| Toy trains have been around for over a hundred | | | | seriously, paying close attention to detail. The train |
| years. During that time many important developments | | | | systems they build are often reminiscent of their youth |
| have taken place in this very popular and collectible | | | | and reflect the tremendous impact railroads had in |
| hobby market. One of these was the introduction of | | | | helping shape our modern world. For these people, |
| the Hornby O gauge, first announced in 1920. The | | | | model railroading is much more than just building and |
| scale is such that 3.5 mm equals one foot, or about a | | | | playing with toys, it is about creating a landscape of |
| 1:87 scale. Original Hornby O (HO) track was | | | | the past, a moving, dynamic tribute to the iconic |
| constructed of brass rail attached to plastic ties. In later | | | | railroads of yesteryear. HO scale railroad equipment is |
| years steel track was used, but a nickel-silver alloy has | | | | perfect for achieving this historical accuracy. The |
| become the most common material for track | | | | majority of model railroaders use HO, making parts |
| construction due to its resistance to corrosion. | | | | and equipment easy to locate. Additionally, some rail |
| HO rolling stock has been made in a huge variety of | | | | components used for switching track can cause |
| different styles, ranging from inexpensive but durable | | | | problems for locomotives in N or other scales, but HO |
| toys to beautiful, intricate and very valuable collector | | | | trains are less likely to experience this. |
| models made of brass and costing thousands of | | | | Overall, Hornby O Gauge is a great choice for model |
| dollars. This range of available equipment is, in part, a | | | | railroaders. It is very functional and easy to work with. |
| key reason for HO's popularity among model | | | | There are dozens of manufacturers who make HO |
| railroaders. The size of the equipment is optimal for | | | | gauge equipment, offering an amazing variety of |
| creating detailed railroad landscapes and track layouts | | | | different choices, from inexpensive and easy to use |
| while using a fairly small footprint. It offers perhaps the | | | | toy railroads to intricately constructed collectibles. The |
| best balance between detailed train and track design | | | | possibilities are endless in this fascinating and addictive |
| against space requirements. Today, HO is the most | | | | hobby. Start your model railroad off the right way by |
| popular scale of model railroad equipment and is readily | | | | selecting Hornby O Gauge and let your imagination run |
| available in hobby stores everywhere. | | | | wild as you build a functioning and beautiful piece of art |
| Model railroaders typically take their hobby very | | | | that celebrates the rich history of rail travel. |