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HO Scale Trains
As one of the most popular train scales available, HO is 1:87 in size with relation to an original train. A small area for a layout that requires only a sheet of plywood or even a bookshelf for some of the smaller setups is all that's needed to get started. There are many products available for HO scale modelers. The standard size track gauge HO trains runs on is 16.5mm.
HO scale model trains first appeared in the UK during the 1930's as an alternative to OO scale. But since OO scale was already establishes in the UK, HO scale originally was not able to make commercial headway. But due to hobbyists realism-based toy demand in the United States during the late 1950's, HO scale trains really took off throughout the 60's and continue today.
Because of HO scale's popularity, which is more than that of all other scales, a huge array of locomotives, sets, rolling stock, and accessories are manufactured by many different companies. HO products lead the way of toy train sets with ready-to-run trains and modular track, to craftsman grade kits, supplies for building models from scratch, and even high detailed limited-edition locomotive models made of brass. Dedicated modelers and hobbyists will seek out not only local hobby shop supplies, but look to global suppliers and foreign manufacturers to find that exact piece to complete a layout.
HO scale trains are large enough to accommodate a great deal of detail in finer models, while still being large enough for children to handle without small parts or tiny components being damaged. The size lends itself to well-designed track plans in a reasonable amount of space. In short, HO scale provides the balance between the detail of larger scales and the lower space requirements of smaller scales making it a highly sought after railroad line.
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