Scale refers to the ratio between the size of your model compared to that of the real thing. For instance a scale model locomotive with a scale of 1:87 is 87.5 time smaller than the prototype locomotive.
Choose the right scale to fit personal preference, space limitations and budget. For instance, if you have limited space you may want to go with a smaller scale, say N scale which is 1:160 or 160 times smaller than the real thing. You can do a lot with a smaller scale and a few loops instead of a long straight run is your space is limited.
Listed below are some of the most popular scales and their minimum curve radius.
Z Scale (1:220) - Minimum radius 5.75 inches
The smallest mass-produced model trains Good for really small spaces. Highly detailed and quite tiny. While of high quality there is not the huge selection of parts and accessories as say, N or HO scale. There are less manufactures to drive prices down. Z modelers must learn to do many more things themselves, which only adds to pride of accomplishment.
N Scale can range from (1:148) in the UK to (1:160) in the US. However both are 9mm gauge.
Minimum radius 7.5 inches
The advantage of N scale is that it is slightly larger than Z scale so it easier to work with. Yet, it takes up less space than the more popular HO scale allowing longer runs in smaller areas. Good choice if your space is very limited as you can pack a lot of track and long winding curves is a smaller area.
HO Scale (1:87) - Minimum radius 15 inches
HO scale is easily the most popular scale. HO stands for "Half O" based on it being approximately 1/2 the size of O scale. Due to its popularity, HO scale has a huge number of locomotives, rolling stock (cars or carriages), buildings, scenery and accessories available. HO requires a moderate amount of space.
S Scale (1:64) Minimum radius 22.5 inches
S scale (the scale of American Flyer trains) is one of the oldest scales. While not having the massive following of N or HO scale S scale is still quite popular with narrow-gauge modelers.
O Scale (1:48) Minimum radius 24 inches (rated) but in reality you need 31 inches to avoid derailment.
O scale is another popular scale. O scale locomotives are big and highly detailed making them easily handled by children - young and old alike. The large trains appear to dominate the scenery and require a lot of space to set up.
O27 Scale (1:48) O27 is a variant of O scale. The O27 name originates from the size of its curves. O27 track will make a 27" curve compared to a 31" curve using standard O track. It is also slightly thinner and shorter
G Scale (1:22.5) G scale (also called LGB) are commonly used for garden trains. If you like yard work and creating real scenery you may want to look into G scale.
This is not a definitive guide on model railroad gauge but I have covered the most popular scales. You'll most likely end using one the scales listed above as you begin your own model railroad. Most of the techniques on this site will apply to any of the scales listed with only minor alterations.
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