The HO model trains were first produced in the 1930 mainly due to the depression-era budget. At this time modelers were searching for trains to run in tighter quarters. The HO scale became very popular after WWII and continues through today. HO stands for half of O which means that the HO scale is approximately half the size of the O gauge. The HO scale is 1:87 the size of a real train. When comparing the HO to a real train the distance between the rails are 16.5mm on the HO compared to a distance of4' 8 1/2" on the prototype. The HO train must travel 60' 7 1/2" to equal a mile traveled by a real train. The first HO scale trains were produced in the United Kingdom as an alternative to the OO gauge.
Today the HO scale train is the most favorable scale for modelers. About 74 percent of all modelers are modeling in HO scale. By the scale being so popular you are able to find almost anything you can think of being model in this scale. The HO scale track can be bought in a large range of radius curves. Also the make what is called flex track which can be bent to shape almost any radius, giving you the advantage of modeling a more realistic layout.
Up until a few years ago when modeling a HO scale layout you had to insulate the track into section called blocks in order to run more than one train on your layout. Then along came what is called DCC or Digital Command Control. This allows you to send digital commands to a decoder located in the locomotive where by you are able to control the speed and direction of the engine. Each DCC transformer send out a code that can only be read by a certain decoder allowing you to operate several trains on one layout, even operating on the same rails at different speeds and directions. By using DCC the wiring on the layout becomes a lot simpler, although you still need to run wires to several different locations on the layout to make sure you have enough power to every section of the track.
When modeling in HO there are several manufactures making locomotives, rolling stock, accessories and power supplies. These three manufactures, Atlas, Bachmann, and Life-Like all manufacture inexpensive, snap-together track with integral roadbed. Athearn, Atlas Model Railroads, Bachmann, Life Like, and Marklin to name just a few all make locomotives in HO scale and also other scales. Model Power probably furnishes a majority of the power packs to operate your layout. When it comes to scenery and structures you will find that Atlas, Bachmann, Life Like, Vollmer, and Woodland Scenics plus many more manufactures make structures and scenery for any type of layout. You can find trees, shrubbery, fences, grass, tunnel portals, bridges and all type of building. For a lot more information and tips on model trains visit http://trainmodelingbook.com/?p=105
Have lots of modeling fun,
Steve Barnett
Steve Barnett is a model expert. Want to learn more about ho model trains visit ho model train. Visit my website at [http://trainmodelingbook.com/?p=105]
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