Oct 27 2008
Why are their so many scales?
Why are there so many scales?
The vast selection of scales gives you so many options you are sure to find one that fits your situation and preferences.
If you want to have a railroad in a VERY small space (even as small as a briefcase) you could go with Z scale.
N scale is the second most popular scale at this time. It’s a larger than Z, and runs reliably. Much of the equipment comes with amazing detail. There’s a wide selection of trains and other products. If you heard of N scale 20 or even 10 years ago this was not true. A lot has changed and N scale is growing in popularity because it has achieved the highly desirable combination of convenient size, reliability, and wide range of equipment.
N scale has some real flexibility. It can fit on a shelf or be stored under a bed. It can fill whole rooms, the basement or garage for major landscape and train running scenes.
N scale has also grown because of being a leader in the modular railroad movement. You can build a 2 foot by 4 foot section and join up with other modules (railroad sections). This enables you to run VERY long trains with other people and only use a small amount of your own space to do it. You should also know that manufacturers have addressed the old complaint about not having enough pulling power. Now medium to high quality N scale engines can pull long trains, most longer than those in the other scales.
Amazing thing about N scale and the NTRAK modules is that they have been used to create some of the largest scale model railroads in the world.
HO scale is larger than N or Z. It is the most popular scale. There is a wealth of scenery, trains, and other supplies available in HO. It has provided a good balance between model detail/accuracy and moderate size. HO can quickly take up an entire room, garage or basement.
G scale is an even larger scale. It is so large that it usually used outdoors in a garden setting or in a single loop around the holiday tree. It could provide an extremely high level of detail. Since it was originally sold as a “toy” or “collector’s” scale you’ll only find high accuracy/detail in recent offerings. G scale is also so large that trains are often kept short to fit in the available space. G scale is rising in popularity because it can combine gardening with railroading and attracts family members of all ages.
O and S scale fit between HO and G as to size. They are more popular than Z but less popular than N or G. They have also had a tradition of being either “toy” or “collector” scales. Many of the products still are. There are some better accuracy/detail products available now too. Buildings, scenery, and accessories are limited, compared to the more popular scales.
