I own a HO train set and have seen the N scale set, but how do the O scale and G scale compare to the HO set?
Hehe, just noticed the header subject matter of this message, at first glance it looks like I am looking for a HONGO scale train set…
What is it you are looking for when comparing sets? Price, contents, quality, etc?
I was asking with the size in relationship, how big or small are the O and G scale trains? I know the N scale is about half the size of the HO train. What does the letters really stand for? HO=? N=? G=? or O=?
Scale ratios for the different scales are:
- N (Nine Millimeter gauge) 1:160 (or 1:150 if Japanese prototype)
- HO (Half-0 16.5mm gauge) 1:87.1
- S (? 7/8 inch gauge) 1:64
- O (originally toy train gauge 0/zero, 33mm or 1.25 inch track gauge) 1:48 (or 1:45.1 if modeled as 7mm:foot)
- G (Gauge 1, another early toy-train track gauge) A hodgepodge ranging from 1:20 to 1:32, all running on a common track gauge.
As for size of layout footprint, there is a LOT of variation. Lionel toy-train O-27 could be put down in less space than a typical HO toy-train loop, due to the extremely tight radius (13.5 inches!) HO trainsets usually come with 18 inch radius track.
For under-the-tree use, I would recommend Lionel-style O gauge or larger. HO, and especially N, aren’t suitable for temporary-track-on-the-carpet use even when using the sectional track with built-in roadbed that comes with many train sets. One tree needle is the equivalent of a log, and can easily cause a derailment.
Built-to-scale O needs a LOT of space, since a circle of marginally-acceptable radius would be six feet across.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - in 1:80 scale, aka HOj)
Chuck has spelled it out for you but in simpler terms:
G is large scale- largest of “model trains” in size.
O guage is Lionel Is the next largest. Great for Children to play with. O/27 is a might smaller, but about the same size as O guage will play with O guage stuff. also called “3rail” or “High rail” as O can come in two rail trackage also.
HO stands for “Half O” and is about half the size of O guage.
N scale is about half the size of HO scale.
Then there is “S guage”, between O and HO; and “Z scale” which is about half the size of N scale. Z scale is 1:260, I believe. Very tiny. Then there IS a “flea scale” about the size of a shrivelled pea.
FOr a comparative photographic idea here is a pic on this page of this e-tailers website: