Ho Scale Trains
Model trains, as well as any other reproduction of something that exists in real life, need a scale in order to reproduce the dimensions of the train that they represent. Otherwise, they would look out of proportion.
A scale is measured by two numbers, separated by a colon. The first number of a scale tells us the equivalent of the model train. For model trains that are smaller than the trains they represent, this number is always 1. The second number represents how the first number would translate to the dimensions of a real train. So, let’s take for example a scale of 1:20. That means that if something measures 1 inch on a model train, it would measure twenty inches on the real train.
HO scale trains are simply model trains that use the HO scale, which is the most common scale in countries where English is spoken.
It’s interesting to notice that HO scale trains can also be called H0 scale trains. The confusion started because the O scale, which is the scale HO was modeled after, was originally called 0 scale (as in the number zero). In fact, the nomenclature H0 is still used in most countries, while in the United States, Japan and Australia, those trains are called HO scale trains.
It’s also important to know that the pronunciation of the “O” is "oh,” even in those countries where the nomenclature includes a zero. In any case HO scale trains get their name because HO scale is almost half of the O scale. Thus the name “half O scale” or “HO scale.”
HO scale trains are scaled at 1:87. As mentioned above, that means that one unit on the HO scale trains corresponds to 87 units on real trains. Another, perhaps easier to understand, way of demonstrating it, is that 3.5 millimeters (approximately one tenth of an inch) corresponds to one foot on a real train.
Because HO scale trains are so popular, there are a lot of manufacturers, with different ranges of prices, so it’s not hard to find inexpensive HO scale trains that suit a small budget, or more expensive small pieces of machinery that impress guests and decorate a room or a garden.
Finally, as with all model trains, HO scale trains need a track to move on. Tracks that are designed for HO trains are two railed, and powered by direct current. Owners control the train speed with a control that varies the voltage applied to the train. They can also change the polarity of the track, in order to make the train run in the other direction if they want.