Gauge Scale Track
Guide to Model Trains Scale and Gauge
Although Lionel offers several kinds of model trains and track, most of their sales come from O gauge trains. What’s an O Gauge Train? To better understand that, you first need to know a few things about scale and gauge.
Let’s start with scale. Model trains are scaled down trains--that is, smaller versions of real trains. A Model Train’s scale tells us its proportion in relation to the real train version. For example, a Lionel Train is an O27 train, with a scale of 1:48 . This means that the Lionel train is 48 times smaller than its real train counterpart, with one-quarter inch equal to one scale foot. Due to their larger size, Lionel trains are easy to work with, especially for beginners--but they may not be the best choice as the available product line is smaller than that of standard gauge trains, or HO (half-zero).
Gauge--gauge is the distance between the rails of a railroad track. Standard track gauge is 4’ 8.5”. O gauge tracks are 1.25” apart. Something to be aware of, though, is that gauge and class specifications can vary internationally, so always check the exact measurements before buying internationally.
As O27 trains, Lionel trains are a bit different from standard O gauge trains. They run on O27 track, which is a bit shorter and narrower than standard O track. The difference can be seen when O27 track is laid out in a circle--an 8 piece circle of O27 track will be 27” across (an 8 piece circle of standard O track is 31” across). Love Lionel trains but have a lot of O track from other set-ups? That’s okay because you can use O track and O27 track together without any problem. Raise your track a little by using a shim, widely available at hobby shops.
Some companies, like Conrad, NZG, and Corgi manufacture die-cast, or metal, model trains that are also compatible with O scale track. This can lead to some interesting track set-ups, and die-cast trucks, cars, buses and construction equipment are popular with collectors.
Lionel trains are a good choice for many reasons. Beyond the ease of running an O27 train, they are also great for modelers looking to perfect model and replica trains. Their size is easy to work with (unlike the smaller N and Z gauge trains), and a great choice for children interested in railroading.
About the Author
Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about Lionel trains toys. Click here to download a free model trains guidebook filled with hobby tips, ideas and information.
Gauge Scale Track
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 ATLAS N GAUGE SCALE RERAILER 3 PACKAGES 3 PIECE TRACK  US $27.95
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 Atlas CODE 55 TRACK 2043 45 DEGREE CROSSING N SCALE N GAUGE US $12.87
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 Atlas CODE 55 TRACK 2044 60 DEGREE CROSSING N SCALE N GAUGE US $12.87
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 Atlas CODE 55 TRACK 2041 225 DEGREE CROSSING N SCALE N GAUGE US $12.87
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 Atlas CODE 55 TRACK 2042 30 DEGREE CROSSING N SCALE N GAUGE US $12.87
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 N Scale A Clear track to N Gauge Fun 4th Edition by Atlas US $9.99
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 ARNOLD RAPIDO TRACK PLANS BOOK FOR N GAUGE MINIATURE SCALE MODEL RAILROAD LAYOUT US $9.99
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 ATLAS N GAUGE SCALE 10 PC TRACK IN ORIGINAL BLUE BOX US $9.95
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 N GAUGE SCALE TRACK BED WOODLAND SCENES 24FT ST1475 US $6.99
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 Atlas CODE 55 TRACK 2025 1875 RADIUS HALF CURVE N SCALE N GAUGE US $6.87
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 Atlas CODE 55 TRACK 2021 1625 RADIUS HALF CURVE N SCALE N GAUGE US $6.87
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 Atlas CODE 55 TRACK 2017 1375 RADIUS HALF CURVE N SCALE N GAUGE US $6.87
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 Trix 4958 N Scale Gauge 20 Degree Crossing Crossover Track NOS Last One US $7.00
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 Atlas CODE 55 TRACK 2007 1 STRAIGHT N SCALE N GAUGE US $5.87
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 2 NEW PACKAGES ATLAS N SCALE GAUGE CODE 80 SNAP TRACK AND 80 SWITCH W SCREWS US $4.99
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 Atlas 2532 N Scale Gauge Snap Track Rerailer Nickel Silver NOS Last One US $5.00
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 19 inch radius Track Alignment gauge by Ribbonrail N scale US $3.85
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 n Scale P 26 Rail Craft METAL Track Gauge US $3.50
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What scale is a "HO" Gauge train?
Houses and automobiles to go with a track are listed as HO but what about models that aren't normally associated? I'm thinking 1/72 but I may be way out.
Cheers from Oz
"HO" scale trains are roughly 1/87.