Toy train modeling is one of the most popular hobbies in the world. Models come with various scales and shapes and sizes and for someone who is new in the world of modeling, this may be a little confusing. For those who are interested in model toys, especially that of model trains, it is inevitable that one will encounter the word HO, and the phrase HO Toy Trains.
The HO is the most popular scale of model railways in the world. The ratio for this is 3.5 mm per foot in real life. The rails are usually spaced 16.5 mm apart. In England, though, the other scale predominates, which is the OO. HO is half the size of the O scale. The small size of the HO provided challenge but at the same time it is highly economical as it can cover a lot of space in a given area.
HO toy trains became popular in the states in the 1950s as the new interest on realistic toys began to be trend. Though difficult to place and manipulate, they became famous because they can cover more scale miles. The demand of hobbyists for HO toy trains slowly overcame the demand for OO scales and by the 1960s, it surely did. Slowly, the manufacturers of other scales followed suit, like Gilbert and Lionel Corporation. Currently HO scale is the most popular scale in the United States and continental Europe. United Kingdom still has the OO scale as their preferred scale for toy trains.
Because of the popularity of HO toy trains, many kits, models and supplies are manufactured. According to WK Walthers, United States’ biggest manufacturer of model toy trains, 1000 names of companies are listed in that section alone. Today, one can choose models that have HO scales. It can be HO toy trains like locomotives and carriages but they also include buildings and rails. Models are generally available in three varieties: Ready to Run, Shake the Box and Craftsman. Ready to Run models are ready for use after one takes it out of the box, although some details may be added. Shake the box are easy to assemble kits, advisable for kids and beginners. They are complete and easy to make. The Craftsman kit is for serious model makers. These models may contain hundreds of parts and is very challenging to make. Additionally, other craft makers also sell supplies for detailing purposes, scratch building and kit bashing.
Recommended Reading
- HO Gauge Toy Trains
- Ho Toy Trains
- HO Trains With Sound – A More Effective Way Of Enjoying Your Train Modeling Hobby
- HO Trains Track Layouts – Simple Guides For Effective Ho Trains Track Layouts
- Toy Trains Athearn: From One Innovation To Another
- Wooden Trains Ho Scale: From Pure Wood To Electronics
- Toy Trains Bachmann: Nurturing Future Hobbyists
- Toy Trains HO Scale
- All About Collecting HO Gauge Toy Trains
- Ho Toy Trains
