Which is better HO or N scale trains?

Both scales offer plenty of opportunity for cost savings, but in theory, you'll probably find more used HO scale trains than used N scale trains because it's slightly more popular. N scale trains cost less than HO scale, but used HO scale trains are cheaper than new N scale.
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Which is better HO scale or N scale?

An advantage of N scale is that it allows hobbyists to build layouts that take up less space than HO scale, or put longer track runs into the same amount of space, because the models are smaller (by nearly a half) than they are in HO scale (1:87).
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What is the difference between HO scale and N scale trains?

Model railways come a variety different scales representing different sizes of trains and scenery. N scale is 1/160 scale. This means HO scale is 87 times smaller than the real prototype, and N scale is half the size of HO scale.
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Is N scale more expensive than HO scale?

N and HO scales are the two most common worldwide standards for model trains an common question for those thinking about this wonderful hobby then is which is cheaper. The answer is undoubtedly that while both are inexpensive to started, N scale is cheaper than HO scale in the long run.
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What model train scale is best?

Because of its small size, the HO Scale has become one of the most popular scales for model trains. This is the perfect scale for the hobbyist looking to build their own layouts in a small space. Many well-known manufacturers make HO scale trains, leaving you with endless possibilities for design, and themes.
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HO Scale or N Scale? How to Decide Between the two.



What is the most common train set scale?

HO Scale. HO scale is the most popular scale, and at 1/87 scale, is just over half the size of O scale model trains.
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What is the most popular train set size?

With a track gauge of 16.5 mm and a scale of 1:87, HO is the most common model train size today.
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What does N scale stand for?

The "N" is short for nine millimeter (although the actual gauge is 8.97mm). In N scale 2mm is approximately 1 foot. N scale is the second most popular scale worldwide. Many modelers select N scale as an alternative to HO scale because it allows more complex layouts to be built in the space available to them.
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How long is a mile in N scale?

An N scale mile is:

33 Feet. 396 Inches.
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What does HO trains stand for?

The abbreviation “HO” stands for “half-O.” The smaller trains were less expensive and took up less space than their larger O scale cousins, which became popular with people who were moving into small homes and apartments in the 1940s.
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Is N scale smaller than HO?

N scale is roughly half the size of HO scale at 1:160 ratio. Modelers tend to use N scale to build more complicated layouts in smaller spaces than HO scale layouts. Or they can use large spaces, such as garages or basements, to create scenic N scale empires using the size to create a life-like, but small scene.
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How many cars can an N scale locomotive pull?

For diesels it usually comes in at around 20-25 cars on a flat and level surface.
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What is the best base for a model railway?

Top / Layout Base

The de facto standard for the best wood to use for the top of your model railway baseboard is Plywood (available from home DIY stores). This is strong enough to secure your track, buildings and scenery but easy to work with, allowing track pins to be easily pushed in for example.
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What is a good size for N scale layout?

The best size for a hollow-core door layout is the common 80″x36″ door size. The most common N scale layouts for small spaces are built in 4'x8', 3'x6' and 2'x4' size dimensions. 2'x4' and even 3'x'6 N scale track plan can be limiting because of small spaces.
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What is the difference between N gauge and HO gauge?

N scale is approximately half the size of HO scale. Since that size goes in all directions, an N scale layout takes up approximately 1/4 the space of a comparable HO scale layout. A layout that would occupy a 4×8 table in HO scale can fit in a coffee table.
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Is N scale half the size of HO scale?

The second most popular modeling scale is N scale. With a ratio of 1:160, it's a little more than half the size of HO scale.
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How wide is a road in N gauge?

40 mm wide 2m long with middle white lines and lateral boundary lines. Busch roads are extremely flexible, self-adhesive and only 0.6 mm thin. This flexible polymer can also be shaped into gentle curves and over minor changes in level - making it great as a realistic road for your diorama.
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Who makes the highest quality model trains?

The top brands include:
  • Athearn (HO, N scale)
  • Atlas (O, HO and N scale)
  • Arnold (N gauge, owned by Hornby)
  • Bachmann (HO, N and G scale)
  • Lionel (O scale trains).
  • Walthers (N and HO scale)
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What is the best brand of HO trains?

The best brands of HO scale locomotives are Athearn, Walthers, Atlas, Bachmann, KATO, OTOH, Lionel, and Bowser. Athearn's premier locomotive, Genesis, has prototype accuracy, while Atlas and OTOH models have a great fit and finish, while Bowser has great engines.
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Which is better Bachmann vs Hornby?

Although Hornby have made some great models in the last 10-15 years, personally having both in my collection I find that the Bachmann models are less fragile, marginally cheaper and slightly more reliable. That said though - compared to what was available in the 1980s/1990s, both make beautiful models...
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Who makes HO scale trains?

ScaleTrains.com is an innovative manufacturer of HO scale and N scale model trains. We produce four brands: Kit Classics, Operator, Rivet Counter, and Museum Quality.
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What scale is bigger than HO?

Model Railroading takes place in many scales. The most popular have been labeled N, HO, O, and G. Of the four listed, N is the smallest and G is the largest.
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