has two important benefits over trains of larger sizes. First, an HO scale layout of reasonably ambitious detail and complexity can fit on a table rather than requiring an entire room, as is the case with larger scales. Second, HO trains are less expensive to manufacture than OO, O, and other large-scale trains, which makes them more affordable to collectors and enthusiasts alike...
Most HO scale trains run on two-rail tracks using direct current (DC). Adjusting the voltage delivered to the tracks can increase or decrease the speed of the trains; reversing the polarity causes the trains to roll in reverse. Some manufacturers, notably Märklin, produce HO scale trains that operate on alternating current (AC), which is delivered to the train via a conductive third rail.
The gauge used by the majority of HO scale model trains is a standard HO gauge track that’s roughly proportional to the size of the trains running on top of it. But as with the OO scale trains in England that run on HO gauge tracks, HO scale trains are also made to run on a variety of different gauge tracks, which themselves are scaled-down versions of historical railroad track sizes.
Of these variants, the most common is called HOn3. This code denotes an HO scale train running on a track similar to the 3-foot, narrow gauge tracks used by Rocky Mountain railroad operators in the late 19th century.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of HO for collectors is the opportunity to join a local module club. Members of such clubs build modules of predetermined size; each module has a finite length of track. When members get together at model train exhibitions or in private homes, the modules are linked up and trains are run on the resulting massive layout, which often feels like more than just the sum of its parts.
Interviews & Articles
The Beauty of Brass Model Trains

We’ve been operating Dan’s Train Depot, which is the parent company of BrassTrains.com, for about 11 years now. We bought out a ve… [more]
Train Talk with the National Model Railroad Association's Brent Lambert

The NMRA library’s original purpose was to focus on model railroading, but over time we’ve also received donations that have helpe… [more]
Best of the Web (“Hall of Fame”)
HOseeker.net

This site is a treasure trove of HO scale model railroad manufacturer catalogs and other reference information, inv… [read review or visit site]
Airfix Model Railways

Dave McCarthy's Airfix Model Railway treasure trove is an in-depth archive of the company's plastic railway kits fr… [read review or visit site]
Gateway NMRA

This great reference site for model railroaders, from the Gateway (St. Louis) division of the NMRA (National Model … [read review or visit site]
Postwar Lionel Trains Library

Bernie Schulz’s Lionel Trains Library focuses exclusively on postwar Lionel trains and accessories. The site cont… [read review or visit site]
Eric's Trains

Eric Siegel's site displays his collection of O-gauge/O-scale trains, tracks, turntables, and other accessories. A … [read review or visit site]
Tech Model Railroad Club of MIT

MIT's model railroad club, as one might expect, has one of the best websites for learning about how people play wit… [read review or visit site]
Clubs & Associations: Model Trains
- Train Collectors Association
- National Model Railroad Association
- Lionel Collectors Club of America
- Toy Train Operating Society
- National Association of S Gaugers, Inc.
- Train Collectors Society (U.K.)
- Lionel Operating Train Society
Other Great Reference Sites: Model Trains
Top eBay Auctions
Recent News: HO Scale Model Trains
Source: Google News
Things to do in the Myrtle Beach area on May 18
MyrtleBeachOnline.com, May 18thThe Grand Strand Model Railroaders Inc. will have a “Swap Meet,” with HO, O, N, Z scale items and train memorabilia. Also, the club welcomes the public to watch and play with trains 4-7 p.m. Mondays, noon-4 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays,...Read more
ENT: Railroad fans create scaled versions of towns
The Sudbury Star, May 18thWhen he was 12, Svos bought his first model train set in the popular HO scale, in which the models are built to a ratio of around 1:87.1 next to the real thing. By the time Svos became a member of the Ottawa Valley Associated Railroaders, he was...Read more
Clubs and Hobbies on the Treasure Coast Updated May 18
TCPalm, May 18thTreasure Coast Model Railroad Club: HO scale, DCC model RR. 10 a.m.-noon. 273 S.W. Becker Road, Port St. Lucie. New members are welcome. 772-621-9636; tcmrr.org. TC Chapter, Hearing Loss Association of America: 10:30 a.m. History Room, IRC...Read more
Clubs and Hobbies on the Treasure Coast Updated May 17
TCPalm, May 17thTreasure Coast Model Railroad Club: HO scale, DCC model RR. 10 a.m.-noon. 273 S.W. Becker Road, Port St. Lucie. New members are welcome. 772-621-9636; tcmrr.org. TC Chapter, Hearing Loss Association of America: 10:30 a.m. History Room, IRC...Read more
Things To Do This Weekend
Daily Breeze, May 17thModel Railroad Open House: The Belmont Shore Model Railroad Club and the Angels Gate Hi-Railers Club will host the open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to noon at Angels Gate Park, 3601 S. Gaffey St., buildings 824 and 848, San Pedro...Read more
Larry Dellard's trains 2
Penn Yan Chronicle-Express (blog), May 14thEmail; Share; Print. Larry Dellard's trains 2. After retirement, Larry Dellard took up a hobby from his childhood, and has made his basement into an extensive and very detailed HO scale model railroad. More Local Videos. Larry Dellard's trains 2 May...Read more
It's Time to Get On Board
Santa Barbara Independent, May 13thOperators from local railroad clubs will be running indoor HO scale model trains and G scale outdoor trains all day. Children and adults of all ages will have a great time! There will be food, raffle prizes and a special scavenger hunt for the kids...Read more
Model trains, batteries and a simple idea - Christian Today Australia
ChristianToday, May 12thIt's an expensive hobby that I just don't have the money to keep going but I do have a little amount of HO and N scale trains that I like to set up and watch the trains go round and round. I had not set up my model trains for a very long time and last...Read more
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