Athearn Santa

HO Model Train Scale - A Closer Look

HO model trains are probably the most popular model train scale in the model train industry. There are many reasons why this scale is popular, one of them being its size.

For beginning hobbyists, it has the most available accessories, and replacement parts. Its scale is just right for depth, so you can create a great number of different layouts, and as far as space goes, the sky is the limit.

You won't have any trouble finding a HO sets either. There are basic sets, with standard oval track, and an engine, even a few different cars can be provided, a hopper, and a tanker for example.

Some may even include a caboose, and there are several options. You also will find that many basic track sets are very reasonably priced.

For example, Athearn has an excellent beginner train, the HO Warbonnet Express Train Set, Santa Fe. It includes the power supply, a classic F7 style locomotive, as well as three Freight Cars and a matching caboose.

It also comes with enough E-Z track for a 36"x45" oval layout, with a gray roadbed. It has a brand new packaging design with a carry handle for easy transportation.

It is recommended for children over 8, is a beginner's set, and can be erected in less than an hour. Because it is an electrical hazard, and has small parts, it should only be used in a parent's supervision.

This set lists at only about $110, but can easily be purchased for well under this price. You can also pick up many different kinds of track layouts, complete with switchbacks, and all the track you need for many large designs.

When it comes to scenery, HO model train scale can't be beat. Makers of HO scenery take lots of time and effort recreating scale models of all sorts of items, from vehicles, people, buildings, and any kind of other city or town like settings.

But they don't stop there either, and can recreate just about any kind of setting you can think of. If your focus is on trains that haul logs in a mountain setting, then you can find all kinds of mill buildings, lumberjack figurines, and enough vehicles and equipment to rival a real setting.

There are a number of sets of scenery for HO model trains, and depending on the setting, you can get all kinds of prefabricated buildings, train crossings, trestles, and all sorts of other important items.

All you have to do is follow the directions and you can say you made it yourself. There are lighting sets holiday items and novelties, the list goes on. Some of these sets include real working clock towers, lampposts, buildings that play holiday music, all that just plug in or that take batteries.

If you are interested in HO model trains as a hobby, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of the terms associated with model training, and go to your local hobby shop to get some hands on experience. Because HO is such a common scale, chances are they will have a quality beginners set right in the store.

About the Author

Clint Spille is a model trains enthusiast who enjoys blogging about the World's Greatest Hobby. Stop by his blog where you can read his many articles on the model railroading hobby or watch the videos he provides on topics such as n model railroad, model train track and much more!

Athearn Genesis SD45-2 Bicentennial Santa Fe