eBay Guides - Model Trains Education

Anyone interested in purchasing Lionel Toy Trains or Lionel Toy Train Sets, MTH Trains, ATLAS O, LGB, or USA electric trains or electric train sets should know about the different sizes of trains.

What is Gauge?

If you're new to model railroading, you might be wondering, "What exactly is Gauge?" That's simple. Gauge refers to the distance between the outside rails of your track. Your train's wheels roll along these two rails. The third or "center" rail is for power. Only trains that fit the track will run on it.

Gauge vs. scale
As you now know, gauge refers to track size. Scale, on the other hand, measures the size relationship between a model and its real-world prototype. For example, a locomotive that is 1/48th the size of the real thing is called 1/48th or 1:48 scale. As it happens, O Gauge Trains are 1/48th scale. Sometimes the terms "gauge" and "scale" are used interchangeably even though, technically, they're different.

BELOW YOU WILL FIND THE DIFFERENCES IN SCALE SIZES

G Scale - This is the BIG train or biggest size. Great for around the tree and for smaller children, this size is one of the most popular for around the Christmas tree. Check our website for G-scaled trains coming soon. The size for this scale is 1/24th which is double the size of O scale.

O Gauge - Also great for around the Christmas tree. This is the most popular size of 1/48th scale. For O scale, each car is approximately 12" long, 3" wide and up to 4" in height.

HO Scale - Great for table tops or that dream layout, or maybe you just want a small set to go under the tree. What ever you prefer, HO Scale is 1/87th.

N Scale - Another popular scale in model railroading. It's small size is perfect for those tight on space or looking to build that giant dream layout. Scale is 1/160th. (Too small for us - don't bother).

Z Scale - The smallest of electric trains. Not very popular amongst modelers and operators due to its size, expense and availability of accessories. Scale 1/220th. (Too small for us - don't bother).

Lione Trains, Lione Toy Train Sets, MTH Trains, ATLAS O, LGB, and USA electric trains and track come in different gauges. O gauge trains are the most popular. When shopping for a train or train set, be sure to choose products that are designed to work together. Usually that means they need to be the same gauge. Please contact us if you have any questions or need assistance and we will more than happy to answer any questions that you may have.

O gauge train track comes in wider curves for bigger trains and layouts. The smallest circle it can make is 31 inches also called O-31. Curved track can also be ordered in 36", 48", 60", or 72" curves for longer train cars. O gauge also has a slightly taller profile for deeper wheel flanges keeping the train on the track around curves when travelling at high speeds.

Please visit our EDUCATION page for a more detailed discussion on Train information.

Below is a small sample of the awesome trains we have available in our store: