There are about 25 sizes of hobby trains. HO scale is by far the most popular, attracting about 60 percent of the market. An HO boxcar is about six inches long. N scale, about half the size of HO, is the second most popular, and Lionel's O scale is third. Here's a look at the more popular scale models and some of the main advantages and disadvantages:
* Inches-to-feet, in comparison to a real train.
# Coal, steam, track-powered and battery-powered are some of the types of locomotives available. Most other scales are limited to the standard track-powered locomotives. Also, G scale trains are designed to run outdoors.
** Mail order most likely required for expansion of layouts and stock. Even HO may require some mail order for supplies.
SOURCES: Model Railroader magazine, Las Vegas Valley Model Railroad Club, Las Vegas Garden Railway Society.
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