Model trains and engines are built to numerous different scales, and may be up to from 700 mm (27.6 in) tall for the big ridable live steam train scales such as 1:8, and from there right down to the smallest trains in Z-scale (1:220) which is matchbox sized. Another scale introduced in 2007 that is also available is called T Gauge, and is 3 mm (0.118 in) gauge track which is actually a scale of 1:450, or half the size of Z scale models.
An HO (1:87) engine is typically 50 mm (1.97 in) tall, and from 100mm to 300 mm (3.94 in to 11.81 in) in length. Some popular train scales are: G gauge, Gauge 1,HO gauge (in the UK the very similar 00gauge), O gauge, S scale, TT scale, and finally N scale (1:160 in the United States, (but different at 1:144 in the UK). Interest in Z scale and T Gauge is growing. HO and OO are still the most popular gauges. Some popular narrow-gauge scales are H0n3 scale, Sn3 scale. HOn3 Scale and Nn3,are the same scale as S, HO and N except with a smaller spacing between the tracks (in these examples, a scale 3 ft (914 mm) instead of the 4 ft 8 1/2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge).
The biggest commonly used scale is 1:8, with 1:4 occasionally used for park rides. G scale (which is Garden, 1:24 scale) is very popular for backyard modelling. The main reason for this is that it is easier to fit a G scale model into a garden with scenery in correct proportion to the trains. Also somewhat popular for gardens are Gauge 1 and Gauge 3. Gauges H0, O, S, and N are mostly used indoors. Lionel trains of O scale (1:48 scale) are very popular. S refers to the 1:64 scale.
Scale and gauge might seem at to be interchangeable terms, but their meanings are actually quite different. Scale is the model's size as a proportion to the real train, while railway gauge is only the distance between the rails.
In earlier times model trains were were not made to any particular scale size. scales to allow interchangeability between different manufacturers became absolutely necessary as the model train hobby became increasingly popular. Hence gauges were standardised, but the model trains were still just roughly proportional to the size of the original train. Standard industry wide scales for the various different gauges were formulated but were not completely followed in earlier times, and were not always in correct proportion to the gauge.
O gauge trains were to 1:48 scale in the USA but actually have track which is spaced too widely spaced for that gauge. In England O gauge is of 1:43.5 scale or 7 mm/1 foot and the gauge track spacing is correctly proportioned. But another example in the UK is OO scale model trains have tracks which have tracks spaced too narrowly. This resulted from the fact that British locomotives and train cars, are actually of smaller size than they are elsewhere. This caused an increase in scale so that HO scale model train materials could be put to use. The majority of scales have wheel flanges which are deeper than true scale,along with wheel treads that are wider than true scale, and rail tracks which are also larger than true scale size.
These inaccuracies and overscale dimensions of the commercial mass produced trains are made in order to provide reliable operation, and also for lower cost manufacture.
Model railroading can be a very interesting hobby and can be a lifetime interest for some train modellers. Very complex and extensive layouts are not uncommon and are often built over a long period of time with ever more detail.
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